The first light of dawn spilled gently across the gates of Zone 8. The cold wind whispered through the streets, but it was peaceful.
Zone 8 had surrendered. No battle cries echoed, no fires burned. The resistance had fallen without a fight, and the Aether's banner now stood tall where defiance once lingered.
A new chapter was beginning.
Instructors from the Aether Camp arrived shortly after the surrender. Their task was clear: train the soldiers of Zone 8 and integrate them into the growing force of Aether.
Leo watched them as they dispersed and began their duties. He knew these new soldiers wouldn't be loyal from the start. But he didn't need them to be.
Loyalty was something that would come with time. Once they realized the strength, order, and opportunity that came under Aether's rule, they would understand.
Superficial loyalty was expected at first. True loyalty, the kind that mattered, would grow slowly but surely.
