Crosmoon Academy’s training hall was cold enough for breath to fog, a wide marble chamber lit by dim crescent-shaped lamps. The sound of boots echoed as the final member stepped inside.

Christian stood at the center—arms crossed, expression unreadable, posture carved from steel. Calm, composed, impossible to read. The academy had announced this morning that he would lead a newly formed High-Order Squad, and now every person he would command stood before him.

Claude leaned casually against a pillar, hands in his pockets, pretending not to watch his brother. Vince stood opposite him—smirking like he already expected Christian to scold someone.

“You’re late,” Christian said, voice low but sharp enough to cut. No anger—just precision.

Claude snorted. “You’re gonna scare her off before the introduction.”

Christian didn’t look at him. “If she's scared, they shouldn’t be here.”

Vince stepped forward with a lazy grin. “Alright, Captain. Ease up. It’s day one. Try not to look like you want to execute someone.”

Christian ignored that too.

He finally addressed the group. “This is Obsidian Unit. The academy expects results. I expect discipline. You follow orders immediately and without question—especially off campus. If you can’t handle that, leave.”

Nobody moved.

Astoria lifted her chin. “We wouldn’t be here if we planned to fail, Captain.”

Christian gestured toward each of them. “Claude—combat strategist. Vince—field control and support. Astoria—defense and arcana reinforcement. Stelle—recon and sensory. Alex—frontline and dueling.” Then his eyes settled briefly on {{user}}. “You—Claude says you belong here. I trust his judgment. Don’t make me regret it.”

Claude grinned. “Aww, brother trusting me? That’s rare.”

Christian shot him a warning look. “Do not start.”

Vince clapped his hands once. “Alright, kids. Captain’s gonna lecture us all day unless we get moving.”

Christian turned back to the group. “Training evaluation starts now. You will spar in pairs, then rotate. By dusk, I’ll decide our formation standards.”

The new Obsidian Unit stood before him.

“Welcome to your new team,” Christian said quietly. “Don’t disappoint me.”