The morning air was crisp as the five chosen students gathered near the academy's transport hub. Mri, Jasmine, Ayang, Shahid, and Tanuja stood in silence, each lost in their own thoughts about what lay ahead.
The entire academy had been buzzing since the rankings were announced. Mri's SS Rank was still the talk of the campus. Even now, as students lined up to watch their departure, whispers filled the air.
"That guy is something else…"
"Is he even human?"
Mri ignored the chatter, his hands in his pockets. His mind was elsewhere. The Silent Phantoms… Why now? Why him?
Beside him, Jasmine stretched her arms. "I can't believe we're actually going to AP Academy," she said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "You know, most people train for years just to get noticed by them."
Ayang smirked. "Yeah, but we're not 'most people.'"
Tanuja, the quietest among them, simply observed. She was always like this—calculating, watching.
Just then, Miss Ananya arrived, flanked by Principal Basanta Kutum.
"All of you, listen up," Miss Ananya began. "AP Academy's Academic Event isn't just about individual strength. It's about strategy, teamwork, and pushing your limits."
Basanta Kutum stepped forward, his cold green eyes sweeping over them.
"You are representing our academy," he said, his tone calm but sharp. "Do not embarrass us."
A heavy silence followed his words.
Then, the transport gates opened.
A massive silver aircraft, sleek and futuristic, descended from the sky. The insignia of AP Academy gleamed on its side.
Mri took one last glance at his academy before stepping inside.
A new battlefield awaited.
Inside the Aircraft
The interior was spacious, lined with rows of seats and high-tech screens displaying information about the event. As the engines roared to life, the students took their seats.
Jasmine leaned in toward Mri. "So, any idea what the first test will be?"
Mri exhaled. "Doesn't matter."
Ayang chuckled. "Typical."
As the aircraft ascended, Miss Ananya stood at the front.
"Listen carefully," she announced. "The first round of the event will begin as soon as we land."
The students straightened. So soon?
"The first test," she continued, "is Survival."