The field still smelled of blood and ichor. Even after the cursed beast's body had been dragged away, the stench clung to the dust, heavy and sour.
The recruits stumbled back toward the barracks yard, faces pale, armor splattered with streaks of dark sludge. Some cursed under their breaths, others walked in stunned silence.
Shunya felt every step like a weight. His hands still trembled faintly, though he tried to hide it. Not fear, he told himself. Just… adrenaline that refused to leave.
"They watched," someone muttered from the group ahead. "They watched us fight for our lives and did nothing."
"Because we were pawns," another spat. "Just pawns to them."
Naomi's sharp voice cut through the murmurs. "Be silent. Complaining changes nothing."
Several recruits glared at her, but none dared answer. Discipline radiated from her like a wall of steel.
