Previous Chapter Reminder = In the previous chapter, we saw Manu encounter an assassin girl named Nyra Vale, a member of the Falcon Team. We also learned about Lyra's backstory. With Nyra Vale's help, everyone escaped the desert valley, and Manu finally passed the exam. Now, moving forward...
Manu = What is this place...? These giant gates... is this a dream?
Lyra = No, this is the entrance gate of Sun Academy. Now come inside.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu and the Falcon Team had officially passed the test. They now stood in front of Sun Academy for registration. The academy gates were enormous, designed with golden colors and silver borders. Sunlight reflected directly on them, making the entire gate shine brilliantly.
Nyra = Look at that symbol above Sun Academy. A sun... inside a forest.
Manu = But what does that symbol mean?
Nyra = Good question. The meaning of this symbol is that we are neither completely good... nor completely evil. Just like nature itself. If you behave kindly, we become good. But if you behave badly, we become evil. Remember that.
Lyra = Let's go. We need to take Aria to the rest room.
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu entered through the academy gates.
Kael Draven = Welcome, students. You all passed the test. So let's not waste time. My name is Kael Draven, and I'll be your class teacher. These are the five clubs of Sun Academy. The clubs will choose you. You must decide which club you want to join. Choose carefully.
NARRATOR VOICE = The leaders of the five clubs stood there. Two or three of them stared at Manu with suspicious eyes, as if they were thinking the same thing—
"This boy is a cheater... and trash."
1st = Skywalker Club. Famous for aerial combat and mobility. Its leader is Noir.
2nd = Ice Frost Club. Mostly girls and famous for archery. Its leader is Lisa.
3rd = Mind Decoder Club. Famous for psychic magic and mind games. There's even a myth that everyone in this club is a psycho. Its leader is Silas Venmour.
4th = Eagle Club. Known mainly because of its rivalry with Falcon Team. Its leader is Lucien Vharos.
5th = Falcon Team. Famous for intelligence and battle tactics. Its leader is Lyra.
Kael Draven = Leaders, choose your students and don't annoy me. Select according to ranks.
NARRATOR VOICE = One by one, every student was chosen... but nobody selected Manu. In the end, he was the only one left.
Lyra = I choose him.
Silas Venmour = Wait, leader Lyra... I'm interested in this boy too. Please cooperate.
Kael Draven = Hurry up and decide.
Manu = I don't want to join any club. I'm fine alone.
Kael Draven = Think about it again. Your talent will be wasted.
Manu(thought) = These people are just pretending to be formal. If I join their clubs, they'll probably try to kill me themselves. They still can't believe I got a high score alone.
Manu = I won't change my decision.
NARRATOR VOICE = The scene suddenly shifted.
A figure wearing a black hoodie stood far away, observing the academy. His pitch-black eyes and evil smile made the atmosphere feel dangerous.
Hooded Figure = So this is Sun Academy... interesting.
Kael Draven = Your classes begin tomorrow at sharp 9:30.
NARRATOR VOICE = The academy provided rooms for all the students, and the registration process was completed. While searching for his room, Manu accidentally bumped into someone.
Manu = Oh... aren't you the apple pie girl?
Lyra = Yeah. What are you doing here? And what's your name?
Manu = My name is Manu. I can't find my room. Can you help me?
Lyra = Okay, come with me.
NARRATOR VOICE = Lyra guided Manu to his room. The moment he entered, he instantly fell asleep. It was as if a warrior was finally getting proper sleep after a very long time. He didn't even try to inspect the room properly.
Morning...
Manu's alarm rang three times.
Manu = I'm awake... what time is— WHAT!? Only five minutes left before 9:30!?
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu hurriedly got ready and rushed toward class.
Kael Draven = Why are you late?
Manu = My alarm didn't ring...
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu quickly sat down in his seat.
Kael Draven = All students, I have an important announcement. For many years, Sun Academy has always performed poorly. Serpent Academy always stays at the top because competitions aren't only about strength... they are about mind games too.
Sun Academy has power... but lacks strategic students.
But this year... we discovered a gold mine.
Normally, first-year students cannot participate in the competition... but this time, the situation is different.
Because we have Manu.
Manu = Teacher wait! I only passed by coincidence! Wait, let me explain—
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu immediately ran toward Lyra.
Manu = Lyra, come with me!
Aria = Big sis... when did you two become so close...? What's going on between you both?
Lyra = It's just a misunderstanding! We're only friends... and he was the one who saved our lives from the Dune Stalker.
Manu = I don't have time for this, hurry up!
NARRATOR VOICE = Manu grabbed Lyra's hand and dragged her directly to the teacher.
Manu = Lyra, explain to the teacher that I only survived because of coincidence! You guys helped me!
Lyra = No. Teacher Kael... he's lying. Manu was the one who saved our lives. In fact, we were the burden.
Kael Draven = Good. Then it's decided. Manu will participate in the competition. If you bring first place to Sun Academy, the academy will give a special reward.
THE LATE SYSTEM
MISSION :- ACHIEVE 1ST RANK
PENALTY :- THUNDER SHOCK FOR 2 HOURS
REWARD :- E-RANK SPELL SCROLL
Manu(thought) = This system will never let me live peacefully...
Kael Draven = The competition will begin in two months. Lyra, Manu will participate with your team. Explain the rules and strategies to him. Does anyone else want to participate?
NARRATOR VOICE = Other than Manu, nobody volunteered.
Later, Manu and Lyra walked outside the academy while discussing the competition... when suddenly, they heard a familiar voice.
A black hoodie...
A smile...
Hooded Man = Well... if it isn't the desert survivors.
NARRATOR VOICE = Lyra instantly became angry. Like trying to kill a mosquito that just refuses to die. Manu simply stood there in shock.
Lyra = Kaizen Drath...? How are you still alive?
Kaizen Drath = You were lucky... poison usually causes a slow death.
Manu = Your teammates?
Kaizen Drath = Weak pieces are meant to die.
Manu(thought) = This guy... thinks just like me...
Kaizen Drath = See you in the competition... this is going to be fun.
NARRATOR VOICE = Kaizen Drath slowly moved near Manu's ear and whispered.
Kaizen Drath = I know... you are the trump card.
comming soon....
Which part did you find the most interesting? Keep commenting because your comments give me motivation and help me continue this journey...