Floating Island - Triple S Talent

However, the cheerful atmosphere gradually shifted to a more serious tone when another student, seated in the middle, began to speak. His expression was calm, but his eyes radiated vigilance. "You all know, don't you, that we're not the only ones heading to the Sky Tower? The Earth Paradise Academy will be there too."

A moment of silence filled the room. The mention of Earth Paradise Academy brought back memories of fierce competition. While they weren't as renowned as the Star Academy, their capabilities couldn't be underestimated.

"They might not be our equals," he continued after a brief pause, "but don't underestimate them. They have a few talented students. If we get too arrogant, we might lose our chance to prove our greatness."

His words prompted deep reflection among some of the students. Though this journey was a significant opportunity, they knew arrogance could backfire. As the discussion continued, their expressions gradually shifted, reflecting a growing determination to face the challenges ahead.

Nova, sitting by the window, listened intently to the conversations around her. Her left hand occasionally tapped her knee, reflecting a nervousness she hid behind a serious expression.

Her gaze was fixed outside, but her mind drifted to the past. In silence, she repeated her own words, a promise she held tightly: to follow in Grace's footsteps and become a core member of the World Market Trade Alliance.

For her, that dream wasn't just a lofty ambition but a life goal etched in her heart. To some, that ambition might seem excessive, but Nova firmly believed she could achieve it.

"You seem tense, Nova," said a young man with a gentle voice, breaking her reverie. He sat beside her, his smile calming.

"Eh?" Nova jolted slightly, looking at her friend in confusion. Her face turned a little red, though she didn't know why. "Am I making a weird face?" she muttered, touching her face as if to ensure nothing was wrong.

The young man chuckled softly, his voice light but full of warmth. "Haha, no need to be embarrassed. I'm sure you can do it." He patted Nova's shoulder casually, as if offering invisible encouragement. He could sense Nova's determination, something so strong it was evident in her speech and demeanor.

He understood that feeling himself. He, too, admired their two seniors from Star Academy—Grace and Joy. The names of these two core members of the World Market Trade Alliance had become legendary among the students. No one at the academy didn't know them. With their stellar achievements, it was only natural for every student to aspire to follow in their footsteps.

At the front of the bus, the supervisors quietly observed the atmosphere. A woman with neatly trimmed short hair glanced back, a faint smile gracing her face. Her eyes reflected a mix of pride and curiosity. "These kids have such high spirits," she murmured softly. "Let's see if they can prove themselves in the Sky Tower."

Her colleague, a bearded man with a sturdy posture, nodded in agreement. "The Sky Tower will test more than just their strength," he said in a heavy tone. "Discipline, teamwork, and courage. Those are what will truly be tested there." His eyes narrowed briefly, as if envisioning the challenges awaiting the students.

Meanwhile, the chatter inside the bus grew louder. Nova and her friends were engrossed in lively conversations, though occasional nervousness crept in between their laughter. The bus continued to move at a steady pace, slicing through the cold air accompanying their journey through the skies. Outside the window, a magnificent view began to unfold.

The Sky Tower finally came into view in the distance. The towering structure loomed majestically, its peak piercing through the layers of clouds. As the bus drew closer, the tower's shadow grew larger, as if it were trying to swallow the horizon. The atmosphere inside the bus gradually shifted. Laughter began to fade, replaced by a silence filled with anticipation and awe.

The Sky Tower finally appeared on the horizon, standing tall and majestic like a boundary marker between earth and sky. Its peak pierced through the layers of clouds, merging with the blue expanse.

The morning sunlight swept across its smooth surface, reflecting a golden glow that was almost blinding. As the bus approached, the tower's shadow grew larger, giving the impression that it was not just a structure but a living entity, watching all who dared to approach.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Inside the bus, the atmosphere slowly changed. The once lively chatter began to quiet down. One by one, the students fell silent, captivated by the view outside the window. Some took deep breaths, while others exchanged glances without words, as if their awe could be conveyed through their eyes alone.

The bus shifted to the large vehicle lane, adjusting its route to prepare for landing. As the bus moved into the new lane, some students noticed a convoy of similar vehicles around them.

"Look, the Paradise Academy bus," said a student from Star Academy, breaking the silence. He pointed out the window at a dark blue bus gliding gracefully in a parallel lane.

"Yeah, you're right. They arrived at the same time as us," his friend replied. Their eyes followed the bus, observing the Paradise Academy logo emblazoned on its side. There was an unspoken sense of competition in their gazes, though their mouths said no more.

However, the atmosphere quickly shifted as one of the supervisors at the front of the bus stood up. She was a woman with a firm posture and neatly styled short hair. In a calm yet commanding voice, she said, "Everyone, please stay calm and prepare yourselves. Don't pay attention to the other academies."

Her authoritative tone immediately drew the students' focus to the front. She continued with a firmer voice, "Make sure none of your equipment is left behind. And most importantly, don't stray from your teams."

The students obediently checked their gear, some loosening the bags on their laps, while others busied themselves inspecting the communication devices on their wrists. The supervisor walked slowly down the aisle, ensuring all the students were ready. Her gaze was sharp but attentive, like a captain unwilling to see any soldier left behind before a battle began.

"The Sky Tower is no place for carelessness," she added. "Remember this well: teamwork is key. Don't forget the reason you came here."