Chapter One: Borrowed Wind

The cameras turned away. Everyone knew a Firefly One did not belong at the center of a heroic story. Yue Lan nevertheless wrote her recommendation code on his hand. “Special admissions close tomorrow. Apply.” “Does Tianheng accept disposable tools?” “The academy doesn't.” She glanced at the sealed sliver. “But someone may be terrified that you will enter.” That night Lin deposited his accident compensation into his mother's hospital account. The screen informed him that direct relatives of enrolled hero students received priority treatment. He stared at the sentence, then submitted his application. Far beneath Tianheng, a file dormant for twenty-three years awakened. FILE ZERO. INTERFACE FOUND.