Anay walked through the corridors, the hum of the evening wind brushing past the academy flags. His thoughts were still lingering on the instructor's words. Main Academy… already? He hadn't expected the leap to come this soon.
As he approached the dormitory steps, a familiar voice called out from the side courtyard.
"Hey! How was it?"
Anay looked over. Naman stood under a tree, arms folded, a half-grin on his face.
Anay walked over, his expression relaxed. "I'm being transferred to the Main Academy," he said plainly.
Naman raised his eyebrows. "Seriously? That's great! Looks like the instructor finally saw what I've been seeing."
Anay tilted his head. "You knew?"
"Come on, Anay," Naman chuckled. "You don't belong in basic training. You dodge like a shadow and strike like a storm. Even in the gravity trial, you weren't trying."
Anay looked away, slightly embarrassed. "I just didn't want to draw attention…"
"Well, too late for that," Naman grinned. "But hey, that makes things easier."
"Why?" Anay asked.
"Because I'm heading to the Main Academy tomorrow too," Naman replied.
Anay blinked. "Wait… you weren't already going?"
"Nope. I had to stay behind for an extra physical evaluation after the trial. They cleared me today," Naman said, stretching his arms. "So from tomorrow, we're both in."
Anay nodded slowly, a quiet smile forming on his face. "Then… I'll see you there."
Naman gave him a mock salute. "Front row seats to the real stuff now."
They stood there a moment longer under the fading light, two boys on the verge of something greater. The trials had tested them, but the real journey — the one that would shape their fate — was only beginning.