Whispers rippled through the crowd after Anay's unexpected victory.
"Did you see how calm he was?"
"That wasn't just strength… he read every move."
"Is he really a newcomer?"
Some students looked at Anay with new respect — others with cautious envy. A few advanced disciples, leaning near the upper balcony, exchanged glances.
"He's not normal," one muttered. "We need to keep an eye on that one."
Anay ignored them and take his seat
After some matches prooffesor conclude that today session is over, today's battle had awakened something in Anay — not just instincts, but the thrill of learning through action. For the first time, it didn't feel like training under a master's eye. It felt like growth.
He started walking toward the exit of the Combat Wing, but a firm voice stopped him.
"Anay!"
He turned. The instructor, a tall man with a rigid posture and sharp gaze, was walking toward him.
"Yes, sir?"
"You're dismissed from the Combat Wing," the instructor said plainly.
Anay blinked. "Huh?"
"Starting tomorrow, you report to the Main Academy building for advanced classes."
"But…" Anay frowned. "I thought this wing was mandatory for newcomers."
"It is — for those who don't know the basics," the instructor said, eyes narrowing slightly. "But you've demonstrated something far beyond basics. In fact, you're already adapting at the level of intermediate combat disciples."
Anay didn't know what to say. Part of him was proud. Part of him was surprised. But mostly, he was confused. "You knew?"
"I knew after the first three exchanges," the instructor replied. "Your positioning, footwork, and timing — all show you were trained in foundational flow, even if not by academy standards. Your techniques are unorthodox, but your instincts are refined."
Anay lowered his gaze. "I was trained… differently. On a mountain."
The instructor gave a short nod. "Wherever your foundation comes from, it's solid. You're not a beginner. So you don't need to be here."
A few nearby students overheard and stared at Anay, some whispering under their breath.
The instructor added with a subtle smile, "Besides, I don't want my Combat Wing turned upside down by someone who fights like a ghost and watches like a hawk."
Anay gave a small nod, still processing everything.
"One more thing," the instructor said as Anay turned to go. "Keep learning. The way you think in battle — it's rare. Don't let it go dull."
"I won't," Anay promised.
He left the Combat Wing that day with more than just a victory — he left with a sense of direction. The path was shifting. The pace was changing.
And from tomorrow, he would take his first step into the real heart of the Astral Academy — where lessons were deeper, opponents sharper, and secrets far older than he could imagine.