The school bell thundered, and the courtyard emptied. I walked with my bag slung over my shoulder, head high, still buzzing from the King's speech earlier. My path took me straight to the government quarters, where my father worked—Minister of Transportation, Number 118 Blackwood.
He was waiting in his office, buried in papers, his uniform heavy with medals. When he saw me, he smiled faintly.
"4402," he said, "how was school today?"
I didn't waste time.
"Father, I've made my decision. After graduation, I want to join the B.A.M. I want to serve the King directly, fight for the Empire."
His smile disappeared instantly. He dropped the papers and stared at me with fire in his eyes.
"No."
The word slammed against me like a hammer.
"But Father—"
"I said no!" His fist hit the table. "Do you think war is a game? Do you think carrying a gun and chanting the oath makes you ready to stand beside General Soren Vask? You are my only son. Your path is already carved. You will inherit my office, not waste your life in battle."
My fists clenched. My chest burned.
"Father, with respect, I don't want to move trains and roads. I want to defend Blackwood! I want to be where history is written, where the King looks into your eyes and knows you stood for him!"
He rose slowly, his shadow towering over me.
"You are not going to the B.A.M.," he growled. "That is my final word. Disobey me, and you'll have no father."
The silence between us was louder than any shout. I looked at him—my own blood—but all I saw was a wall.
Inside me, the decision was already made.
Even if he disowns me… even if I lose everything…
I will fight under the Blackwood banner.
I will not be a Minister's son.
I will be a soldier of the King.
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