Astral Academy – S-Class Tower Commons
The morning after Naman's departure dawned quieter than usual.
The sun rose behind the tower's domes, casting gold across the glass corridors. Yet despite the bright day, the Top 10 Lounge felt dull—like someone had dimmed its spirit.
A hush hung in the air.
Only a few words were spoken during breakfast. Even Veer, usually sarcastic and loud, chewed his food in silence.
Ashwajeet sipped his tea, expression unreadable. Reika, sitting across from him, scrolled through the student network bulletin again.
Reika (mutters): "Still can't believe he left. Just like that…"
Saki leaned against the couch, arms folded, hair damp from morning training.
Saki: "He was obnoxious, sure. But he kept the place alive. He had this… fire that pulled everyone into orbit."
Veer nodded slowly.
Veer: "That moron once called me 'air freshener' because of my wind abilities. I was going to punch him yesterday. Now I kind of want him back…"
Ashwajeet exhaled slowly.
Ashwajeet (quietly): "It doesn't feel real yet."
Even the students who weren't part of the Top 10 were whispering about it. In the halls, the lower wings, and even the skybridge cafés, students could be overheard murmuring—
"Did Naman really leave?"
"I thought he was going to be one of the Academy's frontliners."
"His fangirls must be devastated."
They weren't wrong.
Outside the girls' wing dorm, a group of first-years had taped up a collage of Naman's best battle shots. One of them sniffled while replacing a torn sticker:
"He was my 'Flame King'... I was going to give him a letter next week."
Even Myria from Wing B, who rarely spoke unless it was about battle formations, looked unusually quiet that day.
Midday – Common Room Hologram Flare
Just after noon, a spiritual flare hologram sparked to life in the middle of the lounge.
Everyone turned as a blazing emblem—a stylized Phoenix Sun—glowed above the table.
[Incoming Message – From: Naman Raj]
The room froze.
Ashwajeet (standing): "He left a message?"
The image shimmered. Naman's hologram appeared, wearing ceremonial robes, flame-colored and regal, hair slightly shorter now, but his signature grin still intact.
Naman (grinning): "Yo, flame nerds!"
Everyone blinked in disbelief.
Naman: "Yeah, I'm really gone. But don't get too sappy about it. I hate awkward farewells."
He scratched his head before his tone dropped into something more heartfelt.
Naman: "Astral Academy gave me more than training. It gave me friends… no—brothers and sisters. And honestly… leaving you all behind felt like tearing out a part of my soul."
A pause. His gaze sharpened.
Naman: "But I've been given a new mission now. The American High Council's drafted me into the International Youth Inheritor Program."
Gasps echoed around the room.
Myria (stunned): "He's going international already…?"
Reika: "That's elite-tier only…"
The hologram flickered, Naman stepping forward in his usual cocky posture.
Naman: "So listen up—I'm going to represent America in the upcoming World Trials. And when the international ranking battles begin… I want to see India's best standing across from me."
Then, he pointed toward the screen—toward them.
Naman: "That means you, Anay. Ashwajeet. All of you."
His smile turned softer.
Naman: "Don't fall behind. Because when we meet again—I won't be holding back."
The message faded, leaving behind a single note.
"This world is vast. Don't limit yourselves to walls—even ones as grand as Astral."
Aftermath – Ripples of a Flame
No one spoke at first.
Then—
Ashwajeet (smiling faintly): "He really is insane. But damn... he meant every word."
Veer (grinning): "If that's the game, then I'm going to master every wind edge I have."
Reika (nodding): "He's set the bar. We have to surpass it."
Myria (arms folded): "I want to meet him again. In battle. I'll beat him."
Saki looked at Anay, whose eyes hadn't moved from the now-faded emblem.
Saki (softly): "You okay?"
Anay: "I will be. But he's right…"
His voice turned resolute.
Anay: "We have to rise. If he's aiming for the world… we'll aim for the stars.