As the crowd dispersed and students made their way to their respective classrooms, Ha-Yoon tugged at Si-Woo's sleeve. “We’re proud of you,” she said softly, her usual sarcasm replaced with genuine affection.
Mai gave him a sly grin. “Don’t get too comfortable, Si-Woo. You’ve set a new standard. Now you have to keep it.”
Si-Woo chuckled nervously, brushing the back of his head. “No pressure, right?”
The three shared a brief laugh before parting ways. Si-Woo watched as Ha-Yoon and Mai walked toward the Level 3 halls, their camaraderie making him smile. But that smile faded slightly as he turned toward the student advisors directing students to their new classes. He couldn’t help but feel the weight of his new position. Everyone expected so much from him now.
When the assembly hall emptied and the excited chatter faded into silence, Si-Woo stood alone for a moment, catching his breath. The gravity of what had just happened still hadn't fully sunk in. Then, with a deep breath, he made his way toward the stage, where Princess Deane waited for him.
She stood gracefully, her silver-white hair catching the light like a halo. Her vibrant, pale blue gown shimmered as she turned to face him, her light brown eyes warm with pride. “Si-Woo,” she said, her tone soft but full of emotion. “You’ve done something extraordinary today.”
“Thank you, Your Highness,” Si-Woo replied, bowing respectfully.
Princess Deane stepped closer, her hands clasped in front of her. “I’ve watched many students pass through this academy over the years, but never have I seen anyone achieve what you have. A perfect score... it’s a testament to your dedication, resilience, and intellect. You should be proud of yourself.”
Si-Woo felt his cheeks flush under her gaze. “I couldn’t have done it without the people around me. My sister, Mai, and others who’ve supported me.”
Her smile grew. “Humility is a fine trait, but don’t downplay your own efforts. What you’ve achieved has implications. You’re not just moving forward—you’re moving to the Middle Academy of Yohen, where the Level 4s and 5s train. It’s a more rigorous environment, with challenges that will push you to your limits. But I believe you’re ready for it.”
Si-Woo’s eyes widened. The Middle Academy. He had dreamed of reaching it, but the reality of the transition was suddenly overwhelming.
“The next two days,” Princess Deane continued, her voice steady and encouraging, “will be for preparation. You’ll need to pack your belongings and tie up any loose ends here. The move will be both physical and symbolic—a step toward your future.”
Si-Woo nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. “I’ll do my best, Princess. Thank you for your guidance and encouragement.”
She placed a hand on his shoulder, her touch light but reassuring. “Remember, this is only the beginning. The path ahead will be hard, but you’ve already proven you have what it takes to excel. Your new uniform and equipment will be delivered to your home. And... Si-Woo?”
“Yes, Your Highness?”
Her smile softened, revealing a maternal warmth that surprised him. “Take a moment to celebrate this victory. Let yourself enjoy it—you’ve earned that much.”
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
He nodded again, his throat tightening with emotion. “I will. Thank you.”
With that, he bowed deeply and excused himself, walking out of the hall and toward his quarters. His mind swirled with thoughts—of the new academy, the challenges ahead, and the people he’d leave behind.
After Si-Woo bowed deeply and excused himself, he left the assembly hall, his footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor. He was lost in thought, the weight of the day’s events pressing heavily on his mind.
As he approached the main hallway, Nurse Lila appeared seemingly out of nowhere, stepping in front of him with her arms crossed and a rare, soft smile on her face.
“I knew you could do it,” she said warmly, before pulling him into a firm hug.
Si-Woo stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden affection. But the familiar scent of the nurse’s herbal salve and the comforting warmth of her embrace broke through his composure. His chest tightened, and before he could stop himself, tears began to well up in his eyes.
“I…” he started, his voice shaky. “I didn’t think—”
“You’ve worked hard, Si-Woo,” Nurse Lila interrupted gently, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze. Her light green eyes sparkled with pride, and she reached up to wipe the tears from his face with her thumb. “You’ve become stronger now, Si-Woo. Don’t be afraid.”
Her words sank deep, and Si-Woo felt a sense of reassurance he didn’t realize he needed.
“Thank you,” he whispered, his voice barely audible.
She gave him a small pat on the shoulder and smiled. “Go on now. You’ve got a lot to prepare for, and I’m sure your sister and friends are waiting to celebrate with you. But don’t forget—if you ever need someone to talk to, my office door is always open.”
Si-Woo nodded, his emotions still swirling but his heart feeling lighter. “I won’t forget,” he promised.
With that, Nurse Lila stepped aside, watching him as he walked toward his quarters. Her smile lingered as she murmured to herself, “That boy’s going to do great things.”
Si-Woo continued on, wiping the last traces of tears from his face. Her words echoed in his mind, strengthening his resolve as he began to pack for the next chapter of his journey.
As Si-Woo made his way out of the academy, his bag slung over his shoulder and his thoughts focused on what lay ahead, he noticed a shift in the atmosphere. Fae students lingering in the hallways turned their heads as he passed, their eyes full of curiosity and, in some cases, admiration.
“Is that him?” one whispered to another, their voice just loud enough for Si-Woo to hear.
“Yeah, that’s Si-Woo. The one who scored a perfect 100,” another replied, their tone a mixture of awe and disbelief.
A group of students giggled as they watched him walk by. “Si-Woo and Ha-Yoon are like the Prodigy Twins now,” one said, her wings fluttering slightly with excitement.
Si-Woo’s steps faltered for a moment, and he glanced around, catching glimpses of their pointed ears and radiant features, their whispers following him like a soft hum. He felt a pang of discomfort at being the center of attention, but at the same time, pride swelled in his chest. Prodigy twins, he thought, the phrase lingering in his mind.
“Guess you’ve made quite the impression,” a passing senior student said with a smirk, clapping him on the back as he continued down the corridor.
Si-Woo managed a polite smile, nodding in acknowledgment but keeping his focus ahead. As much as he appreciated the recognition, he knew the title came with expectations he wasn’t sure he was ready to shoulder.
Reaching the academy gates, he looked back briefly at the sprawling building that had been his home for so long. He could still hear the faint murmur of students and see their curious glances. Turning forward again, he squared his shoulders and took a deep breath.
It’s not just about proving myself anymore, he thought. It’s about showing them all that Ha-Yoon and I are more than just a title. We’re ready for what’s next.
With that resolve, Si-Woo stepped through the gates, leaving behind the whispers of the academy and heading toward the new challenges awaiting him at the middle academy of Yohen.