The sky was too clear.
That's never a good sign.
Clear skies meant someone was about to ruin my peace.
Right on cue, a man in a pristine black coat approached me across the training field, boots clicking like he wanted everyone to know how important he was. His face wore that classic Academy External Affairs expression: polite disdain and a permanent squint, like he was allergic to commoners.
He stopped a few paces away and held out a letter, sealed with the Academy's wax insignia.
"Lucian Drelmont?" he asked, though he clearly already knew.
I took the envelope, turning it over once before cracking it open.
Official order.
Sanctioned.
Mandatory.
My left eye twitched.
___
Instructor Assignment Notification
By decree of Noctis Ardentis Academy, Class C is hereby authorized for external field training and independent mission activity.
Missions will be provided and reviewed by the Academy Board.
Instructor supervision required. No exceptions.
