Page 18 of Bonds of Starfall

Rin tried to hide her shock.Twenty-fourhours a week, not including her assignments. No wonder Lucien was worried.

She nodded, hands clasped at her front; the movement made her harness cut into her waist, and she hid her grimace. That would take some getting used to.

The Director inclined her head. "Follow me. I’ll show you the assignment board."

The woman stopped before a large blue hologram, flickering as it projected onto the wall. At the top, it readAlpha Team,with the insignia of the Hunter’s Guild rotating proudly above it. Director Ilsa waved her hand toward it, her other hand notched at her back as she stared down at Rin.

Rin had never felt particularly insecure in her height, but up against such a proud, strong woman, she felt inferior.

"Here, you’ll find your assignments, as well as what we call the leaderboard. It’s based on your grades. You’ll receive your assignments here, including the due date and required weapons. You’ll use what is assigned to you and can find it on the weapons wall. Ensure they are returned once the mission is complete. Once your assignment is finished, you’ll find your score posted here." Director Ilsa pointed at a section on the hologram, where Keir’s face flickered, along with his Stella and ranking—Waterborn, level seven, just as he had said. Under that, a check mark was beside the wordassignment, along with the score of eighty-nine.

The Director continued:

"Higher scores mean you move up on our personal rankings for Alpha Team. They don’t mean anything, so long as you’re not failing overall, just bragging rights." She swiped a red braid out of her face. "We don’t pander to children here, Vesperin," said Director Ilsa. "Based on your scores, I’m sure your work will be sufficient, but"—she pinned Rin with a heavy look—"if your level one Stella ranking starts to be a problem, you’re out. Aetherborn, or not. We don’t have weaklings on our team."

"Yes, ma’am," Rin said with deference. A small part of her was envious of the woman’s well-spoken, take-no-shit attitude. Even if it stung to be on the receiving end.

"That’s all." Director Ilsa started to walk away, but stopped in her tracks. "I saw on your entry exams that you used an Echogun. Have you tried an Echosword?"

The question made Rin flounder for a moment. "I prefer handguns. It’s easier with my size. And I’m a… decent shot." Her lips quirked into a secretive smile—decentbarely scratched the surface.

"Humble," Director Ilsa huffed with amusement. "I saw your scores. You should try a longsword—one with a lighter make. Your stature would be a good fit for agile close-combat. The weapons store is on the ground level if you want one of your own for practice. Think on it."

And with that, Director Ilsa left.

"What the fuck." Keir stared after the Director. "That was the closest to a compliment I’ve ever heard the Director give. Your scores must have been so good. But damn, your Stella ranking is shit. No offense," he hurried to tack on at Rin’s droll look.

She ignored him, instead staring at the assignment board.

Under Director Ilsa, there was Keir, of course, but also four others were on the board—and only one other girl. At the very bottom was Rin’s name. She ignored the abysmal display of herStella rank, instead focusing on the small flickering words that read,Uncompleted Assignments.

She stared and stared, fear making her stall.

"Here," Keir said from behind her. He raised his hand to the hologram, fingertips hovering over the words. He tapped at it, and the screen changed, declaring her first assignment.

Vesperin Blackfall. Infiltrate Nova Zone 21 in a first test of skill.

From the hours of 12:00 AM to 3:00 AM.

Kills: at minimum two lowlevel Rogues.

Weapons: weapon of choice.

Rin smiled. "Not bad."

Keir shook his head. "They always give easier tests for your first one. They want to be able to gauge your skill set. Trust me, they’ll only get harder after this."

She wouldn’t be scared away.

"Good," said Rin. She started to turn and leave, mind already spinning with everything she had learned.

Keir called out after her retreating form, "I guess I’ll see you later?"

"Of course," she replied without looking back. She wouldn’t die on her first day. There was plenty of time for that later.

Rin’swatch beeped softly on her wrist as she arrived at the coordinates.

It was minutes until midnight, and she was itching to get started.