The coliseum was alive with murmurs and hushed speculation. Torches flickered in the growing darkness, casting wavering silhouettes on the sand. Fifteen trainees had survived the battle, and one by one they had been called to step forward and choose an armed group. Now, after the swirl of frantic selections, Melo's voice rose once more:
"Alex Lionhart!"
A wave of anticipation washed over the crowd. Trainees who had already joined their new units looked on with curiosity, while those still waiting watched with mounting tension. Alex walked into the center of the arena, calm on the outside, but inside he felt a tangle of pride and vexation. He couldn't believe he was called before Nicholas, a stark sign that Nicholas must have outperformed him in the wave. That realization stung, but he forced his features into a neutral mask.
