The results came just after sunrise.
David noticed the notification as he stepped out of Dorm C-7. The early morning air carried a light chill, the academy grounds below layered in faint silver mist. Cadets were already moving toward training sectors, boots tapping softly along metal walkways and stone paths. The day hadn't fully begun, but the academy never truly slept.
His interface flickered.
Phase One Results — Available
David paused near the railing and opened the notification.
A ranked list appeared.
Gamma Squad — Phase One Results
Lucian Bloodthrone — Rank 2
June Kade — Rank 3
Nyra Valecrest — Rank 5
David Wyn — Rank 6
Mira Solen — Rank 9
Castiel Nightvale — Rank 14
David read it once.
Then again.
June.
Rank three.
That… was impressive.
"Well?"
David didn't turn right away. He already recognized the voice.
June stepped beside him, trying to look casual, though the excitement in his expression made that impossible.
"You saw it?" June asked.
David nodded.
"I did."
June leaned slightly closer.
"And?"
David glanced at him.
"You ranked third."
June straightened instantly.
"I ranked third."
He pointed at himself.
"Third."
David gave a faint nod.
"Yeah."
June let out a breath, then smiled.
"Okay… I'm not even going to pretend that doesn't feel great."
Nyra approached from the walkway behind them, arms folded as she glanced between them.
"You're smiling too much."
June looked at her.
"I earned this."
"You complained through half the study session."
"I complained strategically."
Nyra raised an eyebrow.
"That's not a thing."
"It is now."
Lucian approached next, posture calm and composed.
"I reviewed the results."
June turned toward him.
"And?"
Lucian met his gaze.
"You performed well."
June blinked.
"...Did you just compliment me?"
Lucian didn't answer.
June looked at David.
"Did he just compliment me?"
David shrugged slightly.
"Sounded like it."
Mira joined quietly, her gaze moving across the group.
"You studied more than you admitted."
June shrugged.
"I had to keep expectations low."
Castiel approached last, walking carefully but noticeably better than before. His shoulders still limited his movement slightly, but he no longer moved stiffly.
He looked at June.
"Rank three."
June crossed his arms proudly.
"Yes."
Castiel nodded.
"Impressive."
June paused.
"...Okay, I'm definitely enjoying this now."
Nyra looked around the group.
"We all did well."
Lucian nodded.
"Yes."
June suddenly straightened.
"You know what we should do?"
David looked at him.
"What?"
June smiled.
"We should go out tonight."
Nyra tilted her head slightly.
"Out?"
"Yeah. Into the city. We haven't gone out since we got here."
Mira looked thoughtful.
"That could be nice."
Castiel nodded.
"I agree."
Lucian studied the group briefly.
"You want to celebrate."
June shrugged.
"We train every day. We study every day. One night won't hurt."
Nyra looked toward David.
"What do you think?"
David nodded.
"I'm fine with it."
Lucian gave a small nod.
"Very well."
June smiled wider.
"Perfect."
By evening, the city lights shimmered beyond the academy gates.
The transition felt immediate.
The academy was structured, controlled, quiet.
The city was alive.
Towering buildings glowed with layered lights. Elevated walkways stretched between structures, and transport vehicles drifted through the air in silent streams. The sounds of conversation, distant music, and street vendors blended into a soft urban rhythm.
June stepped through the gate first.
"Yeah… I missed this."
Nyra walked beside him.
"You say that like you came here all the time."
"I didn't. But I still missed it."
Mira glanced around quietly.
"It feels different."
Lucian nodded.
"Less controlled."
Castiel looked up at the towering buildings.
"More relaxed."
June pointed ahead.
"First decision. We find food."
Nyra smirked.
"That was always the plan."
June grinned.
"Yes. But now it's official."
Lucian led them down a softly lit street.
"I know a place."
June looked at him.
"Of course you do."
They stopped outside a warm-lit restaurant tucked between two larger buildings. The windows glowed softly, and quiet conversation drifted outside.
June leaned toward the glass.
"This looks good."
Nyra smiled.
"You say that about everything."
"Because everything looks good."
They stepped inside.
Warm air greeted them immediately. Soft golden lighting filled the room. Quiet music played in the background. The smell of fresh food drifted through the air.
June exhaled.
"Yeah… this was the right decision."
They sat around a circular table.
Menus appeared as holographic displays.
June leaned forward immediately.
"Okay… I want everything."
Nyra laughed quietly.
"You always want everything."
"I have ambition."
Castiel leaned back carefully.
"This is nice."
Mira nodded.
"Yes."
David looked around.
For the first time in days—
Things felt normal.
June looked at Castiel.
"How are the shoulders?"
Castiel rotated slightly.
"Better. Still limited."
June nodded.
"Good. You look less like you got hit by a transport."
Nyra shook her head.
"That comparison didn't improve."
"I tried."
Lucian glanced at Castiel.
"You should still avoid sudden movement."
Castiel nodded.
"I will."
Mira looked at June.
"What are you getting?"
June scrolled through options.
"This… no… this… okay I can't decide."
Nyra leaned forward.
"Pick something."
June finally selected.
"Fine. This one."
David made his selection quietly.
Conversation flowed easier.
Nyra glanced at June again.
"I still can't believe you ranked third."
June smiled.
"You really are going to keep bringing that up."
"Yes."
Lucian nodded.
"You improved."
June shrugged.
"I tried."
Castiel looked at him.
"You usually don't."
June pointed at him.
"That was rude."
"But accurate."
Nyra laughed softly.
Mira smiled.
Food arrived soon after.
Warm plates.
Real meals.
June took a bite and leaned back.
"Okay… this was definitely worth it."
Nyra smiled.
"You look happier."
"I am."
Castiel looked around the table.
"This is good."
Lucian nodded.
"Agreed."
David leaned back slightly, watching the group.
The conversation continued.
Relaxed.
Easy.
For a while—
They weren't just cadets.
They were just friends.
Gamma Squad.
And the night beyond the academy walls—
Was exactly what they needed.