The courtyard outside the East Wing training halls buzzed with a low, expectant energy, a stark contrast to the usual clatter of practice weapons and shouted commands.
A steady stream of students gathered under the arched walkway, all staring up at the glowing panel hovering in midair.
This was the Assignment Board.
It rotated slowly above the growing crowd, its surface layered with flickering text and glowing district maps, listing names in clean, structured columns.
Each update made a soft, almost ethereal hum, followed by a precise click as the next set of assignments slid into view.
The air thrummed with the collective anticipation of the hundreds of cadets eager to see where they would be stationed for the critical Moonwake Festival.
Kael stood near the back of the group, arms folded loosely across his chest, his dark hair still damp from a quick rinse, the chill a welcome contrast to the internal heat of his rigorous training.
