"Friends, honored guests. Welcome!!"
Raidis held out his hands to the crowd in a gesture of good-natured showmanship. One could almost think he was running a circus rather than a prestigious military academy.
"It truly brings me joy to see that so many of you have turned out for our advancement exams this year. As always, we will begin with the first years.
Even though this class is not yet eligible for selection, I encourage you to keep an eye on them... They are shaping up to be our most promising class yet!"
The metal gate protecting the cadets was wrenched open.
Solomon stepped back as Abel entered the damp chamber. Sober and seemingly bored out of his mind.
"Right then… up you get, kiddies. Time for our final dog and pony show of the year…"
Abel shrugged his stiff shoulders. His drinking had started to get really out of hand lately. A few nights ago, he dreamed he was trying to discipline some magma monster out in the wild lands.
"What is the meaning of this farce?!"
