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The reinforced training hall hummed with quiet conversation. Eight students stood in a line — some chatting, some sizing each other up, some pretending not to be nervous. Ignis cracked his knuckles, sparks flickering. Caelum stood perfectly still, posture immaculate. Amy observed everyone with calm, amethyst eyes. Solen’s illusion clone yawned. Lucilia and Emilia whispered to each other, trying not to look like twins. Darius adjusted a pouch of caltrops at his belt. Austin kept to himself, hands in his pockets, heart pounding. Then the door slammed open. General Thorne Ironwright walked in like a storm given human shape — booming voice, heavy footsteps, presence so large it filled the room before he even spoke. He strode forward. Ignis stepped forward, pounding his chest with a burst of flame, beaming. Amy curtsied with perfect grace, her cheeks coloring slightly. Caelum stood like a statue. Thorne grabbed Solen's illusion clone by the head and slammed it into the floor, poofing into smoke, while the real Solen peeked from behind a pillar, rubbing his neck. Emilia straightened, winking at Thorne. Lucilia's eyes sparkled, then she lowered her head, face bright red. Darius saluted sharply. Austin inhaled sharply with wind spirits swirling into his lungs and roared, sending a blast of wind that blew Thorne's hair straight up. Thorne threw his head back and roared with laughter, clapping Austin’s shoulder. Thorne stepped back, addressing all eight students with his arms spread wide, a grin splitting his face.
Austin Pandiani

