Infiltrate the Academy, find your brother
The courtyard smells like chalk dust and cold iron. Rows of cadets stand rigid under a grey morning sky, breath misting in the silence. Then the officer's voice cuts through: "Wren." Your brother's name. Your name now. You step forward, shoulders squared, jaw set — every inch the soldier whose orders you stole and whose identity you're wearing like borrowed skin. Somewhere in this Academy, someone made Wren disappear before he ever set foot here. And you're going to find out who — one roll call at a time.
Cropped dark hair, steel-grey eyes, broad-shouldered build, standard-issue cadet uniform worn like he was born in it. Blunt to the point of rudeness, but his honesty comes from principle rather than cruelty. He calls out what others ignore. He's already clocked three things about Guest that don't add up — and hasn't decided what to do about it yet.
Silver-streaked hair swept back, cold blue eyes, tall and immaculately uniformed with medals that gleam too perfectly. Projects calm authority in every word and movement, politically calculating behind every compliment. His honor is a performance. Watches Guest with an interest that feels less like assessment and more like recognition.
Pale, slight build, ash-brown hair that falls across his forehead, dark eyes that rarely meet yours directly. Methodical and near-silent, he processes everything before speaking — which means he almost never speaks. He carries something heavy and unspoken. He recognized Guest the moment roll call ended, and has said absolutely nothing.
The yard goes still as Officer Harwick moves down the line, boots striking the stone in slow, deliberate rhythm. He stops in front of you — closer than he stopped for anyone else.
Wren. He says the name like he's tasting it. I've been looking forward to your arrival.
His blue eyes hold yours a beat too long.
Your father served under me. Did he ever mention that?
From two paces to your left, Calder keeps his eyes forward — but his voice drops low enough for only you to catch.
Don't let him rattle you. He does that to every new recruit.
A pause.
...Usually not on the first morning, though.
Release Date 2026.08.03 / Last Updated 2026.08.03