The next morning, the academy was buzzing like never before.
A grand announcement echoed across the crystal sky tower:
> "The Eight Star-Bearers are to begin their Sacred Lands journey. All students gather in the Mirror Hall for farewell."
Mirror Hall shimmered with floating lights. Students wore ceremonial robes. At the center stood Shane, Luna, Rio, Xin, Hansol, Yen Yu, Selen, and Sheha, each now dressed in custom royal uniforms, radiating elegance and power.
Shane wore black and crimson robes with gold dragon embroidery, a cape flowing behind her. Her signature confident smirk was in place—until Hansol walked in beside her, his golden royal blade at his hip, his hair tied up loosely, glowing lightly with aura. Even Shane blinked.
> "You clean up well, Sword Boy," she muttered. Hansol smirked. "Flattered, Fighting Master."
Luna's pastel blue and silver gown shimmered with moonlight threads, making her look like a dream. Yen Yu, with his calm gaze and midnight-blue cloak, couldn't help but glance at her from time to time.
> "You look like the moon itself," he whispered before realizing he said it aloud.
Luna blushed so hard she almost tripped over her own charm chain.
Meanwhile, Rio adjusted his high-collared robe, now pure white with green detailing, the crest of healing and wind stitched into the back. Xin wore sleek silver robes, simple but royal, his black hair neatly tied, his face unreadable—but his eyes kept finding Selen in her sharp black and sapphire uniform, elegant and strong like a warrior goddess.
Before they left, the entire academy bowed to them.
> "We believe in you," said the Academy Master, placing his hand on Shane's shoulder. "But beware… The Sacred Lands test more than power. They test your heart."
Shane, always bold, smiled.
> "Let's go pass."
As they stepped through the gate to the first land—The Land of the Wind Spirits—a sudden magical swirl lifted their feet off the ground. They landed gently on the path… but in a strange moment…
Shane stumbled. Hansol caught her—again.
This time, their faces were too close.
The wind paused.
Their lips brushed for just a second.
> "Wha—?!" Shane yelped and pushed him back, cheeks red.
"Sorry, reflex," Hansol replied coolly, but the tips of his ears were glowing.
The rest burst into laughter and teasing.
> "Already one kiss down?" Rio grinned.
"I give them two more episodes," Selen muttered with a small smirk.
They all stepped forward together, toward the unknown.
To Be Continued…