The next few days passed quickly after the intense Phantom Knights meeting.
Soon, all the Phantom Knights returned to their respective academies, carrying heavy thoughts… and even heavier responsibilities.
At Nightfall Kingdom, the atmosphere had already begun to shift.
There was tension in the air.
Excitement.
And something deeper—anticipation.
Everyone could feel it.
Something big was coming.
Teachers' Meeting
A special meeting was called by Mr. Stone for all instructors and trainers.
The large hall was filled with teachers, mentors, and senior fighters. Conversations buzzed softly until Mr. Stone stepped forward.
Silence fell instantly.
"Everyone," he began, his voice calm but commanding,
"A major event is approaching. The Great Finale Competition will take place in one month."
Murmurs spread across the room.
"This is not just a tradition," he continued.
"It is a test. A test of strength, teamwork, survival, and growth."
One teacher raised a hand.
"Sir… are our first-year students ready for something like this?"
Mr. Stone paused.
Then a small, confident smile appeared.
"They will be."
Student Assembly
Later that day, all the students gathered in the main training arena.
Daniel, Mary, David, Noah, Lily, Zoya, Lucy, and Felix stood together in the front row.
Everyone could feel something important was about to be announced.
Mr. Stone stepped forward again.
"As you all know," he said,
"you are first-year students. And every year, first-year students participate in the most important event in our world…"
He paused.
"The Great Finale Competition."
Excited whispers filled the arena.
Competition Explained
Mr. Stone raised his hand to calm everyone.
"There are nine academies, and each academy will send their first-year students."
His gaze shifted to the group.
"This year… Nightfall Kingdom will be represented by eight students."
All eyes turned toward them.
A mix of pride and pressure filled their hearts.
Level One – Teamwork Test
"The first level," Mr. Stone explained,
"will test your teamwork."
"You will compete in teams against students from other academies."
He paced slowly.
"You may be given survival challenges, search missions, strategic tasks… anything."
Felix leaned toward David.
"This already sounds tough."
David smirked.
"Relax. It'll be fun."
Level Two – Real Danger
Mr. Stone's tone became serious.
"The second level…"
Silence spread.
"You will be sent to dangerous locations… where you will fight real ghosts."
A chill ran through everyone.
"Do not panic," he added.
"You will be in groups. And if your life is in danger, we will intervene."
Still…
Everyone knew this was serious.
Level Three – Solo Battles
"And the final level," he continued,
"will test your individual strength."
"One-on-one battles against students from other academies."
Zoya smiled slightly.
"Now that sounds interesting."
Noah crossed his arms.
"Just don't lose."
Zoya glanced at him.
"You should worry about yourself."
Rewards
Felix raised his hand.
"Sir… is this just for experience?"
Mr. Stone nodded.
"The top ten students will receive a rank increase."
Gasps filled the arena.
"That's huge…" Lucy whispered.
"And remember," Mr. Stone added,
"ranking depends on all three levels—not just the final battle."
Hope spread across everyone.
After the Meeting
The meeting ended.
Students slowly began leaving, talking excitedly.
The group stayed behind.
Lucy said softly,
"This is big…"
Lily nodded.
"Yeah… but scary too."
David stretched casually.
"This is what we trained for."
Mary looked at Daniel.
"What do you think?"
Daniel smiled.
"We'll do it… together."
She smiled back.
Private Warning
"Daniel… wait."
Mr. Stone's voice stopped him.
"Come here."
The others stepped back.
Daniel walked forward.
"Yes, sir?"
Mr. Stone looked serious.
"I don't think Caden will attack in such a large gathering."
Daniel stayed silent.
"But if he does…"
His voice dropped.
"You will be his target."
Daniel's expression hardened slightly.
"Stay alert," Mr. Stone said.
"And control your weapon… Throns."
He paused.
"That power might be the only thing that can save everyone."
Daniel nodded.
"I understand."
Later That Night
The group sat together, talking about the competition.
Felix was already planning strategies.
"We should focus more on coordination," he said.
"If level one is teamwork, we need perfect timing."
Lily added,
"And communication."
David smirked.
"That's easy for me."
Noah rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, mind reader."
Everyone laughed.
But Zoya didn't laugh much.
She turned toward David, her expression suddenly serious.
In a low voice, she said,
"No one should find out that you can read minds… no one. This must stay only between the eight of us and Mr. Stone. Remember that."
David looked at her for a moment.
For once, he didn't joke.
He just nodded slightly.
"Yeah… I know."
Mary glanced at Daniel again.
He was smiling… but something felt off.
Daniel's Thoughts
Later that night, when everything became quiet…
Daniel lay awake.
Competition… rank increase… battles…
But his mind wasn't there.
Only one name echoed—
Caden
The academy slowly fell silent.
Lights turned off one by one.
Everyone slept…
Except fate.
Far away, hidden in darkness…
Something was watching.
Waiting.
Planning.
And a faint whisper echoed—
"Soon… Daniel Williams…"