Mutiu took a moment to study his teacher’s face after hearing his words. He rested his cheek against his left palm while his other hand lay horizontally across the desk. A faint smile played across his lips, amused by the man’s attachment to the city.

He could sense the agitation behind every word his teacher had spoken. The man genuinely wanted him to intervene, and Mutiu understood why. He also understood the situation itself. Yet, despite comprehending his teacher’s concerns and the goal behind his plea, Mutiu had no real interest in saving the city—not at the moment, anyway.

If the invaders truly intended to attack, killing them all once...