In a private study chamber within the Pemberton family's academy residence, the atmosphere was thick with tension and wounded pride. Master Gareth Stoneheart, the family's premier combat instructor, stood before Aldric Pemberton with the uncomfortable bearing of someone delivering news that would not be well received.
The chamber itself spoke of centuries of martial tradition, weapons from legendary battles lined the walls, while training manuals bound in leather bore the wear of generations of study. But today, that tradition felt fragile, challenged by forces that none of their accumulated wisdom could explain.
"Explain it again," Aldric demanded, his voice carrying the dangerous quiet of barely controlled fury. "Explain to me how a slave, a piece of property that someone taught to mimic human behaviour, could surpass everything our family has built."
