Zavier looked nervous but determined. Edrin adjusted his glasses with steady hands. Ronan cracked his knuckles with a grin.
"You've all grown stronger. You've proven yourselves capable. But this will test you in ways the Academy challenges never could. Real violence with real life stakes and real consequences will be involved."
Damian's voice carried no sympathy, no reassurance.
"Some of you might not come back. That's the reality of what we're doing. We're not playing student politics anymore. We're building an actual criminal empire. And empires are built on the bodies of those who tried to stop them."
He let that sink in for a moment.
"If any of you want to back out, now is the time. Walk away… Go back to the Academy and live your safe, comfortable lives. There will be no judgment or consequences from my side. Just leave now before we start."
Not a single person moved.
Not even Zavier, despite the fear obvious in his eyes.
