The atmosphere inside the Grand Hall buzzed with unspoken questions and electrified silence.
Ashwajeet and Reika stood side by side, like thunder and flame—unshaken by the curious stares of the other eight. But it was Myria who broke the silence.
> Myria (arms crossed):
"We're told they're the strongest… but how do we know that?"
Her voice wasn't mocking—just sharp, direct.
Reika's ember-bright eyes flicked toward her.
> Reika (grinning):
"Oh? You want proof? I like your attitude, mirror girl." myria right
She stretched, fire trailing behind her fingers like playful serpents.
> Reika:
"Actually, I was thinking the same thing. Why not a real match? One that proves where we all stand."
Ashwajeet's calm golden gaze moved toward the Principal.
> Ashwajeet:
"A sparring match. Not for dominance… but for clarity."
The Principal raised an eyebrow, then looked to the others.
> Principal Arvind Dev:
"You wish to test yourselves before the academy matches begin…?"
> Reika (playfully):
"Let's call it… Wing A vs Wing B. Heat things up before the real war starts."
Naman's grin widened.
> Naman (to Anay):
"She's crazy. I like her."
> Veer (flicking his scarf):
"A challenge accepted is a battle halfway won."
> Saki:
"Fine by me. Water against fire? Classic."
Myria clicked her tongue, but nodded.
> Myria:
"Tch. Just don't cry when illusions mess you up."
Aarya remained silent but gave a cool nod. Vivaan looked uncertain—but clenched his fists in quiet resolve.
> Principal (after a long pause):
"So be it."
With a small gesture of his hand, a golden sigil shimmered in the air, pulsing with astral light.
> Principal:
"One match. Wing A versus Wing B. A preview of the potential within our elite ten."
> "This is not for elimination. It is for experience, for evaluation… and perhaps, for something greater."
---
Scene Shift: Academy Buzz
By evening, the halls of Astral Academy were flooded with whispers.
> "Did you hear?"
"The Top Ten are fighting—before the national selection matches!"
The match announcement swept through every year, every training dome, every dormitory.
> "Wing A vs Wing B. Tomorrow."
A special arena was designated: Dome Zenith, the floating battle ring reserved for ranked duels and elite showcases.
---
Wing Lineups (Revealed by the System Board)
> 🟥 Wing A:
Anay
Saki
Veer
Myria
Ashwajeet
> 🟦 Wing B:
Naman
Aarya
Mira
Vivaan
Reika
Later That Night
Anay sat alone on the rooftop of his dorm, the stars shimmering faintly above.
Anay looked up at the moon, his eyes calm but determined.
> Anay:
"I never asked to stand out… but I won't let them down."
Far off, in her own chamber, Reika smiled as she cracked her knuckle.
Ashwajeet, meanwhile, stood alone in the training hall—eyes closed, heart steady.