"Remember this, Vania," Rucian said, his voice low but firm. "Gara and Madha have already been Liners for a full year.
You and the others, you've only been Liners for a few months. Look at their robes. One's still E-rank. The other, D-rank. Tell me, is that the growth of someone with real potential?"
Rucian's vertical pupils glinted faintly in the darkness as he stared straight into her eyes.
Vania swallowed hard. Everything he said made sense. Every word felt like truth.
She clenched her fists. If no one else would act, then she —Vania Shereen— would be the one to expose this deception.
...
The next morning, Andine stepped out of her room with her burgundy uniform of Gyakarta Academy paired with a black Liner robed edged in purple.
Just as she turned to lock her door, the room beside hers opened.
"Morning, Ga—" she started cheerfully, but her eyes widened.
Not just Gara— Fian and Madha stepped out as well, one after another.
