Two years had passed since Varek, Keiran, and Vikas first stepped into the halls of Gold Rank Academy.
They were no longer just students.
They were warriors.
Graduation day had arrived, and the grand ceremony hall was filled with the murmurs of excited voices. Golden banners lined the massive chamber, each embroidered with the insignia of the academy—an emblem that symbolized strength, perseverance, and the honor of the Gold Rank. The air buzzed with energy as students, mentors, and dignitaries gathered to witness the rise of the academy's latest graduates.
Varek adjusted the collar of his ceremonial uniform. The dark gold-trimmed jacket fit snugly, its weight unfamiliar yet symbolic. He looked around, eyes scanning the crowd. Keiran stood beside him, his expression calm but his hands clasped behind his back—a sign that he was deep in thought. Vikas, ever composed, stood tall with his arms crossed, exuding the same quiet confidence that had earned him respect over the years.
"It still feels surreal," Keiran murmured, his gaze sweeping across the grand hall. "Two years... and now we're here."
"Yeah," Varek agreed. His voice was steady, but inside, he felt the weight of everything they'd been through—the relentless training, the battles, the rivalries, the triumphs. It had all led to this moment.
At the front of the hall, Principal Niozi stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate silence. His piercing golden eyes scanned the assembled students before he spoke.
"Today, we stand before the future of the Gold Rank," his voice echoed through the hall. "Each of you has endured trials that tested not only your strength but your character. You have fought, you have learned, and you have proven yourselves worthy."
He paused, letting his words settle. "As Gold Rank warriors, you will no longer be bound by the academy's walls. The world beyond awaits, filled with challenges greater than any you have faced before. But I have no doubt—you are ready."
One by one, names were called. The graduates stepped forward to receive their official insignias—golden crests etched with their names and unique mana signatures. When Varek's name was called, he stepped forward with steady determination. The emblem was placed in his hands, its weight grounding him in reality. This was it.
"Varek Solin," Principal Niozi addressed him. "You entered this academy as a Bronze Rank swordsman, underestimated by many. Yet, through sheer will and unmatched swordsmanship, you have shattered expectations. May you carry this strength forward as a Gold Rank warrior."
Varek gave a firm nod before stepping back. Keiran and Vikas followed, each receiving their insignias with the same solemn respect. As the final name was called and the last insignia distributed, Principal Niozi raised his hands.
"From this day forward, you are no longer students of Gold Rank Academy. You are Gold Rank warriors!"
A roar of applause and cheers erupted through the hall. The sound filled Varek's chest, but more than celebration, it was a call to something greater—a new beginning.
As the ceremony ended and the graduates stepped out into the academy courtyard, Midlo Fruijui leaned against a stone pillar, flicking strands of string mana between his fingers. "So," he drawled, "you're Gold Rank now. What's next?"
Hull Culrizy, standing nearby with his ever-present smirk, let out a chuckle. "I hope you're ready. Gold Rank isn't the end—it's just the start of a much bigger battlefield."
Varek tightened his grip around his insignia. He knew it too. The true battles awaited beyond the academy walls.