The assault didn't begin in the training courtyard. It began at 3:14 AM, in the absolute silence of Ethan's bedroom.
The air shattered. Three figures draped in featureless, hooded grey cloaks materialized from the shadows like vengeful spirits. Before Ethan could even draw breath, a heavy, lead-lined gauntlet smashed into his jaw, spinning his world into a blur of teeth and blood.
"Get up, maggot!" a distorted voice barked.
Ethan tried to roll, his hand reaching for a blade, but a kick to his ribs snapped two bones instantly. He was dragged from his bed by his hair and hurled against the wall. The impact cracked the stone and his collarbone simultaneously.
[Master, threat detected! High-intensity combat subroutines active!] Crul's voice screamed in his mind, but Ethan couldn't even focus.
