When the cadets had nearly finished dinner, a sharp announcement rang from the speakers in the dining hall.
"All cadets of the Primary Term, those who ranked in the top ten during the Initiation Ceremony, are requested to report to Chief Sergeant Major Soren Volkan Ironclaw. You will find him on the parade ground."
A ripple of murmurs spread across the hall as the message ended. Cadets leaned toward each other in hushed speculation. Most were convinced it was a good sign… likely a reward for those who had distinguished themselves.
Maíra, always the curious one, asked, "Eleanor, what do you think? Will we get rewards, like they're saying?"
Eleanor's expression remained calm, her face an unreadable mask. She replied simply, "Doesn't matter. We will see when the time comes."
