(Part 13)

(One Month Later)

A month had passed, and the academy buzzed with new found energy.

Poseidon was back.

His return alone had shifted the atmosphere. Classrooms felt livelier, conversations brimmed with excitement, and on the sports field, it was as if life itself had rekindled. Whether in academics or training, he was a presence impossible to ignore. A source of unwavering support, regarded by all, mentioned by many.

The good old days had returned. Though his rehabilitation continued, Poseidon now moved with an ease that once seemed impossible. His strides were strong, his reflexes sharp, and his seizures under control.

With the sun high above the cricket field, he played among his teammates as if he had never left. The crack of leather against willow rang through the air, followed by cheers as Mirza sent the ball soaring across the field.

From the other end of the pitch, Helios raised his bat in approval, but Poseidon, who had bowled the delivery, was already glancing toward deep cover. A fielder caught the ball cleanly.

Helios blinked in surprise as Poseidon's eyes gleamed with triumph.

It was just like before. No—better. Because now, they truly understood what it meant to nearly lose it all.

As practice wrapped up, a staff member rushed onto the field, clutching a crisp white envelope. "Coach Zavian, this just arrived from the board. The headmaster asked me to deliver it to you."

Curious murmurs rippled through the team as Coach Zavian tore open the envelope. His brows furrowed as he scanned the contents, but then, his expression softened into a rare, proud smile.

The boys, still catching their breath, exchanged puzzled glances.

"What is it?" Claude asked.

Ebraham shrugged, "No clue."

"Maybe a detention letter?" Mirza quipped, nudging Poseidon.

"Tch, can you be a little positive sometimes? Why would he be grinning like that if that were the case?" Haadi rolled his eyes.

Mirza tapped his chin, feigning deep thought. "A love letter, perhaps?"

Helios shot him a glare so sharp it could cut steel.

Mirza stiffened, swallowing hard. "Uh—never mind…"

Lucifer and Azazel giggled in amusement.

Coach Zavian soon cleared his throat, gathering their attention, "Well, gentlemen… it seems we've just been given the opportunity of a lifetime."

The boys exchanged puzzled looks as they inched closer, their curiosity growing. Eyes flickered between each other before settling on the parchment in Coach Zavian's hands.

Poseidon leaned in, reading the letter alongside them. The words staring back at him: "We are pleased to invite Eighth Generation Academy to the Sindh base under the Pakistan Cricket Board. You will have the chance to qualify for the U-18 National Team and compete in the upcoming World Cup…"

For a moment, there was silence. The boys exchanged stunned glances before springing to their feet, their eyes wide with disbelief. 

Zavian, having handed the letter to Helios, quietly observed his reaction, eyes frozen on the page, breath caught in his throat.

"This… this isn't a joke, right?" Ezekiel stammered, his heart pounding with overwhelming exhilaration.

Then, in an instant, the quiet shattered.

"OH YEAH!! We did it!" Claude yelled, throwing his arms around Ebraham and Ezekiel in an ecstatic embrace.

"T-The base? The Pakistan Board…?" Haadi echoed, struggling to process the reality as Azazel and Lucifer broke into wild cheers, swaying in sheer joy.

The rest of the academy erupted into cheers, some shouting, others barely able to process the news. The impossible had come knocking at their door.

Helios stood frozen amidst the chaos, fingers tightening around the letter, his mind a whirlwind of emotions.

Then, a gentle pat on his arm. He turned to see Poseidon beside him, smiling with that same unwavering confidence. "See? I told you. Opportunities are never-ending. Chances will always arise. With an unwavering will, endless paths shall forever be carved."

Helios exhaled sharply before chuckling, shaking his head, "You really are a lucky charm, huh?"

Poseidon smirked, winking, "Took you long enough to figure that out."

Helios smiled as the others crowded around them, laughter and excitement filling the air.

"Haha, isn't this just amazing?! We'll be playing for the world, Captain!" Azazel beamed.

"The grand stage! So many teams, so many new players, new styles of cricket. Everything is waiting for us!" Mirza added, his excitement infectious.

Helios let out a steady breath, feeling the thrill of the unknown ahead. He tilted his head back toward the open sky.

The world was calling.

The future stood wide open, waiting. And with a smirk, he threw an arm around Poseidon and Ezekiel's shoulders, declaring with unwavering confidence, "Well then, here we come, Grand outside world!"

"YEAH!!" the team roared raising their fists in unison. 

All aiming forward towards the thrilling, boundless, adventurous future!!