[4 years before the Brevon Incident]
In the heart of Shuigang, in the shadow of the Palace, a steel‑blue wolf of sixteen stands alongside his father before a statue of a noble warrior, the inscription on the plaque telling of his heroic deed that helped protect the fledgling Shuigang in the earliest days of the city‑state.
"This is the third and final time you've tried to join the Army," the father reminds his son.
"I know," the wolf replies. "I'll pass this time."
"I hope you do son," the father replies, "but I also want you not to be too disappointed if you don't."
"The Lykos family has been in the Shuigang military for hundreds of years. I don't want to be the one to break that streak."
"You won't be," the father assures. "After all, both Zachary and Sebastian serve. You shouldn't put yourself under pressure to do the same."
"I guess you're right. But still, I don't want to disappoint you."
"If you try your best, you cannot disappoint me. And remember, whether you pass or not, I'm here to support you wherever life may take you."
After a few moments of silence, a stern‑looking dhole approaches the two wolves. "Colonel Gabriel Lykos, sir!" she salutes, standing to attention.
"At ease, lieutenant," Gabriel replies, returning the salute. "You may speak freely."
"Thank you, sir," the dhole replies, then turns to the younger wolf and begins to read from a formal letter. "'Subject Alexander Lykos, we regret to inform you that your application to enlist in the Shuigang Armed Forces has been declined. As you are no doubt aware, applicants must pass a series of tests to be considered for enlistment, and while you have passed most tests with flying colours, unfortunately you did not achieve the minimum score required to pass the intelligence test. Furthermore, as this is your third unsuccessful application, we are required by Shuigang law to inform you that any further applications will be rejected on receipt. The Shuigang Armed Forces wish you the best of luck in your future endeavours, and hope that you can serve your city in some other capacity.'" The reading complete, the dhole refolds the letter and hands it to Alexander. Once the young wolf has taken it, the dhole salutes Gabriel once more, then leaves the father and son to themselves.
"Sorry son: looks like you'll have to find a different career," Gabriel soothes.
"I really thought I had it this time," Alexander sighs.
"I guess it just wasn't meant to be."
"Yeah, I guess…"
Gabriel puts his arm around his son's shoulders. "Come on, let's head home. We can worry about your career tomorrow."