The formal assessment room was polished stone and cold air.

Academy crests lined the walls, their silver inlay catching the harsh overhead light. A five-person council panel sat before me, their expressions carefully neutral. I stood at the center of the room, my hands clasped behind my back.

Stage One of the Alpha Ascension Trials.

I had prepared for this. Memorized every protocol, every expected answer, every scenario they might throw at me. I was entirely ready.

I was also thinking about ...