Thirty five.

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In the days that followed, Rosaria dedicated herself to training Akira to become a true leader, preparing her for the heavy responsibility of becoming the headmaster of Silvermoon Academy. The training wasn't easy—each day was filled with lessons on leadership, discipline, and the intricate duties that came with being in charge of such a prestigious supernatural school. Akira had to immerse herself in pages upon pages of teachings, strategies, and practices that her grandfather had once followed. It was an exhausting process, and there were times when she found herself overwhelmed by the weight of it all.

"Can we just take a break?" Akira groaned, leaning back in her chair and staring at the thick book in front of her. "I didn't realize being headmaster meant reading this much. I thought I'd be learning combat techniques or something more... practical."

Rosaria, standing across from her, didn't seem bothered by Akira's fatigue. Her expression remained steady, her gaze unwavering. "It's actually crucial, Akira. If you want to be a good headmaster, a strong leader, you need to know everything. Your grandfather had to go through the same process when he took on the role, and it's in your blood to do this as well. Leadership is about more than just power and decisions; it's about understanding the responsibility you'll carry."

Akira sighed, glancing at the pages, her mind a bit foggy from the endless reading. But she knew Rosaria was right. The role she was stepping into wasn't something she could take lightly, and it wasn't just about ruling—it was about guiding others and leading by example. Her grandfather had left big shoes to fill, and it wasn't as simple as inheriting the position; she needed to earn it, prove that she was worthy of it.

Rosaria's eyes softened slightly, but there was a firmness in her tone. "You've got this, Akira. You're stronger than you think. And distractions... well, those aren't something we have time for right now. There will be time for breaks later, but not until you've prepared yourself fully. I know it's tiring, but the more you read, the more you'll understand what it takes to be a good headmaster. Trust me, it'll be worth it in the end."

Akira set the book down, her exhaustion evident but her determination growing. "You're right," she said, lifting her head and meeting Rosaria's gaze. "I'm not going to let the weight of this role stop me. I'll do what it takes, no matter how hard it is."

Rosaria smiled faintly. "That's the spirit. Your grandfather would be proud of you, Akira. You're not just inheriting his position; you're going to make it your own. And once you do, Silvermoon Academy will be in good hands."

Akira nodded, feeling the gravity of the journey ahead of her. There was still so much to learn, but with Rosaria's guidance, she knew she'd be able to step into her new role with the strength and wisdom it demanded. She wasn't just the granddaughter of the former headmaster anymore—she was becoming the leader Silvermoon Academy needed.

Two months had passed since Akira began her intense training under Rosaria's watchful eye. The days were filled with countless lessons, discussions, and moments of self-doubt, but with each passing day, Akira felt herself growing stronger, more capable. She had read every book, absorbed every lesson, and faced the grueling challenges set before her. Now, the moment had finally come.

Rosaria stood beside Akira, her gaze steady and filled with pride as they prepared for the announcement. The council had gathered, their faces solemn and expectant. The air in the grand hall of Silvermoon Academy was thick with anticipation as the time to hand over the keys to the school drew near. Akira could feel the weight of her grandfather's legacy bearing down on her, but also a strange sense of readiness. This was the culmination of everything she had worked for.

Akira stood tall, though her heart raced in her chest. Her palms were slightly sweaty as she adjusted the collar of her ceremonial robe, the very same one her grandfather had worn when he was first named headmaster all those years ago. She was standing at the precipice of a new chapter, and despite the nerves, she couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement. This was her moment.

Rosaria, noticing the flicker of uncertainty in Akira's eyes, leaned closer and whispered, "You've got this. Remember, you're not just carrying your grandfather's legacy. You're making your own path now. They've all been waiting for you."

Akira nodded, her breath steadying. The council's murmurs quieted as they awaited the formal announcement.

The doors to the hall opened, and the grandmaster of the council stepped forward, holding a small golden key in his hands. The entire room fell into a hushed silence.

"Akira Tsukimura," the grandmaster's voice rang out, filled with authority, "we hereby announce you as the new Headmaster of Silvermoon Academy. May you lead with wisdom, strength, and compassion, guiding this institution into a new era."

The grandmaster extended the golden key to Akira, the symbol of her new position. For a moment, time seemed to slow. Akira's hand trembled slightly as she reached out to accept it, the weight of the responsibility settling in her chest. But then, as her fingers closed around the cool metal, she felt a surge of confidence she hadn't expected.

This was it.

With a deep breath, she stood tall and addressed the room.

"Thank you," Akira began, her voice strong but steady. "I am honored to be chosen as the next headmaster of this academy. I promise to uphold the values that Silvermoon was built on—wisdom, strength, and unity. We are a family, and together we will grow. I am not just here to follow in my grandfather's footsteps; I am here to carve a path that is uniquely our own. I will lead with courage and conviction, and with all of you by my side, we will take Silvermoon Academy into a new era."

A quiet murmur of approval rippled through the room, and for the first time, Akira felt a true connection to the academy and its people. They were no longer just strangers or distant figures in her life. They were her allies, and together, they would face whatever came next.

As the ceremony continued, Rosaria gave Akira a proud nod, her heart swelling with satisfaction. Akira had done it. She had truly become the leader she was destined to be. The keys to the academy were now in her hands, and Silvermoon Academy was ready for its next chapter under her guidance.

Akira's gaze swept across the room, her heart pounding in her chest but with a steadier beat now. The golden key in her hand felt heavier with each passing second, but it also felt like the most natural thing in the world. She had worked for this moment, studied the books, and embraced the responsibility. And now, as she stood before everyone, it was time to step into the role she was destined for.

Her eyes scanned the crowd, landing on her friends standing together with wide smiles and beaming eyes. Rowan, Kael, Lucian, and Renetta—all of them had been there through thick and thin. Rowan gave her a steady thumbs-up, his unwavering confidence in her showing through. Kael raised his fist in the air, a silent cheer that brought a wave of pride to Akira's chest. Lucian gave her an exaggerated bow from the back of the room, and even Renetta, ever composed, flashed her a bright smile and a nod of encouragement.

Akira's chest tightened with emotion as she saw the pride in their faces. They had always believed in her, even when she had doubted herself. They were the ones who had stayed by her side, supporting her every step of the way. And now, as she stood before the crowd, she realized just how far they had come. This moment wasn't just about becoming headmaster; it was about proving to herself, and to them, that she was ready.

"Thank you," she said, her voice a little shaky but growing stronger. "To my friends, who have always believed in me, and to everyone here who has trusted me. Together, we will make Silvermoon Academy stronger than it's ever been before."

The crowd erupted into applause, the sound filling the hall. Akira could hear her friends cheering, their voices rising above the rest. Rowan's proud grin, Kael's excited shout, Lucian's teasing wink—all of it reminded her that she wasn't alone in this journey. They were her foundation, her strength.

Renetta stepped forward, her calm presence like a quiet anchor, and gave Akira a small, supportive smile. "You've earned this," she said, her voice warm yet firm, a reflection of her quiet confidence in Akira.

The applause continued as Rosaria raised her voice, commanding attention once again. "Let us all welcome Akira Tsukimura as the new headmaster of Silvermoon Academy

𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺.Where stories live. Discover now