For two centuries the Empire has held power. To the west a bloody conflict ensues. To the east, the bastion cities and the Line provide security from the Nomal hordes.  Cain finds himself inducted into the Institute, where he trains with other boys and girls his age to serve at the Line. While he expects to persevere through his mandatory service and live a simple life, he finds that fate truly has never worked in his favor. With shifting powers in the capital, palpable tensions between the Empire and their annexed cities, and growing brash confidence of the Nomal hordes, Cain finds himself in a position he never expected himself in. And nothing could have prepared him for the responsibilities it would entail... Story by notjune! Heavily inspired by works by Pierce Brown and Brandon Sanderson. This is my first web novel, so please do forgive me for weird story pacing and whatnot. I'll try to post as much as I can. Expect chapters every Monday unless something comes up. Do enjoy!