The following morning, our new lives began.
The Rebel Army didn't treat children as soldiers. At least, not immediately.
Instead, they separated everyone according to age and talent.
My younger brother was taken to another group, one filled with children around his age.
Before leaving, he grabbed my sleeve tightly.
"Brother..."
I crouched down and smiled.
"I'll come see you whenever I can."
"Promise?"
"I promise."
Only then did he reluctantly let go.
An instructor with a scar stretching across his face stepped in front of us.
"Listen carefully."
"The Empire believes strength belongs only to those born with noble blood."
He drew his sword in a single smooth motion.
"We'll prove them wrong."
That day, training began.
Every morning before dawn, we ran through the forest carrying heavy logs.
By noon, we practiced swordsmanship until our palms bled.
At night, we learned history, military tactics, and the truth behind the Empire.
The Empire called us rebels.
