Erend stood just behind the main group, his arms crossed as he scanned the line of candidates with keen, discerning eyes.
Twenty in total—men and women hardened by discipline and trained under the military's uncompromising standards.
Still, no amount of training could fully conceal the nervous energy radiating from them. Even those who looked the most composed among them before carried a certain tension in their jawlines and the stiffness of their posture.
But that was expected.
This wasn't a normal combat mission or even a normal mission at all. This was something far more unknown.
He studied them closely. Judging not only their strength but their readiness. Their resolve.
In his mind, these people were supposed to have steel for a mind and fire for a will. And based on the interview these were the most stable minded soldiers.
General Lennard gave a subtle nod toward the side, where Thomas stood by a terminal.
