The training chamber buzzed faintly with energy, the ceiling high and lined with strips of white light that pulsed like slow heartbeats. Class Zero stood in formation at the center, their uniforms creased and clean, boots spread shoulder-width apart, faces tense but focused. The polished black floor reflected the glow from the room's walls, every step echoing with soft weight.
Lucian adjusted the glove on his right hand quietly, keeping his half-lidded gaze on the instructor in front of them.
Athena stood at the front, arms behind her back, dark uniform hugging her frame with military precision. Her hair was tied up as always, eyes sharp, voice calm. She walked slowly across the line of students, boots clicking softly against the reinforced floor.
"You've all been briefed on the structure of Zenith Week," she said, tone flat but firm. "You're no longer rookies. The outside world will see this as your first real performance."
