Vespera's office felt colder than usual.
She stood behind her desk, while the mission folder lay open in front of all three disciples. A rough map showed the city's eastern border, marked with red circles at three separate locations.
"For the past three weeks, academy supply shipments have been hijacked along this route," Vespera said, her eyes scanning each of them in turn. "Medical supplies. Training equipment. Weapon shipments destined for the combat division."
Cora leaned forward slightly. "Who's responsible?"
"A rogue mercenary named Steve Kingston." Vespera's lip curled slightly. "Rank 2, two-star. Former military desertion. He's been working with a small crew of bandits, using hit-and-run tactics to steal cargo before vanishing into the abandoned industrial sector."
Sera studied the map. "Why haven't the city guards handled this?"
