Cain’s days at the academy were getting heavier. Every morning felt like dragging chains behind him. The bullying never stopped. The whispers followed him. And even when he tried to ignore everything, it was obvious the academy was slowly pushing him to the edge.
One cold afternoon, right after sword drills, an instructor approached Cain with a strict look on his face.
“Cain. Come with me.”
Cain blinked.
“Did I do something, Instructor?”
The instructor didn’t answer. He only gestured sharply. Cain followed him through the halls until they reached the disciplinary office. Three more instructors waited inside. Their faces were hard and unreadable.
Cain felt his stomach twist.
“Is something wrong?” he asked.
One instructor stepped forward.
“Cain, you are being accused of stealing res
