The cultural friction became apparent during the first morning assembly.
All students gathered in the main courtyard at 0500 for what Headmaster Kelvan called "patriotic conditioning." The Sparkshire students exchanged confused glances as Ashmar students snapped to attention with military precision.
Kelvan stood on an elevated platform, the Federation's banner—a silver sword crossed with a wheat sheaf on a field of deep blue—hanging behind him.
"Students of Crownspire," he began, his voice carrying across the silent courtyard. "What is our purpose?"
The Ashmar students responded in perfect unison: "To defend humanity through strength and sacrifice."
"What is our legacy?"
"The blood of our ancestors who died standing rather than kneeling."
"What is our future?"
"Victory or death in service to the Federation."
