The courtyard outside the Academy Hall was painted gold under the setting sun. A faint warmth lingered in the air as the Top 10 relaxed under the open sky, the weight of Principal Arvind's words still echoing in their minds.
Eight months.
Eight months of freedom—to grow, to train, to explore their own path.
Mira was sprawled on the grass, eyes closed, letting the sun warm her face. "No rules, no classes… feels unreal."
Myria, sitting beside her laugh
Aarya leaned against a tree, her expression calm but thoughtful. "The forest sounds tempting though... I heard the mana there is different. Wild and dense."
Veer was flicking small pebbles with his wind aura, watching how far they flew. "Tch. Training in the wild sounds better than running laps here."
Ashwajeet sat silently, eyes closed in meditation. Small arcs of electricity sparked across his fingertips as he channeled his energy inward, focused, calm, unreadable.
Saki had her feet in the water stream flowing near the training ground. "I'm planning to head to the Crystal Spring Caverns. My element resonates best there."
Reika scoffed lightly while adjusting the strap on her blade. "You all talk like you're going camping. Just don't forget the goal: we're here to become stronger."
A soft voice broke through the gentle chatter.
Sato stood with both hands behind his back. His tone was kind, but clear.
"Anay… would you spar with me? Just a friendly match."
The group quieted. Even the birds overhead seemed to pause.
Anay blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected that.
But when he looked into Sato's eyes—there was no arrogance. No pride. Just… a quiet sincerity. The kind of challenge that felt more like a handshake than a test.
Anay smiled lightly. "Sure."
Ashwajeet opened one eye.
Ashwajeet (softly): "Hmm. That'll be worth watching."
The others began shifting, forming a natural circle around them—not with anticipation of a clash, but with curiosity. This wasn't a duel to determine status. It felt more like two streams meeting to understand each other.
Sato took off his academy jacket and folded it with care before placing it on a stone bench. His movements were neat. Disciplined.
Mira whispered with a grin, "He even folds his coat like a monk. Is he always this calm?"
Myria: "He's too polite. I can't even tease him."
Reika: "It's called manners."
Veer chuckled, arms crossed. "Bet Reika likes him."
Reika smacked his arm.
Meanwhile, Anay stretched gently. No tension. No buildup. Just a readiness in his posture. Calm but steady.
Ashwajeet: Begin
Sato's crystal affinity shimmered subtly around his fingers as he summoned translucent shards—hovering like petals around his frame. Light caught on them, refracting with pale beauty. His stance was calm, composed, as if shaped by quiet discipline rather than brute force.
Anay took a slow breath. He didn't summon his sprutial weapon instead, he focused, letting the quiet aura around him rise—cool, controlled, like a storm being held back just at the edge of bursting.
They bowed respectfully.
Then—Anay nodded.
And the spar began.
At first, it was movement. A slow read of rhythm. Sato moved like a craftsman—precise, polished, every step etched with intention. He never wasted a motion. Shards formed and followed him, flaring only when needed, turning defense into aesthetic motion.
Anay countered with instinct. He read patterns as they happened, flowed around the crystal strikes, letting his body move on intuition and subtle aggression. His palms sparked with suppressed energy—he wasn't using full force, but his intent was clear.
Ashwajeet (watching):
"They're both holding back... and yet, this is incredible."
Mira:
"Sato's so graceful, like he's weaving with light."
Veer:
"And Anay... he's got that wild calm. Like a quiet storm ready to roar."
The spar escalated. Crystal shards came in sharp arcs—Anay dipped, rolled, then slid in and tapped Sato's shoulder. It wasn't a heavy hit—but enough to land a mark.
Sato (smiling):
"One point."
He spun, shards spiraling around him defensively—then struck forward, a spear-like crystal forming midair. Anay ducked, pivoted on one foot, and tapped Sato's waist.
Two points.
Back and forth they went—neither fighting to win, but to understand.
To connect.
After several graceful minutes of trading movement, the two paused—sweating, smiling, breathing steadily.
Ashwajeet (calling out):
"Enough.
Sato stepped forward, extended his hand again—this time not for a strike, but in respect.
Sato:
"You're even more impressive than I expected."
Anay took the hand, firm and grateful.
Anay:
"So are you."
And in that moment—without fire, lightning, or titles—they were just students.
Boys with the same dream.
After the Spar – Courtyard Fountain
Later, the Top 10 sat around the marble fountain in the center of the academy garden, surrounded by the sound of birds and rustling leaves.
Mira was braiding Myria's hair as Veer dozed on the bench beside Reika, who was quietly polishing her gauntlet without acknowledging him.
Saki handed out chilled berry drinks made by the academy staff.
Ashwajeet:
"To rivals who make us better."
Everyone raised their glasses in return.
Sato looked to Anay, A tiny, one-sided smile appeared on Sato's lips. Maybe he'd lost the spar—but he'd gained something just as important.
And as the sun lowered behind the academy spires, the ten of them laughed, teased, rested—and for that one hour, they weren't heroes or prodigies.
They were just kids.
And those were the moments they' will remember the most