"Impressive," he said. "Your combat technique is highly refined. Who trained you?"
Merlin met his gaze calmly.
"The teachers at the academy," he said simply, obviously lying a little. He wasn't going to admit that he was the disciple of two of the best teachers and is currently the disciple of the headmistress…
"But I mostly trained myself."
Alden studied him for a moment longer.
Then, finally, he spoke.
"We might have use for you in the future."
Merlin's lips curled slightly.
"I understand."
Commander Alden's words lingered in the air, carrying more weight than a simple compliment.
We might have use for you in the future.
Merlin had expected something along those lines.
The military didn't invite academy students for a casual tour.
They were here to assess talent, recruit, and gauge potential threats.
And now, Alden had taken notice of him.
Exactly as he had planned.
