The announcement came three days later.
It appeared simultaneously across every academy display, comm panel, and training sector screen.
Large white text replaced the standard academy interface.
ACADEMY NOTICE — FINAL EXAM PHASE ONE
Cadets across the grounds slowed.
Training drills paused.
Conversations stopped.
The message continued.
Phase One — Written Examination
Date — Three Days
Location — Grand Testing Hall
Attendance — Mandatory
A second line appeared.
Failure to attend results in automatic disqualification from Final Exam progression
The text faded.
The academy immediately shifted.
David stood near the training field projection as the message disappeared from his comm.
June let out a long breath.
"...Written test."
Nyra glanced at him.
"Problem?"
June rubbed his face.
"I didn't think they'd start with thinking."
Mira tilted her head slightly.
"That's concerning."
June pointed at her.
"Don't judge me."
Lucian folded his arms.
"The written exam tests knowledge of planetary survival, creature classification, combat theory, and tactical analysis."
June stared at him.
"You just made that sound worse."
Nyra gave a faint smile.
"It's standard."
David nodded.
"Still matters."
Lucian agreed.
"Phase One determines overall exam standing."
June sighed.
"...I should have studied more."
Mira answered quietly.
"You still have three days."
June looked at her.
"...You're optimistic."
Nyra glanced toward David.
"You'll be fine."
David shrugged slightly.
"We'll see."
Later that afternoon, Gamma Squad gathered in Study Hall Three.
The room overlooked the lower training grounds, though most cadets inside ignored the view entirely. Data screens hovered above desks, displaying academy study materials and simulation problems.
Stacks of digital notes filled the air.
Cadets prepared.
Lucian stood at the center table.
"We divide subjects."
June leaned back in his chair.
"I knew you were going to say that."
Nyra activated her display.
"Creature classification."
Mira nodded.
"I'll take planetary environments."
Lucian nodded.
"Tactical analysis."
June sighed.
"...That leaves me with combat theory."
Nyra looked at him.
"That's not bad."
June shrugged.
"I guess."
David activated his display.
"I'll review everything."
June blinked.
"...Show off."
David ignored him.
The study session began quietly.
Screens flickered with data.
Planetary terrain diagrams.
Creature anatomy breakdowns.
Combat simulations.
Nyra leaned forward, studying classification charts.
"Blue-tier environments emphasize unpredictable terrain shifts."
Mira nodded.
"Yellow-tier introduces layered ecosystems."
Lucian added.
"Red-tier environments increase multi-threat probability."
June glanced between them.
"...I feel like I'm back in class."
Nyra didn't look up.
"You are."
Time passed quickly.
Cadets filled the hall.
More squads arrived.
The quiet focus spread across the room.
Even June stopped complaining.
Mostly.
After an hour, he leaned back again.
"...My brain hurts."
Nyra glanced at him.
"Good."
June sighed.
"I miss fighting."
Mira spoke quietly.
"You'll get your chance."
June looked toward the window.
"Yeah."
David remained focused on his display.
Creature diagrams rotated slowly.
Combat analysis scrolled.
He absorbed it quietly.
Lucian noticed.
"You retain quickly."
David shrugged slightly.
"I remember what matters."
Lucian nodded.
"Good."
As the evening approached, the academy lights shifted to night mode.
Study hall windows reflected the glowing campus outside.
Gamma Squad continued reviewing.
Three days.
That was all they had.
The written exam came first.
Then—
The real test would begin.
And the academy—
Was watching.