(Lysara POV)

  The boards were full before the bells rang.

  Not chaotic—never chaotic—but dense. Notices layered in precise columns: specialization confirmations, field substitutions, lab-credit conversions, deployment eligibility. Mid-term markers, not endings. Paths narrowing rather than closing.

  For most students, it meant choice.

  For some, it meant assignment.

  Lysara found her name where she expected it to be.

  Specialization Track — Field Campaign Credit

  Primary: Alchemy / Corruption Study

  Secondary: Apothecary (Field-Capable)

  A runner appeared at her side before she stepped away. Caldrien office report in thirty minutes.

  Professor Caldrien did not waste time.

  Lysara had barely crossed the threshold of his office before the door sealed behind her. No window, no audience chairs, no pretense of comfort. Professor Hale stood to one side, tablet already active. Professor Thorne observed from the far wall, silent as ever.

  Caldrien did not ask her to sit.

  “You are already assigned to Unit X-17, that placement stands.”

  Lysara inclined her head.

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  “This meeting is about scope.”

  Professor Hale stepped forward.

  “Your primary designation remains alchemical specialization,” she said. “Corruption analysis, observation, and post-contact assessment. Your academic credit for this term is tied to campaign output.”

  “You are also certified in field apothecary practice,” Hale continued. “That certification activates only while accepted by your field commander. In Unit X-17, that places you as a secondary lifeward.”

  Caldrien took over again.

  “During live engagement,” he said, “apothecary duties override all academic work. When not in contact, your obligation returns to corruption study and support.”

  “And if I’m removed from the field?”

  Thorne answered without hesitation.

  “You return to camp and lab rotation immediately,” she said. “You retain apothecary status. Lifeward authority is suspended. Continued placement then depends on results.”

  Caldrien folded his hands, “If your lab output does not justify the slot you lose it. This is not punitive. It is resource management.”

  “Operational authority remains with Commander Vern,” Caldrien said. “Field authority remains with your unit commander. Academic authority does not override either.”

  “You will not independently investigate. You are simply to report.” Hale added.

  Caldrien glanced at the wall chronometer.

  “The auditorium briefing begins in ten minutes,” he said. “You are expected there now.”

  Lysara excused herself, left the office, and joined the flow of bodies already moving through the corridors toward the eastern wing. The density increased as she walked— five teams total—knights clustering forward, mages already spacing themselves instinctively, scouts drifting toward edges where sightlines felt better. All were identifiable by insignia. The captains by the unconscious space others gave them.

  Commander Vern stood alone at the dais.

  “This is a campaign,” he said.

  “One to two months. Rotational. Five teams deployed. All teams corruption-capable.”

  No reaction followed.

  “Corruption encounters are expected,” Vern continued. “Deviation is not.”

  “Corrupted individuals acting alone are expected.”

  A pause.

  “Rootburrow Boar populations have exceeded break thresholds. Ashward Wolf sightings have increased accordingly. Predation pressure is no longer self-correcting.”

  Silence settled, heavy and deliberate.

  “Unit briefings will follow,” Vern said. “Dismissed.”

  The room rose as one.