The mountain passage had finally fallen quiet.
Only the wind moved through the wreckage of the Fallen convoy, carrying dust across the fractured road and stirring the tall grass beyond the eastern slopes.
The enormous body of the Varkyss Ravager lay motionless near the bend, its dark armor fractured and its once-glowing teal seams extinguished.
Gamma Squad stood several meters away, gathering their equipment and preparing to leave.
Then Commander Vance's communicator crackled.
"Headquarters to Commander Vance. Over."
Vance raised the device.
"This is Commander Elara Vance. Go ahead, Headquarters."
A brief burst of static followed.
"Commander, we've received confirmation of a significant change in Kharos Vale's planetary classification."
Vance straightened.
"Go ahead."
"Following the elimination of the Level Forty-One Legendary Apex creature, planetary command has completed an updated assessment of the remaining hostile wildlife."
David turned toward the communicator.
The others gradually fell silent.
"The Varkyss Ravager has been confirmed as the final creature maintaining Kharos Vale's previous threat classification. Effective immediately, Kharos Vale has been officially downgraded to Green Tier."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then June slowly lowered the equipment pack he'd been adjusting.
"Wait."
He looked toward the dead Ravager.
"Did they just say what I think they said?"
Vance raised one hand, signaling him to remain quiet.
"Headquarters, confirm planetary classification."
"Confirmed, Commander. Kharos Vale is now officially designated Green Tier."
Lucian looked toward David.
A grin spread across his face.
"We did it."
Castiel glanced at the massive creature lying across the road.
"Apparently, that thing was the last reason this planet couldn't be downgraded."
June stared at the Ravager.
"You're telling me we just helped change the classification of an entire planet?"
"Quiet, Kade," Vance said, although the faint smile on her face suggested she wasn't particularly annoyed.
The voice continued.
"Additionally, planetary conversion monitoring has registered a substantial increase in stabilization following the elimination of the Apex threat."
Vance glanced toward the eastern plains.
"Current conversion percentage?"
A brief pause followed.
"Planetary Conversion — Ninety Percent."
David felt his breath catch.
Ninety percent.
Only ten percent remained.
The number seemed almost impossible after everything they'd experienced.
The endless training.
The dangerous missions.
The creatures.
The Fallen.
The people they'd lost and the people they'd managed to save.
And now Kharos Vale was only ten percent away from Whitefall.
"Headquarters," Vance continued, "what is the status of the remaining conversion operations?"
"Unified Defense Command has begun the final planetary clearance phase. All available military units and Academy deployment squads are advancing north through Sector A-08, eliminating the remaining qualifying Green-tier creatures."
The transmission paused briefly.
"Current projections indicate that Whitefall may be achieved once the remaining hostile populations have been cleared."
June slowly looked toward Castiel.
"Cass."
Castiel turned.
"What?"
"Please tell me that means we're finally going home."
Castiel smiled.
"It means we're closer."
"That's not the answer I wanted."
Vance glanced toward them.
"If the remaining operations proceed as expected, Academy deployment units should be preparing for extraction once Whitefall is confirmed."
June closed his eyes.
"Oh, that is beautiful."
Lucian laughed.
"Try not to cry."
"I'm not crying. I'm appreciating the possibility of sleeping in a real bed."
Mira looked toward the eastern horizon.
"Ninety percent."
Her voice was quiet.
David glanced at her.
She rarely expressed excitement openly, but there was something different in her expression.
Relief.
Maybe even disbelief.
Nyra stepped closer to David.
"We're almost there."
David nodded.
"Yeah."
He looked toward the plains.
"Almost."
Vance waited until the conversation settled before raising her communicator again.
"Headquarters, I have an additional report requiring immediate attention."
"Go ahead, Commander."
"We've uncovered evidence of an organized Fallen operation targeting human military personnel across the eastern sectors."
The response came quickly.
"Specify the nature of the operation."
Vance looked toward the abandoned prisoner carriers.
"Fallen forces have been capturing human soldiers and transporting them offworld. We located an enemy holding camp containing forty-three prisoners, all of whom were successfully recovered and transferred to Outpost Three."
David watched her expression harden.
"We subsequently intercepted the final known prisoner convoy. All surviving prisoners aboard both carriers have been released and directed toward a designated extraction point west of our current position."
"Understood. Confirm whether the Fallen were operating under an established command structure."
"Affirmative. The camp was organized, guarded, and equipped for prisoner transfers. The convoy was protected by armed escorts, and recovered information indicates that multiple transports have already departed the planet."
A longer silence followed.
Then Headquarters responded.
"Commander, are you suggesting that human military personnel have been taken beyond Kharos Vale?"
"That's what the evidence indicates. According to rescued personnel, hundreds of prisoners may already have been transported offworld."
Lucian's expression darkened.
He looked toward the ruined convoy.
The excitement of the Green Tier announcement faded from his face.
Vance continued.
"We also have information suggesting the Fallen intend to interfere with planetary conversion and force Kharos Vale toward Greyfall."
The communicator remained silent for several seconds.
"Commander, confirm your source."
"Statements from rescued military personnel, supported by intelligence recovered during our investigation. We cannot yet verify the full extent of the operation, but the threat is credible."
"Understood."
The officer's voice grew more serious.
"Your report will be forwarded directly to planetary command. Intelligence and recovery units will assume responsibility for investigating the missing personnel and locating additional prisoner transports."
Vance nodded.
"Understood."
"Be advised, Commander. Multiple Fallen vessels have been detected north of your current position. Their exact operational intentions remain unconfirmed."
David glanced toward the northern horizon.
The open plains stretched beyond the mountains, disappearing beneath a distant line of clouds.
Somewhere out there, Fallen ships were operating.
Somewhere beyond those ships, hundreds of captured humans might still be waiting for rescue.
He tightened his hands.
Vance continued.
"Do you require Gamma Squad to assist with further reconnaissance?"
"Negative. Your unit has already exceeded its assigned operational requirements. Additional investigation will be conducted by designated military personnel."
The response came firmly.
"Commander Vance, your orders are to withdraw from the mountain passage and rendezvous with the main advancing forces in Sector A-08."
Vance looked toward the squad.
"Understood. Requesting rendezvous coordinates."
A series of numbers appeared across her communicator.
"Coordinates transmitted. The primary military advance is proceeding south to north. Your unit is to travel east across the plains and join the western edge of the advancing formation."
"Copy that."
"Recovery transports have also confirmed contact with the prisoners you directed toward the western mountain approach. Medical teams are coordinating their evacuation."
Vance's shoulders relaxed slightly.
"Good to hear."
"Commander, planetary command acknowledges the actions of your unit. The recovery of military personnel, discovery of the Fallen operation, and elimination of the Legendary Apex represent significant contributions to the Kharos Vale campaign."
Vance glanced toward Gamma.
"I'll pass that along."
"Headquarters out."
The communicator fell silent.
For several moments, nobody spoke.
Then June slowly raised his hand.
Vance looked at him.
"Yes, Kade?"
"Just making sure I understand everything."
She waited.
"We rescued a bunch of prisoners, uncovered an enemy operation, killed a Legendary Apex, knocked the planet down to Green Tier, and now we're being told to go meet up with everyone else?"
"That is a reasonably accurate summary."
June looked toward the others.
"So we're done?"
Vance considered the question.
"Our assigned mission is effectively complete. We still have to reach the rendezvous point, and Whitefall hasn't occurred yet."
She paused.
"But you've accomplished everything Headquarters asked of you, and considerably more."
June stared at her.
Then a broad smile spread across his face.
"I think that's the nicest thing anyone's said to me since we got here."
Castiel folded his arms.
"That's because most of the things people say to you are requests to stop talking."
Lucian laughed.
June pointed at him.
"You know, I'm going to miss your charming personality when we're on summer break."
Castiel smiled.
"Then perhaps I'll finally get some peace."
Mira quietly adjusted the strap across her shoulder.
"I wouldn't count on it."
Everyone looked at her.
She glanced toward June.
"He'll probably find a way to contact you."
June grinned.
"Exactly."
Even Vance laughed.
It was brief, but genuine.
Then she returned her communicator to her belt.
"All right. Check your equipment and prepare to move. We have a long walk ahead of us."
They left the mountain passage behind shortly afterward.
The road descended through a series of gentle slopes before opening onto the eastern plains.
The change in scenery was almost immediate.
The towering stone walls and narrow passages gave way to broad grasslands that stretched beneath an enormous sky. Rolling hills rose in the distance, their slopes covered in green vegetation that swayed beneath the afternoon wind.
Clusters of trees stood along shallow streams, their leaves catching the sunlight.
Small creatures moved through the grass, scattering whenever Gamma approached.
There were no towering predators waiting among the rocks.
No sudden explosions.
No desperate shouts over military communications.
Only the sound of boots moving through the grass and the occasional laughter drifting through the squad.
David found himself looking around more than usual.
Kharos Vale had changed.
He remembered arriving on a world filled with dangerous wildlife and uncertain territory.
Now, beneath the bright sky, the planet almost looked peaceful.
Almost Earth-like.
The thought reminded him of Whitefall.
He had seen what planetary conversion could accomplish.
A world transformed.
A battlefield becoming something beautiful.
He looked toward the distant horizon.
Ten percent.
That was all that remained.
Ahead of him, June was talking about food.
Again.
"I'm telling you, the first thing I'm doing when we get back is ordering the biggest meal the Academy can serve."
Lucian glanced toward him.
"You've been talking about food for the last twenty minutes."
"Because food is important."
"You ate this morning."
"Military rations don't count."
Castiel looked over his shoulder.
"Then what exactly have you been eating for the last several days?"
"Disappointment."
Mira gave a quiet laugh.
June pointed toward her.
"See? Mira understands."
"I was laughing at you," she replied.
"Still counts."
Lucian shook his head.
"You might want to start with something small. Your stomach probably isn't ready for the amount of food you're planning."
June looked genuinely offended.
"Lucian, I have survived dangerous creatures, Fallen soldiers, and multiple near-death experiences. I refuse to believe a large dinner is what finally defeats me."
Castiel smiled.
"It would be an appropriate ending."
"You're terrible."
"I've been told."
David listened to them with a faint smile.
For once, their conversation had nothing to do with strategy, survival, or the next mission.
They were talking about ordinary things.
Meals.
Beds.
Showers.
The Academy.
Things that had seemed unimportant before the deployment.
Now they sounded wonderful.
The afternoon sun hung above the eastern plains, warming the grasslands as Gamma Squad continued toward the military rendezvous point.
The mountains had gradually disappeared behind them, replaced by rolling fields stretching toward the distant horizon. A steady breeze moved through the tall grass, carrying the clean scent of the open countryside.
For the first time in days, nobody seemed particularly interested in discussing combat.
June had spent the better part of twenty minutes describing everything he intended to eat when they returned to the Academy.
Lucian had suggested that he might want to start with something small, considering how long they'd been surviving on military rations.
June had taken that suggestion as a personal insult.
Castiel, naturally, had made things worse.
David listened to their conversation with a faint smile.
It felt good hearing them argue about something that didn't involve surviving another creature attack.
Beside him, Nyra walked quietly, occasionally brushing strands of silver-white hair away from her face. The pink highlights near the ends caught the sunlight whenever the wind lifted them.
She glanced toward David.
"You know, when we get back, that'll be the end of our first year."
David looked at her.
"I guess it will."
"It feels strange, doesn't it? We spent so much time preparing for the Academy, and now our first year is almost over."
David nodded.
"A lot's happened."
Nyra laughed softly.
"That's one way of putting it."
She looked toward the distant horizon.
"And once the year ends, everyone will be going home for the summer."
"Yeah."
Nyra turned toward him again.
"What are you going to do?"
David didn't answer immediately.
"What do you mean?"
"For the summer," she said. "Do you have any plans?"
He opened his mouth to respond.
Then stopped.
He hadn't thought about it.
Not really.
Since arriving at the Academy, his life had been filled with training, examinations, missions, and the constant struggle to keep himself and his squad alive.
Even before that, he'd spent most of his time trying to understand the mysterious book his parents had left behind.
He hadn't given much thought to what would happen when the Academy closed for the summer.
Or where he would go.
His house would still be there.
The furniture.
The kitchen.
The bedrooms.
His parents' belongings.
Everything exactly as they'd left it.
Except for them.
David looked down at the grass beneath his boots.
"I honestly haven't thought that far ahead."
Nyra studied his expression.
"David?"
He took a slow breath.
"I guess I'll go home."
There was something in his voice that made her hesitate.
"Is that what you want?"
David was quiet for several moments.
"I don't know."
He looked toward the horizon.
"It's strange. I've been thinking about getting back to the Academy this entire time. Sleeping in my own bed, seeing everyone again, not having to worry about something trying to kill us every few hours."
Nyra smiled faintly.
"That does sound nice."
"Yeah."
His smile faded.
"But after that..."
He paused.
"I'll have to go back to the house."
Nyra's expression softened.
David kept walking.
"I haven't really dealt with everything that happened to my parents. Not properly."
He swallowed.
"When Commander Varic brought their things back, I kept telling myself there had to be some explanation. That maybe they'd gotten stranded somewhere. That someone would eventually find them."
Nyra listened without interrupting.
"But it's been so long now."
David stared ahead.
"I know what everyone thinks happened. And I know what I was told."
He shook his head.
"I just don't think I've accepted it."
Nyra moved a little closer.
"David..."
"When I go home, I'll have to deal with all of it again. Their clothes are still there. Their books. My father's equipment. My mother's things."
His voice grew quieter.
"I'll have to decide what to do with everything."
He looked at her.
"And I don't even know where to start."
Nyra didn't immediately respond.
She understood that he wasn't asking her to solve anything.
He was simply telling her something he'd been carrying alone.
David gave a small, uncomfortable laugh.
"Sorry. That's probably not what you expected when you asked about summer."
"Don't apologize."
She spoke gently, but firmly enough that he looked at her.
"You don't have to pretend everything's fine with me."
David held her gaze for a moment.
Then nodded.
"Thanks."
They walked in silence for a short distance.
The others continued talking ahead of them, their voices drifting back through the afternoon air.
Then Nyra smiled.
"Well, I might have an idea."
David glanced at her.
"An idea?"
"For part of your summer."
He raised an eyebrow.
"I'm listening."
Nyra brushed her hair behind her ear.
"My dad and I have a house by a lake."
David smiled.
"You've mentioned him before."
"I know, but I don't think I've ever told you much about the place."
She looked almost excited now.
"It's beautiful, David. The house sits near the water, and there are forests surrounding most of the lake. In the mornings, you can see the mist rising off the surface before the sun comes up."
David listened as she continued.
"There's a little wooden dock behind the house, and my dad keeps a boat there. He loves fishing. Sometimes he'll spend the entire morning out on the lake, even when he doesn't catch anything."
David laughed.
"Sounds peaceful."
"It really is."
Nyra smiled at the memory.
"When I was younger, he'd wake me up before sunrise and convince me to go fishing with him. I used to complain because I wanted to sleep."
"And now?"
"Now I miss it."
She glanced at him.
"Actually, I've been writing to him about you."
David turned toward her.
"You have?"
"Of course."
"What exactly have you been telling him?"
Nyra laughed.
"Relax. Nothing terrible."
"That doesn't sound reassuring."
"I've told him about the Academy. About Gamma Squad. About the missions we've been through."
She hesitated, then added:
"And about how you've always looked out for everyone."
David looked away slightly.
"You make it sound like I do everything."
"No," she said. "I tell him the truth."
He glanced back at her.
Nyra smiled.
"Anyway, he's been asking about you."
"Me?"
"Yes, you."
David seemed genuinely surprised.
"Why?"
"Because you're important to me."
The answer came so naturally that David didn't immediately know what to say.
Nyra continued before the silence could become uncomfortable.
"He knows about your parents, too. Not everything, obviously. Just what you've told me."
David nodded slowly.
"And what did he say?"
Nyra's expression softened.
"He said that when we get home, he'd really like to meet you."
David blinked.
"Really?"
"Really."
She smiled.
"Actually, he asked me to find out whether you'd like to spend some time with us this summer."
David stared at her.
"At the lake?"
"At the lake."
"With your dad?"
"Yes, David."
She laughed.
"He's not nearly as intimidating as you're making him sound."
"I wasn't—"
"You were."
David smiled despite himself.
Nyra continued.
"He wants to take you fishing. Just the three of us. He said it'd be a good chance to get to know you without the Academy or military getting in the way."
David looked toward the plains.
For a moment, he imagined it.
A quiet lake.
A wooden dock.
The morning sun reflecting across the water.
Nyra laughing at something her father said.
No missions.
No fighting.
No constant danger.
Just an ordinary summer morning.
It sounded almost impossible after everything they'd experienced.
"That actually sounds really nice," he admitted.
Nyra smiled.
"Then you'll come?"
David hesitated.
"I don't know how long it'll take me to sort things out at home."
"That's okay."
"I might have a lot to do."
"I know."
"And I don't want to intrude on your time with your dad."
Nyra stopped walking.
David took another step before realizing she'd fallen behind.
He turned.
She was looking at him with an expression he couldn't quite read.
"David."
"What?"
"You're not intruding."
He remained silent.
"My dad invited you because he wants you there. And I'm inviting you because I want you there."
She stepped closer.
"You can take whatever time you need to deal with things at home. I'm not asking you to ignore any of that."
Her voice softened.
"But afterward, I want you to come visit us."
David looked at her.
"Nyra..."
"Promise me."
He gave a small smile.
"You're not going to let this go, are you?"
"No."
She folded her arms.
"Not until you promise."
David laughed quietly.
"All right."
"All right, what?"
He shook his head.
"I promise. Once I've taken care of what I need to do at home, I'll come visit you and your dad."
Nyra's face brightened.
"And you'll go fishing with us?"
"Even if I'm terrible at it."
"Oh, you probably will be."
"Thanks for the confidence."
"My dad can teach you."
She smiled.
"And I promise I won't laugh too much."
"That's not very convincing."
Nyra laughed.
Then her expression grew a little more serious.
"David, there's something else."
He looked at her.
"What?"
She hesitated briefly.
"I know going home is going to be hard."
David's smile faded.
"But I don't want you thinking that just because your parents aren't there, you have to spend the whole summer alone."
He listened quietly.
"You still have people who care about you."
She looked toward the others walking ahead.
"And you still have family."
David followed her gaze.
Castiel was arguing with June about something.
Lucian was laughing.
Mira was pretending not to listen, although the slight smile on her face suggested otherwise.
Nyra turned back toward him.
"Maybe not everyone shares your last name. But that doesn't mean they aren't your family."
David felt something tighten in his chest.
He looked away for a moment.
"Thank you, Nyra."
She smiled.
"You don't have to thank me."
"I know."
He looked at her again.
"But I want to."
Ahead of them, June turned around.
"Are you two coming, or are we supposed to walk all the way back to the Academy without you?"
Nyra laughed.
"We're coming!"
June narrowed his eyes.
"What's so funny?"
"Nothing," David answered.
June looked between them.
"That sounded suspicious."
Castiel glanced over his shoulder.
"Everything sounds suspicious to you."
"That's because I have excellent instincts."
Mira spoke without looking back.
"Your instincts nearly got you eaten yesterday."
June pointed toward her.
"That was one time."
Lucian laughed.
David and Nyra caught up with the others.
Castiel looked at David.
"You all right, D?"
David nodded.
"Yeah, Cass. I'm good."
Castiel studied him for another moment.
Then his expression softened.
"Good."
Nyra glanced toward David.
"Actually, we were talking about summer."
June immediately brightened.
"Now that's a subject I can appreciate."
Lucian looked toward him.
"Let me guess. Food?"
"Obviously. But also sleeping. And doing absolutely nothing."
Castiel shook his head.
"So your usual routine."
"You're becoming increasingly unpleasant."
Nyra laughed.
"David was telling me he hasn't really made any plans yet."
Castiel glanced at him.
"Really?"
David nodded.
"I hadn't thought about what I'd do after the Academy closes."
For a moment, Castiel didn't say anything.
He knew David better than anyone.
He knew what waited for him at home.
And judging by the way David avoided his eyes, he understood why the subject had been difficult.
Castiel moved beside him.
"Well, you're not spending the entire summer hiding in that house."
David looked at him.
"Cass..."
"I'm serious, D."
Castiel smiled.
"You can come stay with me for a while. We haven't had a proper break together in years."
June raised an eyebrow.
"You're inviting him to the Nightvale estate?"
Castiel shrugged.
"Why not?"
June looked toward David.
"That sounds expensive. I'd go."
"Nobody invited you," Castiel replied.
"Unbelievable."
Lucian stepped forward.
"Actually, David, you should come visit me, too."
David looked at him.
"Really?"
"Of course. There's plenty to do where I live. We can train if you want, but I'd rather show you around. There's more to life than fighting."
June stared at him.
"Coming from you, that's impressive."
Lucian grinned.
"I've been told I'm a complicated person."
Mira glanced toward David.
"If you want somewhere quieter, you're welcome to visit me."
Everyone looked at her.
June blinked.
"Wait. You're inviting people over?"
Mira gave him a flat look.
"David."
June placed a hand against his chest.
"That hurts."
She looked back toward David.
"There are places near my home where you can spend an entire afternoon without anyone bothering you."
David smiled.
"That sounds nice."
"It is."
June stepped closer.
"Well, now I feel obligated to make an offer."
Castiel sighed.
"Here we go."
June ignored him.
"David, you are officially invited to spend part of your summer with me."
David raised an eyebrow.
"And what exactly would we do?"
June grinned.
"Absolutely everything we're not allowed to do at the Academy."
Vance, who had been walking several paces ahead, spoke without turning around.
"I heard that, Kade."
June froze.
The others burst into laughter.
"I meant perfectly legal recreational activities, Commander!"
"I'm sure you did."
June looked toward David.
"See? This is why I need a vacation."
David laughed with the others.
For a few moments, the conversation became a jumble of suggestions.
Places they could visit.
Food they wanted to eat.
Things they wanted to do before their second year began.
Lucian insisted they should all meet up at least once during the summer.
June suggested making it a competition to see who could plan the best outing.
Castiel immediately refused to let June organize anything involving money.
Mira quietly pointed out that June would probably spend the entire budget on food.
Even Vance seemed amused by the conversation.
David listened as his friends made plans that included him without hesitation.
It was such a simple thing.
And yet it meant more than he could explain.
He had spent so much time thinking about what he'd lost that he hadn't stopped to consider what he'd gained.
His parents were gone.
The house would still be empty when he returned.
There would still be belongings to sort through, memories to confront, and questions he might never find answers to.
None of that had changed.
But perhaps he wouldn't have to face everything alone.
Nyra moved beside him again.
"Feeling any better?"
David looked toward his friends.
Castiel was still arguing with June.
Lucian had joined in.
Mira was shaking her head.
Commander Vance walked ahead of them, occasionally glancing back with a faint smile.
David nodded.
"Yeah."
He smiled.
"A lot better."
Nyra gently bumped her shoulder against his.
"Good."
They continued across the plains together.
For the first time in a long while, David found himself looking forward to summer.
Not because he knew what waited for him at home.
But because he finally understood that home wasn't the only place he belonged.
The journey continued through the afternoon.
The sun gradually shifted toward the western horizon, casting long shadows across the rolling grasslands.
The temperature remained comfortable, and a gentle breeze moved through the open terrain.
Ahead, the distant shapes of military transports began appearing against the horizon.
At first, David thought they were low hills.
Then he noticed movement.
A line of armored vehicles traveled north along a distant ridge.
Farther east, several aircraft crossed the sky in formation.
And beyond them, barely visible through the afternoon haze, were the unmistakable outlines of military personnel moving across the plains.
David stopped for a moment.
"Look."
The others followed his gaze.
Lucian smiled.
"Those are ours."
June raised his hand to shade his eyes.
"Actual friendly faces."
Castiel glanced toward him.
"You see six of them every day."
June nodded thoughtfully.
"Five. I'm still undecided about you."
Lucian laughed.
Castiel shook his head.
"Naturally."
Vance raised her communicator.
"Gamma Squad to Sector A-08 Forward Command. This is Commander Elara Vance, requesting confirmation of rendezvous coordinates."
Static crackled briefly.
Then a voice answered.
"Commander Vance, this is Forward Command. We have your position. Maintain your eastern approach. Main elements are advancing north through your designated rendezvous sector."
"Copy that. We are proceeding east."
"Understood. Be advised, the final clearance operations are progressing ahead of schedule. Several Academy squads have already completed their assigned sectors."
Vance glanced toward Gamma.
"Good news."
June smiled.
"Please tell me Alpha Squad is one of them."
The communicator crackled again.
"Commander, do you require additional support?"
"Negative. Gamma Squad is operational and moving under its own power."
"Copy. Forward Command out."
Vance lowered the communicator.
"All right, everyone. We're getting close."
Lucian adjusted the strap across his shoulder.
"Think the others are already waiting?"
"Some of them might be," Castiel answered.
June grinned.
"Good. I have several stories that are going to make us sound incredibly impressive."
Mira glanced toward him.
"Try telling the truth."
"That's what I was planning."
She looked at him.
June sighed.
"Mostly."
David smiled.
He could imagine the Academy again.
The crowded hallways.
The training grounds.
The familiar dormitory.
Room B-17.
He could almost hear Castiel complaining about the way David left his training equipment beside the bed.
He remembered Commander Vance standing at the front of their homeroom, explaining the rules of their first year.
Back then, none of them had understood what the Academy would demand of them.
Now, after everything they'd experienced, they were returning as different people.
Stronger.
More experienced.
And closer than they'd ever been.
Vance slowed her pace slightly, allowing the squad to gather around her.
"Before we reach the main forces, there's something I want to say."
The conversation quieted.
June looked toward her.
"Commander?"
Vance studied the six cadets standing before her.
"When this deployment began, your purpose was to experience the realities of planetary operations. You were expected to follow orders, complete assigned objectives, and learn how to function as a squad under combat conditions."
She paused.
"Instead, you've faced circumstances that would challenge experienced military personnel."
David listened quietly.
"You survived separation from the main forces. You rescued captured soldiers. You uncovered an organized Fallen operation. And today, you helped eliminate a Legendary Apex creature that had already forced your squad into retreat once before."
Vance looked from one face to another.
"None of those accomplishments happened because one person was stronger than everyone else."
Her gaze settled briefly on David.
"They happened because you trusted one another."
Lucian straightened slightly.
Castiel's expression grew serious.
Even June remained quiet.
Vance continued.
"You made mistakes. You took risks. There were moments when your decisions could have been better."
A faint smile appeared.
"But you learned. And when it mattered, you stood together."
She looked toward the distant military formations.
"I've commanded soldiers with years of experience who never developed the kind of trust I've seen among the six of you."
David felt something warm settle in his chest.
Vance turned back toward them.
"You should be proud of yourselves."
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then June slowly raised his hand.
Vance sighed.
"Yes, Kade?"
"Does that mean we passed?"
Lucian laughed.
Castiel closed his eyes.
Mira shook her head.
Vance studied June for a moment.
Then she smiled.
"With distinction."
June stared at her.
"Seriously?"
"Seriously."
He looked toward the others.
"You heard that, right?"
Lucian grinned.
"We all heard it."
"With distinction!"
Castiel folded his arms.
"Try not to let it go to your head."
"Too late."
Even Vance laughed.
David looked around at his friends.
They were smiling.
All of them.
For once, nobody was injured badly enough to need immediate medical attention.
Nobody was missing.
Nobody was waiting for someone to return from a dangerous mission.
They were simply six cadets walking toward the end of their first year.
And they had made it together.
The plains stretched endlessly beneath the afternoon sun.
Far to the east, military transports moved across the grasslands, their dark silhouettes visible against the distant horizon. Above them, several aircraft passed through the clouds, heading north toward the remaining combat zones.
For the first time in days, the sounds of battle seemed far away.
June adjusted the strap of his equipment pack.
"First thing I'm doing when we get back is finding the biggest meal the Academy can serve."
Lucian laughed.
"You've been talking about food for the last hour."
"And I'll keep talking about it until someone feeds me."
Castiel glanced toward him.
"I was hoping you'd lose your voice before we got back."
"Keep dreaming, Cass."
David smiled at the exchange.
Beside him, Nyra brushed a loose strand of silver-white hair away from her face, the pink threading near its ends catching the sunlight.
"Don't forget," she said quietly.
David looked at her.
"Forget what?"
"Our day off."
He smiled.
"I remember."
"Good."
Ahead of them, Commander Vance checked the coordinates on her communicator.
"The rendezvous point is just beyond the next rise," she announced. "Keep moving. We're almost there."
Gamma Squad continued across the plains.
Behind them lay the mountains, the ruined Fallen convoy, and the body of the Legendary Ravager.
Ahead waited the main military forces.
The Academy.
Their friends.
Home.
For the first time since arriving on Kharos Vale, none of them were wondering whether they would survive the deployment.
They were thinking about what they would do when it was over.