Chapter 319: The Last Light Recruits

The training fields were spaced between two of the encampments, resting directly underneath the shadow of the colossal stone monolith. Young, bright-eyed soldiers marched in neat files or ran through combat drills on the frosty fields. Orion strode confidently into their midst, nodding his approval as they snapped to attention.

"Ranks!" he shouted, crossing his arms and glaring at the youth sternly.

They reacted instantly with the discipline that came from long hours of dedication and practice, falling into three distinct companies. Each group held several dozen men, with a few women sprinkled throughout, all between second and third levels. When the last soldier fell into place, they pressed their gauntlets to their breastplates, filling the brisk morning air with the ring of steel.