Sergeant Seth McKay stood with his arms folded behind his back, his military boots planted firmly on the edge of the raised podium. His expression was hidden behind sunglasses and a cap.
The scorching sun covered the training field, casting harsh heat that waved over the assembled students. Dozens of young men and women stood in formation, staring right ahead, feet apart, and hands clasped behind them in the parade rest position. Not a single head moved. Sweat trickled down temples, uniforms soaked, and the breaths turned shallow.
Then, like a domino game, one by one, students fell to the ground.
"Out!" Seth barked.
The failed students left the formation in dismay.
Seth's eyes were glued to one person. The young man with snow-white hair. Even from a distance, the colour stood out starkly against the backdrop of olive uniforms. His posture was straight, not rigid but composed, shoulder relaxed, arms steady, gaze fixed forward.
