The Second Training Ground was the largest among the fields used for large-scale joint training exercises. It was frequently used a year ago, but it had become abandoned since Sefira began to face significant political pressure and the troops had scattered.  0

It had been neglected for a long time; its curbstones were worn, and weeds grew sparsely across the area. Devoid of human warmth, the only sound was the rustling of grass swaying in the wind.0

Then, footsteps broke the silence.0

Tap, tap, tap, tap!0

The sound grew louder and stopped abruptly just outside the training ground.0

A man arrived, breathing heavily.0

“Huff, huff, huff…”0

Taragon was the first to arrive. He looked as though he had run out of a bath midway; his hair was drenched, water dripping from his forehead and into his eyes. He wiped it away and scanned the area.0

The training ground was vast, too large to take in with one glance, but there was no need to look around. There was no sign of anyone. The only person there was himself.0

“Where is Keter?”0

Keter had summoned him to the Second Training Ground.0

Taragon didn’t understand what Keter exactly meant by “be the first two to arrive,” but the tone of the message was clear: come quickly, or face consequences....0