Chapter "The Applause Of Victory"

Hamlyn and Sheryl stood alone in the middle of the vast sea, the clear blue sky stretching endlessly above them, a peaceful stillness surrounding them. Their eyes remained locked in an unspoken connection.

Hamlyn smiled gently as he reached out, placing his hand tenderly on Sheryl's cheek. Sheryl gazed back at him in silence, her eyes brimming with love, as if the entire world had faded away, leaving just the two of them in this moment.

"Sheryl!" Teacher Sarah's voice jolted both Sheryl and Hamlyn back to reality. Hamlyn quickly withdrew his hand, while Sheryl remained still, her eyes shifting to Teacher Sarah and her classmates, who were all staring at them in puzzled silence.

"It's time, Sheryl. Narumi Sensei is waiting for you," Teacher Sarah reminded her gently.

Sheryl turned to see Amara and Kozue already in position, their eyes on her as they waited. Narumi Sensei stood nearby, her hands clasped behind her back, watching Sheryl with an expectant gaze.