The sun of Galéo had just reached its zenith when the recruits returned to the arena,
dragging themselves like survivors of a war.

Oku watched them in silence, then ordered:
“Everyone to the infirmary. Priority to those in the worst condition.”

Finde was among the last to see the doctor.
The physician examined him carefully,
eyes moving over bruises and abrasions.

“Well then… compared to the first day, you almost look brand new!”
he laughed, trying to joke.

Finde didn’t react.

He stared into the void.

The doctor smiled.
“What is it, kid? Why that look?”

“I don’t know,” he murmured.
“I feel empty. As if my mind were drifting without direction.
But…
I can’t stop thinking about Yano and Gozen.
About the difference between us.”

“And why does that matter to you?”
the doctor asked, serious now.

Finde remained silent for a moment.
“Maybe because… if I had been stronger, Katrin wouldn’t have been injured.
All my companions were knocked down.
I want to become stronger…
so that no one will ever feel in danger fighting at my side again.”

The doctor gave a small smile, closing the report.
“An excellent motivation.
That’s the true essence of Castorian warriors.”

He handed him a sheet.
“Two cracked ribs, multiple sprains, and a concussion.
Two hours in the regenerative tank, then two days of absolute rest.
Show this to Oku.”

Finde nodded.
“Thank you, Doctor.”

The tank chamber was a hive of pipes and blue vapors.
The celestial liquid trembled beneath the glow of the monitors.

The nurse explained that the neutron waves in the fluid stimulated cellular regeneration.
Two hours inside were equivalent to two weeks of rest.

Finde didn’t fully understand how it worked,
but it was enough to know he would be able to fight again.

The afternoon slipped away between steam, massages, and regenerative baths.
When the sun set, Finde headed toward the barracks.

He was about to enter when he noticed an emaciated figure wandering outside the arena.

“Hey, Spenser!”
he called.

The boy startled.

Then he smiled.
“Finde! Congratulations on the tournament, you were incredible!”

“Thanks. Did you watch it?”

“More or less…”
Spenser shrugged.
“How are you feeling?”

“Tense...
Oku still hasn’t said anything.
I can’t wait to hear the verdict.”

Spenser looked at him with curiosity.
“Have you thought about your dream?
About your ambition?”

Finde hesitated, then shook his head.
“Not yet.”

“That’s understandable.
Maybe you’ll tell me later.”

He turned to leave.

“Wait, Spenser…
Why do you come here if you’re not a recruit?”

The boy smiled softly.
“Maybe I’m just looking for a friend.”

He touched his bracelet.
and vanished into nothingness.

That evening, Oku gathered them in the common hall.

Katrin sat beside Finde.

“How’s your knee?” he asked.

“Much better.
Regenerative tank, massage, and I’m almost as good as new…
You?”

“Fine. Just a bit tired.
I’d like to sleep for an entire month.”

He barely finished the sentence when Oku entered.

Silence fell instantly.

“I’ve been thinking all afternoon,”
he said.

“Now listen carefully: those who hear their name will remain here at the arena.”

The silence was suffocating.

Finde felt his heartbeat pounding in his ears.

“Those who are not named will depart for Miltor tomorrow morning.
From there…
they will be free to go wherever they wish.
The only thing they will not be able to do is become Castorians.”

All the recruits held their breath.

Finde was certain he wouldn’t hear his name.
Oku hadn’t wanted him from the start.

He thought of Jhoanna,
of Yano,
of Gozen.

He had survived only through cunning.

What kind of warrior are you,
if you survive only through tricks? he thought, crushed by doubt.

Katrin looked at him.
“Don’t be so tense.
You were extraordinary.”

He tried to smile at her, but he didn’t believe his own expression.

Then Oku spoke, suddenly:
“Jhoanna.
Yano.
Gozen.
Guster and…
Finde.

The others… prepare your bags.
Good night.”