The first rays of dawn filtered through the heavy curtains of Anthony's room, their golden light catching the edges of his bedding.
The sun's warmth was a soft, welcoming embrace, as if the world itself acknowledged the significance of the day.
Anthony stirred beneath the covers, the faintest hint of a smile curling his lips as his eyes fluttered open.
For a moment, he lay still, savoring the tranquility of the morning.
The weight of the impending day felt strangely distant, no doubt, because he had already surpassed the expectations that others would place on him.
Today was merely a formality. The Academy's graduation ceremony, a process that had become nothing more than a simple gesture for him and his companions.
Turning his head slightly, he saw the familiar form of his mother, Mitchelle, standing by the window.
Her Crimson hair caught the morning light, glowing ethereally, and her calm presence filled the room.
There was a grace in her movements, a regal air that matched the quiet storm within her.
As always, she had already been awake long before he had stirred, a habit formed from years of being a world power.
"Good morning, Mother"
Anthony said, his voice quiet but filled with warmth.
Mitchelle turned to him, a slight smile touching her lips, but her eyes held a depth of knowing that few could match.
"Good morning, son. I trust you're ready for the day ahead?"
Anthony nodded.
"I'm ready. But I doubt there will be much to learn here anymore. The Academy can offer no more to me"
He paused, his gaze momentarily flickering to the window, where the distant silhouette of the Academy loomed.
"I'm ready to take the next step"
Mitchelle's smile deepened, her pride for her son evident but carefully restrained.
"That you are. You've already surpassed all expectations, far beyond what any of us thought possible"
Her voice softened.
"I'll make sure you're safe, as always. But remember, Anthony, even in places where you think you no longer have anything to learn, there are challenges awaiting you"
Anthony regarded his mother with a quiet respect.
"I know mom"
His words held a subtle weight, as though they were an affirmation of the changes that had taken place within him.
Mitchelle gave a knowing nod, understanding the meaning behind his words all too well.
With a swift motion, she extended her hand, weaving through the air with a fluid, practiced gesture.
The room shifted, colors rippled like water, and in an instant, Anthony and Mitchelle were standing in the grand courtyard of the Academy.
....
The Academy Domain
The grand stone gates of the Academy loomed ahead, their presence imposing and regal.
As they stepped into the heart of the Academy Domain, Anthony felt the familiar weight of history and tradition pressing against him.
The courtyard buzzed with students milling about, their conversations low, filled with anticipation.
But as Anthony made his entrance, the courtyard fell into stunned silence.
He wasn't merely the son of two legendary figures.
He was a force in his own right.
His very presence commanded attention, the air around him seemingly bending to his will.
And behind him, as always, stood Mitchelle, though she kept her presence low, watching from the shadows, her gaze sharp and ever-watchful.
Anthony's subordinates had already gathered, standing together with a quiet intensity.
The Ten Stars, as they had now come to be known, were waiting.
But Tiara... she stayed quiet. Always. Her silence felt like a shield, one that had been built over time.
She was still coming to terms with her own place in this world, and Anthony was the mirror that showed her just how far ahead he had gone.
It wasn't a matter of pride anymore, it was simply the reality of their situation.
Clement stood among them, as ever, the embodiment of silence.
His presence was a quiet yet potent force, unspoken but undeniable.
His gaze drifted toward Anthony for the briefest of moments, a flicker of recognition in his eyes, yet his lips remained sealed, betraying no emotion.
No words passed between them, and none were needed.
Anthony could feel the palpable aura that surrounded Clement, an almost suffocating intensity that whispered of power and purpose.
The truth was laid bare before him, clear as day, the man's rise to the zenith of the Master rank had been forged by his unique ability, Soul Collector.
Anthony, with the insight of his All-Seeing Eyes, had witnessed the unsettling truth, the countless souls Clement had gathered during their harrowing captivity.
Each one had pushed him further along his path, elevating him to his current position.
Yet, despite the weight of those souls, Clement's expression remained as immutable as stone.
There was no trace of remorse, no hint of triumph, no glimmer of sorrow, only an unyielding, stoic acknowledgment of his own ascension, a quiet acceptance of the price he had paid to reach this point.
In his stillness, he conveyed everything without uttering a single word.
As they walked toward the gates, the group, Anthony and his companions, Bryan, Tiara, the Storm Brothers, felt the collective weight of what they were about to face.
Graduation was not just an academic rite; it was the beginning of a new path. One where their destinies would be forged by their own hands.
And so, they stepped forward, leaving behind the walls of the Academy. The world awaited them, and they would not be held back.
Before they left, each of them shared a brief but meaningful exchange.
"Take care of yourselves" Anthony said to the group.
"No matter where we go, our paths are forever linked"
The Storm Brothers gave a hearty salute.
"Until we meet again"
Rider said.
Bryan nodded, his usual confidence radiating.
"Don't forget us when you leave, Anthony"
Tiara, standing apart from the group, simply gave him a glance that conveyed more than words ever could.
There was no need for a farewell. She knew this wasn't the end.
Finally, Anthony stood alone at the Academy gate.
He could feel his mother's presence, a gentle pull on his senses, though she remained hidden.
He was about to leave when a soft shift in the air caught his attention.
Without turning, he already knew someone was behind him.
The air grew still, the world holding its breath as an unknown figure emerged from the shadows.
"Null Anthony"
The figure spoke, its voice low and unmistakable.
"The Dean wants to see you"
Anthony turned slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly.
The figure was cloaked in darkness, but there was something about their presence that felt familiar.
The Dean. Anthony raised an eyebrow in surprise.
"Lead the way"
Anthony replied, his voice calm and steady.