Chapter 2 - Chapter 2

The night sky stretched out like a dark velvet tapestry studded with twinkling stars, but this was no ordinary night. In the silent expanse of the universe, a momentous event was unfolding - the entrance examination for the Academy of Light, where dreams are illuminated and destinies are shaped.From every corner of the country, young hearts turned toward this legendary school. Each year, the staggering number of 650,000 applicants served as testament to the school's irresistible allure. Yet only 65,000 of the most exceptional candidates would pass through the gates of the official examination - a trial that assessed not only talent but also tested the will and spirit of those who could control Twinkle, the mysterious power that flowed from the stars.Among today's young faces were Mizu, with eyes as clear as an autumn lake; Ryu, carrying an eternal flame of passion; Eito, whose spirit was as steadfast as a mountain; and Hinata, always harboring unexpected ideas. Four people, four different destinies, but all sharing one burning desire: to explore their limits and reach for the stars.The Academy of Twinkle was not merely a school - it was a microcosm with five special departments, each like a distinct path leading to different horizons. Candidates would have to choose their department, deciding the path they would walk throughout their time here.Upon entering, each candidate faced two major challenges: theoretical and practical examinations.The theoretical exam was like a four-movement symphony:Mathematics - the language of logic and reasoning;Literature - the art of words and emotions;English - the bridge to the world;Twinkle and Heart Core - where science meets mystery.Each subject was an essential piece in the comprehensive portrait of a future Twinkle controller.Two days after completing the exhausting theoretical tests, the practical examination began.The great doors of the Academy of Light slowly opened, like a pathway leading to an unexplored world. Soft light cascaded down from suspended lamps above, yet it paled in comparison to the true radiance emanating from the footsteps of the first students. They entered a vast hall, filled with curious gazes and untold stories.Ryu Katsuya stood towering amid the crowd, his hair burning red like fire and his eyes sharp as ice. He wore stylish streetwear: a black hoodie with striking patterns, ripped knee jeans, and elegant white sneakers. Though casual in style, every detail exuded Ryu's meticulous nature and strong personality. He didn't share the excitement or nervousness of those around him. To him, this exam was merely a challenge to prove his superiority. Yet deep inside, there was something he couldn't deny – anxiety. Each step within the Academy of Light felt like stepping into a world he had never truly understood.Eito Karashiwa stood beside Ryu, his gaze cold, with neatly combed black hair and skin as bright as moonlight. He wore modern Korean-style fashion: a fitted white shirt beneath a black jacket, dark jeans, and polished leather shoes. Every detail of Eito's attire reflected both precision and strength, while maintaining an alluring gentleness. Eito surveyed his surroundings with an icy demeanor, but behind those eyes lay deep pain and a desperate desire to become the strongest.Mizu Shoga stood near the door, her jade eyes sparkling like stars. She wore a short black lace dress that hugged her figure while maintaining an air of grace and gentleness. The dress hem floated with each step, creating an effect both ethereal and enchanting. The fluidity in her movements, the way she navigated through the crowd, made her stand out. Mizu didn't need to speak; her mere presence in this space drew all eyes to her.Hinata Hoshino stood close to Mizu, wearing her usual smile though her eyes betrayed hints of worry. She wore a pink Lolita dress adorned with delicate lace details and a large bow at the collar. Her adorable appearance made everyone smile, but within beat a strong and resilient heart. Though always smiling outwardly, this exam would prove no small challenge for Hinata."Welcome to the Academy of Light entrance examination. This is no ordinary test. You will face not only trials of power but challenges of spirit and soul. Prepare yourselves to discover who you truly are," the leader's voice resonated through the vast space.Suddenly, a brilliant light appeared, and in an instant, the surrounding space grew dim, leaving only soft footsteps on the yielding ground. Before them lay a fantastical space with doors floating in mid-air, each emanating different colored light, beckoning them to enter.Ryu and Eito exchanged challenging looks. Their relationship had been tense since elementary school, but in this moment, nothing else existed but them.Hinata turned to Mizu, her eyes full of concern. "Which one should we enter first?" she asked, her tone both cheerful and uncertain.Mizu merely smiled lightly, a smile both graceful and determined. "We'll enter together, not letting any challenge frighten us," she said, stepping toward one of the glowing doors.The four stepped through the radiant doors, and the space around them transformed completely. The doors closed behind them, leaving the outside world behind. They entered a void where time seemed to stand still. Echoes like distant calls resonated from untraceable sources.Every step was a challenge, not just of power but of courage, confronting their true selves. And in this moment, everyone understood that this journey wasn't just about discovering Twinkle power, but about discovering who they really were.