The surprises for the teachers and students would have to end there, for today, at least. The final bell rang, echoing through the academy halls, marking the official end of classes. And although the day had come to a close, what everyone had seen still lingered in their minds.
The students had witnessed more than they'd ever expected. There were mixed reactions spreading across the academy like wildfire. Some of the students looked defeated, realizing just how far behind they were compared to the transfer students. Others were buzzing with inspiration. They had gained a whole new perspective and were fired up, ready to push themselves harder, ready to improve. And then there were those who wore solemn, serious faces, silently vowing to train harder so they wouldn't be left behind.
Panla watched the wave of students as they walked past her in the hallway, her eyes catching the different expressions on their faces, shock, admiration, frustration, curiosity.
