High Stakes

(Rodova Military Academy – Principal Alric's Office)

The atmosphere inside Principal Alric's office was thick with tension.

Standing before him with their heads lowered were Professor Marvin and Major Hen, both receiving a well-earned scolding.

Alric was far from pleased with how the two were structuring the training regimen for Leo Skyshard and Su Yang—and today, he was making his dissatisfaction crystal clear.

"Skyshard had to seek YOU out, Hen, just to find a challenge in sparring."

His voice was sharp, laced with irritation as he slammed a data slate onto his desk, shattering it into pieces.

"His own class is so far behind him that he doesn't even see them as competition, yet you continue letting him fight those weaker opponents day in and day out? How is he supposed to grow like that?" Alric asked, as he grit his teeth before looking towards Marvin.