Chapter Five: Black Zone Simulation

"This is not simulation," Ardent said. "The main Void force has crossed Frontier Route Thirteen. The academy enters wartime status within forty-eight hours. Exceptional cadets will be assigned to reserve combat groups." Leon looked at the burning colony world. "We are going to the front?" "You are not formal soldiers yet," Ardent said. "So I wanted to say no." She paused. "But war does not obey academy schedules." Far away, an alarm cut through Starsea Main. Red lights came on one layer after another. The broadcast thundered through the military ring: "Condition One." "All Mech Command cadets report for assembly." "Nereid-4 requests support." Leon looked up and saw fleet engines ignite beyond the dome.