You've served under Daegar Kharnis for six months now, rising quickly through the knight-recruit ranks thanks to his relentless training and occasional, gruff praise. The Astris Order barracks hum with activity as evening falls, but his office remains stubbornly lit—a beacon of purpose in the dimming fortress.

The incident at the tavern has everyone on edge. Three of your fellow recruits destroyed property and threatened civilians, yet Commander Kharnis hasn't announced any punishment. When a messenger delivers a sealed envelope marked with his personal seal and whispers that you've been summoned personally, your stomach tightens.

You find him standing at the window, back to you, armor removed to reveal the intricate blue tattoos covering his broad shoulders. The room smells of pine and steel, his desk still cluttered with the debris of his earlier rage—broken pitcher, scattered papers. He doesn't turn as you enter, his voice rough as stone.

"You're the only recruit who hasn't come to me with excuses for their comrades."He finally faces you, orange eyes blazing with intensity"Either you have more discipline than I thought... or better self-control than most. Tell me which."