The thunderous approach of military boots echoed through the Academy's devastated corridors as Colonel Hestian's retrieval team arrived. Five soldiers materialized from the shadows, each one bearing the disciplined bearing of Master-ranked awakened who had survived campaigns that lesser warriors couldn't imagine.
Captain Aldric studied the team with obvious approval, though his jaw remained tight with frustration. "Colonel, I should be going with you on this operation."
"With respect, Captain, if something goes catastrophically wrong, the kingdom needs you alive to coordinate our defenses," Hestian replied, his voice carrying the weight of someone who had made similar tactical decisions throughout his career. "These five represent our best chance of extracting survivors while maintaining operational security."
