The night wind blew gently at the Stellar Academy. The pale moonlight illuminated the deserted garden, casting faint shadows among the trees and park benches. Raka sat on one of the benches, his body upright but looking a bit tense. Tomorrow was the day of the class placement exam, and he couldn't shake off the nervousness that enveloped his mind.
Familiar footsteps approached.
Alya: "Brother?"
Alya's soft voice broke the silence. Raka turned, smiling faintly to see his younger sister standing there with attentive eyes.
Raka: "Hey, Alya."
Raka patted the space next to him, signaling Alya to sit down.
Raka: "Aren't you asleep yet?"
Alya: "I should be the one asking that," Alya replied as she sat down. (Looking at Raka worriedly) "You seem tense. Thinking about tomorrow's exam?"
Raka: (Scoffs, looking at the night sky.) "Yeah... Somehow, I feel unsure."
Raka: (He turned to Alya.) "I can only do basic magic, and that's just Telekinesis. Meanwhile, you... You've even mastered Star magic. How can I possibly compare to you?"
Alya: (Frowning.) "Brother, don't talk like that. You have your own talents, and that's more than enough. The School Board recommended you to Stellar Academy for a reason."
Raka: (Complaining irritably) "But they only know what they want to see, what if tomorrow I can't do anything and end up in the first round"
Alya: (Gently comforting) "You won't fail, Brother. You are my strong and determined brother, you are so full of hope brother no matter what you always look for the best solution to every problem, that's so amazing"
Raka was silent for a moment, pondering Alya's words. There was truth in them, but still, his own self-doubt continued to overshadow him. He thought for a moment before changing the subject.
Raka: (Curious) "Alya, what about you? Do you feel burdened by their expectations? The Saintess and the Temple Council always demand you to be the best."
Alya smiled gently, though her eyes showed a hint of weariness.
Alya: "Of course there's a burden, Brother. But, I try to see it from the other side. They want me to be the best because they believe in me. The Saintess... she's a good person. But yeah, I also feel like they're hiding something."
Raka looked at Alya curiously.
Raka: "What do you mean?"
Alya: "I don't know for sure, just a feeling,"
Alya: "But isn't it strange? They recommended you to Stellar Academy, even though you can only do Telekinesis. It seems like there's another reason behind their decision."
Raka: "ah about that you will be told later it seems, hehe"
Alya: (Pouting) "eh hmm what is this why are you keeping secrets"
Raka just smiled slightly but his heart beat faster. 'If Alya finds out the truth... about the reason the councilors...' he thought.
He had to be more careful. He nodded in agreement, trying to hide his nervousness.
Raka: (Smiling worriedly) "hehehe. But whatever their reasons, I hope we can get through this together."
Alya smiled, a warm smile that always made Raka feel better.
Alya: "We definitely can, Brother. We've come this far, and we're not alone. We have each other."
Raka: (Sighing in relief) "Yeah, you're right. Thank you, Alya."
He looked at the night sky again, feeling a little calmer. However, as he tried to enjoy this calm, a cold chill suddenly crept over his body.
He shivered, feeling as if a dark shadow was watching from afar. His eyes wandered around, trying to find the source, but there was nothing but the darkness of the night.
Raka: "Do you feel that, Alya?" he asked, hoping his sister also felt this strange thing.
Alya: (Frowning, looking around) "No, Brother. What is it?"
Raka: "Nothing... maybe it's just my feeling,
Raka muttered. But in his heart, he knew this was not just a feeling. There was something different tonight, as if the world was whispering about something that could not be seen by ordinary eyes. The coldness felt so real, yet it was also intangible.
However, before he could think further, Alya pulled him back to reality.
Alya: "We have to go back to the dormitory now. Tomorrow will be a big day."
Raka nodded, trying to ignore the coldness that still lingered.
Raka: "Yes, you're right. It's late."
He stood up, gently rubbing Alya's arm as a sign of gratitude.
Raka: "Good night, Alya."
Alya: "Good night, Brother" (Walking ahead towards the dormitory.)
Raka stared at his sister's back, a feeling of warmth mixed with lingering anxiety. As he followed Alya back to the dormitory, the shadow of tomorrow and what might be faced continued to haunt his mind.