Ascension Trial Stage Three—Strategic Dominance.

The assessment required senior alpha candidates to demonstrate strategic leadership in a simulated multi-pack conflict scenario. It was the most complex of the three stages and the one I had been technically best prepared for my entire life.

I stood at the assessment room's entrance.

My father was waiting for results. Soren was watching. Maren was evaluating.

Val was in the gallery.

I had never cared less about the first three and more ...