The sun rose slowly over Astral Academy, casting golden rays upon the vast central arena where nearly a hundred students now stood, murmuring with anticipation. The island trial had ended, but its weight still lingered in their minds and muscles. Some wore pride. Others, regret. All awaited one thing—
The announcement of the Top 8.
Giant screens shimmered to life on the arena walls, flickering between glowing sigils and data.
An instructor stepped forward. His voice, amplified through spirit orbs, echoed with commanding calm:
"You all fought with valor on Trial Island. Today, we reveal the eight highest scorers. These students will receive priority access to advanced courses, restricted zones, and personal guidance from elite instructors."
"May the list speak for itself."
The screen glowed bright blue, then began displaying the names—one by one.
🏆 ISLAND TRIALS – TOP 8 SCORERS 🏆
Naman — Total Score: 120 — Wing B
Aarya — Total Score: 111 — Wing B
Saki — Total Score: 110 — Wing A
Veer — Total Score: 108 — Wing A
Mira — Total Score: 100 — Wing B
Anay — Total Score: 92 — Wing A
Myria — Total Score: 89 — Wing A
Vivaan — Total Score: 86 — Wing B
A beat of silence.
Then—an eruption of gasps, cheers, stunned expressions.
"Naman is Rank 1!?"
"Wait, Anay's only sixth? But didn't he defeat Darshan?"
"Aarya… she's incredible."
"Saki and Veer both made it? Wing A really held their ground."
Anay stood still in the crowd, hands at his sides. His expression remained calm—perhaps even a little amused.
"So Naman topped it… as expected."
Saki smirked from beside him.
"Guess your quiet act didn't fool the scoring orb."
Anay (grinning slightly): "Guess not. You placed third?"
Saki (shrugging): "If I knew you were aiming for sixth, I'd have slowed down."
Aarya (calmly):
Mira (smiling):
Vivaan (in disbelief): "I… I got eighth?"
Around them, other students whispered among themselves, taking notes mentally—new rivals had emerged, names were remembered.
And while many celebrated, one student stood in the shadows, staring at the board.
Darshan.
He clenched his fists as his name failed to appear. Again.
But before he could leave, Anay passed by him without a glance, calm and composed.
"Better luck next time," Anay murmured—not as mockery, but as gentle truth.
Darshan didn't respond. His eyes burned silently.
The instructor's voice returned.
"All Top 8 students will report to the Academy Tower at sunset. There, your true journey begins."
"The rest of you… rest well. You've survived the first step."
As the crowd dispersed, a new chapter loomed just beyond the golden sky.