The courtyard was silent, every recruit standing tall, chests heaving, uniforms half-torn from the test. Then the gates creaked open, and the roar of voices swept across us like thunder.
Classic Blackwood himself had arrived.
The Supreme Prince of Blackwood, second only to King Chris, walked into the yard with his cloak brushing the dirt, guards at his side, B.A.M. banners fluttering above him. The air changed instantly—every soldier straightened, every officer bowed.
My heart hammered. I had only seen him from a distance before, but now… he was here, for us.
Classic stopped at the center. His voice carried power, calm yet commanding.
"Today, new blood joins the lifeline of the empire. You have been tested by fire, by pain, and by the weight of Blackwood itself. Only those who endured stand before me now."
He turned, and his eyes locked on mine. For a moment, I couldn't breathe.
One by one, he called us forward. Names echoed across the ground. Finally—
"Son of Minister Kadrin. Step forward."
My legs almost gave way, but I forced myself into motion. I marched until I stood right before him. He didn't just look at me—he studied me, like he could see beyond my sweat and scars, deep into my resolve.
A soldier handed him the folded black uniform with silver streaks—the mark of an official B.A.M. operative. In his other hand was the certificate, inked with the seal of the Blackwood throne.
"Do you accept loyalty to B.A.M., to the Empire, and to the King above all?" Classic asked.
My voice shook, but it was loud. "Yes, my lord! With my life."
He nodded once. Then, to my shock, he draped the uniform across my shoulders himself.
"This is no longer training gear," he said. "This is your skin. Wear it as your honor, or bleed in it as your grave."
He pressed the certificate into my hand.
"You are now appointed Field Operator of B.A.M., sworn to protect and to conquer under Blackwood's banner. Stand proud."
The yard erupted in cheers as Classic stepped back, his gaze still heavy on me. My fingers clutched the fabric of the uniform—I felt ten feet taller.
I was no longer just the son of a minister.
I was a soldier of Blackwood.
And for the first time, I felt ready to face even my father.
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