Cadet Phoenix stands at parade with his new platoon.
In the past few weeks at the academy he was not a cadet that stood out too much. He didn't get in trouble and got slightly above average grades.
History, strategy, law for most of his classes he just showed up, contributed enough to get good grades and eventually become a decent Lieutenant. That was until today.
Before he left his home town in the central province, Phoenix took on some physical training. He enjoyed growing bigger, getting stronger, surpassing is limits.
At the academy however, his progress slowed. The physical development of the first-year cadets is strictly checked and controlled by leadership. They do not allow new cadets to do physical sports outside training.
The Codex of Cadets states: "an untouched cadet simply has to wait till he earns the right to train his body, be patient..."
The class ends, Phoenix enters the hallway as he heads to his next class.
In the busy hallway Phoenix encounters a group of second year cadets. He steps aside and stands at attention to let them pass.
"And that after we finally started making some progress, bro" the cadet closest to Phoenix says to his second year buddy.
"It's not fair, bro. Those stupid devotees can disappear in the barracks back and train without leadership bathing an eye." the other second year cadet says as they enter the classroom Phoenix just left.
"Yeah, but when WE want to train outside of formal classes we get told of for not being strong enough yet!"
"Bro how are we supposed to make progress if we're not allowed to train? We will never get big like this."
Phoenix listened as the two seconds continued their conversation. If even second years are not allowed to train freely unless they already are strong then there's little hope for untouched cadets. The training provided by leadership has degraded over the past years with the rise of devotio.
That evening Phoenix slipped out of his barracks room to go and check the barracks back. That is where the second years said the devotees disappeared to and trained. It couldn't hurt to give a look right?
Phoenix put on his PT uniform, which doubled as sleepwear at the barracks, and headed out. At one of the third year hallways he found door to what seemed to be a regular gym, so he entered to take a look.
"You can do five more!" a deep voice echoed around the gym, "come on, bro!".
As Phoenix entered the gym three muscular cadets dropped their weights and stared him up and down.
The cadet in the center has black horns. Is that a devotee? Why would a devoted need to work out?
Phoenix opened his mouth to ask what was wrong, but quickly closed it again as the center cadet started moving towards him with a smile.
First years are barely allowed to train. He has no excuse being in a gym in his PT uniform. He was busted. Traped like a mouse who entered the den of lions. Busted
"How did you get here little bird?" The horned cadet says with a deep manly voice.
