Summervale Courtyard – Astral Academy, Nightfall
A cool evening breeze swept over the glowing lantern trees of Summervale Courtyard. The open stone plaza shimmered under floating spirit-lights, and in the distance, the soft gurgle of a fountain played like background music. Fireflies danced between flower beds. The atmosphere was calm, like a breather after battle.
After the match and the spar between Anay and Ashwajeet, the Top 10 ranked students had agreed to meet up—just to relax, talk, and reset after a whirlwind of trials.
They arrived in pairs and small groups—some still in academy uniforms, others in casual robes.
Ashwajeet was already there, leaning casually against a stone bench, sipping fruit water.
Anay and Veer arrived together, joking as usual.
Veer: "If someone starts a duel here, I'm jumping into the fountain."
Anay (laughing): "Deal. I'll freeze the fountain so you get stuck mid-dive."
Soon, the rest gathered—Saki, Reika, Mira, Myria, Naman, Arya, and two others from Wing B's top ranks. Together, they formed a circle around the central lotus pond, some sitting on the carved ledges, others leaning on the lamp-posts.
Small Sparks in the Air
Mira, always confident, tilted her head as she glanced at Ashwajeet.
Mira: "That flash-step you used during the spar... I couldn't even follow it fully. You're sharper than the rumors."
Ashwajeet blinked, surprised. "You watch people fight?"
Mira (smirking): "Only the ones worth watching."
Myria, Mira's twin but with a gentler air, chimed in from the side, offering a small smile toward Ashwajeet. "You're not just strong… but kind, too. It's rare."
Ashwajeet scratched the back of his neck, flustered. "I just train a lot…"
Anay (teasing): "Wow, the quiet flash guy's popular tonight."
Ashwajeet shot him a friendly glare. "Don't start, Ice-bolt."
Aarya, meanwhile, had her eyes on Anay. She shifted closer, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Aarya (softly): "You were impressive today. Most people freeze in front of Naman's heat. But you matched him."
Anay: "He pushed me to my limit. But... it was the right kind of fire."
She smiled.
Aarya (playful): "And here I thought ice doesn't mix with fire."
Anay: "Depends on the balance."
Their eyes met for a moment, a flicker of something unspoken passing between them.
On the other side of the circle, Reika found herself sitting next to Veer, who was spinning a small gust in his palm.
Reika (curious): "How do you control it so precisely?"
Veer: "Years of chasing clouds and getting yelled at for flying off cliffs."
She laughed softly. "I didn't think you were the reckless type."
Veer (grinning): "Wind doesn't like standing still. Neither do I."
Reika tilted her head, watching the little gust flicker like a playful spirit.
Reika: "I think you're more grounded than you pretend to be."
Veer blinked at that, unsure whether to deflect or thank her. In the end, he smiled. "Maybe I just need the right storm to anchor me."
The Mood Lightens
Naman popped open a bag of spiced snacks, passing them around. Even the usually stoic Ashwajeet took one.
Naman: "Can't be strong on an empty stomach."
Mira: "Agreed. Training makes you hungry—dueling makes you hungrier."
Saki (grinning): "Especially when someone cough.. Anay.. cough keeps showing off in front of the whole Academy."
Anay: "Hey! I was just... fighting for survival."
Ashwajeet: "You also used frost lightning mid-air. Not exactly low profile."
Anay (grinning): "What can I say? I like dramatic finishes."
They all laughed. Even the usually cold Myria cracked a smile.
Under the Stars
As the laughter faded, the group slowly looked up.
The stars above Astral Academy stretched wide and infinite, glittering across the dark sky like celestial jewels.
Myria (quietly): "Sometimes I forget how beautiful this place is."
Ashwajeet (nodding): "It's peaceful. But it hides the storm coming."
Anay: "Then maybe we're the lightning before it strikes."
Silence followed. A warm silence, like a bond had quietly formed among them all.
Not just as Top 1o
But as the generation that would rise together—or fall togethe