> Principal Arvind Dev:
"Yes… you are eight."
His voice echoed again, but this time there was something beneath it—a ripple of anticipation.
> "But the final two… the strongest in Astral Academy… are yet to come.
Anay exchanged a glance with Naman.
> Anay (low voice):
"Wait… strongest?"
> Naman:
"I thought we were the top eight."
Suddenly, the very air thickened. A faint crackling sound echoed from the sky. Clouds above the Grand Hall began to part—no storm, no wind—just pressure.
Presence.
> Saki (eyes narrowing):
"Something's coming…"
In the blink of an eye, a sonic boom split the silence. A streak of violet lightning slammed into the marble path just outside the hall, cracking the ground with a surge of static energy.
From within the flash stepped a tall boy with sharp golden eyes, black hair, and a calm expression.
He wore the black and silver uniform of the Outer Sanctum—customized, laced with thunder sigils.
> Veer (smirking):
"Heh… took you long enough, Ashwajeet."
The name passed like a wave through the minds of the eight. Anay felt a strange sensation—as though he were standing in the presence of something untouchable.
His aura—pure electricity and a glint of light—didn't rage. It hummed, like it was barely being restrained.
He gave a polite nod to the Principal, then turned to the eight.
> Ashwajeet (calmly):
"So these are the new pillars."
Before anyone could respond—
The ground trembled.
A blast of red-hot air burst upward from the Academy gates.
A girl walked forward slowly, her hair fiery crimson, her expression proud and intense. Each step left glowing cracks in the stone. Her uniform was sleeveless, revealing toned arms dusted with embers.
Eyes like burning coals scanned the group.
> Aarya (quietly):
"She's like Naman… but hotter."
> Naman:
"Hey!"
She stopped next to Ashwajeet and crossed her arms.
> ???:
"You guys look fun to break."
> Principal:
"Meet the final two: Ashwajeet, Inheritor of Thunder and partial Light… and Reika, wielder of Fire and unmatched physical strength."
A murmur ran through the group.
> Vivaan (whispering):
"Are we still in the top ten…?"
> Reika (grinning):
"So these are the ones aiming to represent Astral? Cute."
Sparks and heat licked the ground where she stood. But her grin softened as she looked at Anay, then Naman.
> Reika:
"Hope you don't disappoint. Especially you, fire boy."
> Naman (challenging):
"Only if you can keep up, flame girl."
> Ashwajeet (to Anay):
"I've heard of you. Let's see if the whispers are true."
Anay gave a small nod, eyes focused.
Something about Ashwajeet reminded him of Kai—not in voice, not in looks—but in presence. Calm, powerful, and watching everything.
> Principal:
"Now, the ten are assembled."
He raised his hand. A projection of their faces appeared above the hall.
Naman
Aarya
Saki
Veer
Mira
Anay
Myria
Vivaan
Ashwajeet
Reika
> Principal:
"These ten shall undergo advanced training. When the time comes—you will clash not as enemies, but as rivals… refining each other's edge."
> "Let the countdown to the Academy Matches begins