ASTAKONA [COURSE EIGHT]
Chapter 12

Four grueling days finally came to an end, and 800 candidates were required to attend the opening ceremony at the academy. After the election was over, the parents and guards returned to their respective countries after knowing the status of their children in the academy.

However, Zara felt heavy-hearted because Bhai had not yet appeared. Maybe Bhai had already returned home when his interview turn arrived. Among the moments of happiness and excitement he experienced during the opening event, there was a feeling of emptiness that he was unable to get rid of.

On the opening day, the atmosphere in the academy was so festive. Each participant is given an official and relaxed uniform according to their home village. The seniors from each village were chosen to guide the new students, taking them around some important areas of the academy.

After going through a long tour around the academy, the seniors brought the new juniors to their respective villages, assisted by the seniors from the purple village through a special portal.

Zara felt interested in the village system in this academy. Each village has its own learning place, with different approaches and teaching styles. The villages interact and collaborate, creating a unique and engaging learning environment.

As the sun begins to set in the twilight sky, Zara and her entourage arrive at Seij Village. They were shocked by the incredible sight. It takes them to a world of beautiful forests, where trees soar into the sky and provide a pleasant sense of shade. Seij Village seemed to be in the magical realm, a place where the universe touched the earth with tenderness.

The dormitory houses they occupied were filled with a fragrant aroma of wood, as it was built lovingly using the natural materials growing around it. The shape is unique like a giant mushroom, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding nature.

Every step Zara took in this village felt like touching a soft green tapestry.

The sweet sound of birds chirping combined with the sound of the quiet stream gurgling. Like the symphony of nature, this harmony of sounds touched the soul and filled Zara's heart with serenity and peace.

"Ouh yeah. Tonight, everyone don't sleep. There will be special performances from your seniors as a welcome sign" said one senior with sparkling eyes.

"Don't forget, at 9 we'll pick you up here. Make sure 8 o'clock is down and ready. I don't want any of you to be absent and damage the reputation of Seij village."

"Good, master!" excited answers were heard from the new students.

After talking to the senior, they rushed over to enroll in the dormitory. There are 10 main blocks, 4 male blocks are in the north, and 6 more blocks are in the east, south and west. Zara eagerly and eagerly submitted her registration card at the registration table and received the key with the number of the Second South block, Level 1, Room 3 Student B (S2-1-3B). He grabs the key enthusiastically and moves in with the other students who also get a dorm block in the South, guided by the senior.

The block, S2-1-3B, is beautifully situated overlooking the flowing river on the side of the village. The sound of the river flow is like a soothing song of nature, reinforcing the peaceful impression that surrounds the village.

They then went inside the block, and a natural woody scent filled the air as the door opened. Their dormitory living room is beautifully decorated with plant trinkets and wood art, giving a magical touch that matches the aura of Seij Village.

Zara felt her heart pounding as she searched the door of her room in the silent passageway. Finally, his eyes were fixed on the door board of the room which was engraved S2-1-3B.

There are three shoes neatly placed in front of the door, each of which has a different color. A smile was engraved on his face, signifying that his roommate had arrived first. With a heart beating. Zara grasped the doorknob and slowly opened it.

As the door opened, Zara's anxious gaze turned to relief as she was greeted kindly by the three cheerful figures. Ji, who was dazzling with her hair in blonde color, immediately greeted Zara with enthusiasm. Fifi, with her sweet smile, and Kal, with warmth in his eyes, welcomed Zara.

"Hi! You're Zara huh? I'm Ji. It's Fifi and there's Kal. Congratulations on getting in here. Ouh, there is your bed" Ji said with a pleasant spirit.

Zara answered their greeting awkwardly but remained cheerful, "Thank you."

"Come, let's get ready!" take Fifi with you, while inviting Zara into her warm room with a soft yellow light.

Proudly, residents of Seij Village stood near the image flag of the salamander. The maroon dashingly displays a gallant lion in its flag, while the Blue Village carries a flag symbolizing a stunning chameleon in it.

No less interesting, White Village displays the elegance of storks in its flag, while Black Village shows the courage of sharp scorpions. While the Purple Village displayed a dazzling snake, and the presence of the gallant elephant from Brown Village attracted the attention of many eyes. Not to be left behind, Mustard Village displayed the ingenuity of an ingenious and agile fox.

As the torchlight light filled the arena with a glowing orange color, the atmosphere became even more magical. All the citizens of the academy gathered, dressed in beautiful official clothes, exuding their respective charms. Zara and her roommates sat in comfortable chairs, excited to witness this peak event.

In the middle of the rink, hangs a large screen that adds to the show's lively. The audience could take a closer look at the participants and the offerings they prepared. All faces were filled with enthusiasm and anxious expectation, as this event was the main highlight in their reception in this village.

That night, they were given a word of passionate inauguration from the village leaders. Each spoken word implies a deep meaning, regarding unity and a common spirit to achieve a greater purpose.

After that, they were entertained by seniors with expertise featuring various amazing offerings. There is a dance that depicts their journey in the face of various obstacles using their Astakona. There is also a beautiful music show there.

Zara and her friends are fascinated by their senior-senior abilities and talents. The offering took them in a deep sense of admiration for what they could achieve in this village.

...

Raira approached Indra who was alone. He hugged Indra from behind. "Darling! I miss you. You're not going to the closing ceremony?"

"I'm lazy with life here. There is nothing interesting, there is just the same tradition every year. There is no happiness here but sadness and anger." He said as he looked towards the fireworks show from the top-level corridor of the Maroon cafe.

Raira let go of his embrace and muttered continuously asking "What do I need? Am I not the source of your happiness? Haven't we been dating for a long time?"

Indra only saw Raira at a glance. Suddenly I said that.

"You're just like any other girl I consider a comrade-in-arms, nothing more." Answer Indra.

Raira felt her heart thump, at that moment her world seemed to collapse. His hopeful gaze on Indra now turned into tears flowing down her cheeks. It was like a knife piercing his heart, hearing Indra's words that felt piercing directly into the depths of his feelings.

"By what do you say that? You know that you have been waiting for a long time.6 months! " raira muttered in a trembling voice, trying to hold back her cries.

"Did I mean nothing to you? We've been together for so long since the first year, supporting each other and sharing stories, and I always thought that we were more than just friends." Raira said again

Indra shook her head slowly, her expression mercilessly. "I'm sorry if I look insensitive, but this is how I feel. I feel stuck in a routine with no passion, and it's not your fault, but I feel like we don't fit in. Maybe our love is just a friendship in disguise, but I can't carry on." Indra said then he left Raira after the last sparks appeared.

More and more tears flowed from Raira's eyes, her heart breaking into pieces.

"So, you're saying everything we've been through together is just a fake friendship?" ask him with a disjointed voice.