54. Field Assessment

Jason and Humphrey arrive at the Adventure Society marshalling yard, where Thadwick Mercer taunts Humphrey over his prior failure. Jason needles Thadwick with cutting humor until Vincent Trenslow intervenes, warning both Thadwick and Jason to control themselves. Vincent outlines the week-long field assessment, with postings taken across the delta, and designates himself and Guy Spalding as instructors.

Guy splits out ten candidates whose prior passes were “lost,” arranging a special reassessment for them, revealing institutional favoritism. Vincent takes the remaining seven, including Jason and Humphrey. Jason keeps his head down after Vincent’s warning, mindful of Rufus’s advice to show respect.

Traveling by wagon along embankment roads, Vincent’s recording crystal documents proceedings. Humphrey explains the devices to Jason. Later, Vincent uses a scrying crystal to spot thirteen ratling monsters raiding crops and challenges Humphrey to show the decisiveness he previously lacked.

Humphrey launches with summoned dragon wings, crashes into the pack, and cuts down multiple ratlings with a massive blade. He then sweeps them with dragonfire, accepting collateral damage to halt their escape. Pursuing survivors with brief wing bursts and a teleport, he finishes the stragglers while his familiar kills another.

Returning drenched in blood, Humphrey cleans up with crystal wash. Jason checks on him, and they acknowledge the emotional weight of violence. Vincent confirms all ratlings were slain, notes the burned crops, and commends Humphrey for making and owning a hard choice, marking growth in decisiveness.