First Qualifying Round

"Looks like it's time to say goodbye here."

Jackson managed a bittersweet smile, gently patting the head of his only daughter. A pang of sadness filled him as he realized he wouldn't be there to walk alongside her in the journey ahead, but he had his matters to attend to.

"Dad!.." Lewis's eyes filled with tears. She hugged him tightly, desperately holding on to the moment before he truly left.

"James! Remember what I told you." Jackson looked directly at him, his determined gaze filled with countless unspoken meanings.

"I know!" James nodded knowingly; after all, they had already had a long talk earlier.

With farewells exchanged, Jackson departed, leaving two young men and one girl to embark on the exciting journey that awaited them.

"There are quite a few teenagers here…" Liam frowned, watching the different groups entering the gate.

"Yes! Many of them come from prominent families."

"There are some just like us, too," Liam nodded.