𝘚𝘪𝘭𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘮𝘺.

Thirty nine.

The day was filled with laughter and excitement as students and faculty gathered for the long-awaited obstacle course. Akira, her friends, and the council had decided to join the kids for some fun, mixing in with the younger generation of students. The competition was fierce, but there was something so refreshing about this moment—everyone, even the adults, were participating with full enthusiasm. It was a rare opportunity to let loose and forget the pressures of responsibility. Akira, laughing as she dodged through a set of obstacles, felt a sense of fulfillment and peace she hadn't experienced in a long time.

The course was just one of many new traditions she had set up at Silvermoon Academy, marking the start of a new chapter for both the students and herself.

Yet, amidst all the fun and celebration, there was still something on Akira's mind, a lingering thought she couldn't shake.

After the event, as the evening sun began to set, she quietly made her way back to her office. Her friends were still chatting and celebrating, but Akira knew she needed a moment alone. There was something she'd been meaning to do for a long time, and it had been weighing on her heart.

A few days later, Akira stood at the entrance of her grandfather's old home. The house, though empty, still held so many memories. She had come back to the place she had once lived as a child, with the intention of honoring her grandfather in a way she hadn't yet done. The authorities had ruled his disappearance as a death, but deep down, she had always hoped there was more to the story.

With a heavy heart, she entered the house, where the familiar scent of aged wood greeted her. She'd already prepared a shrine with some of her grandfather's favorite items—a small portrait of him, his old staff, a book of magical knowledge he once taught her, and a simple candle to light the way.

As Akira stood before the shrine, she closed her eyes, feeling the weight of the years of loss.

"Grandfather," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I've become the headmaster of Silvermoon Academy. I've worked so hard, and it's been such a long journey. I wish you were here to see it... to see what I've done with everything you taught me."

She paused, letting the moment sink in. "I know you're out there somewhere... and wherever you are, I hope you're proud of me. I've found my calling, and I'm doing everything I can to make this academy what you always wanted it to be. I just... wish you could've been here to see it."

Akira sat quietly for a while, lost in her thoughts, but at peace knowing she had finally honored her grandfather the way she needed to.

Days passed, and Akira made the decision to visit her mother's grave in Korea. It had always been something she wanted to do—to tell her mother about everything that had happened in her life, especially now that she had become the headmaster of Silvermoon Academy.

Her friends had offered to come with her, knowing how important the trip was. As they arrived at the peaceful cemetery, Akira felt a calmness settle over her. The soft breeze, the scent of flowers, and the distant mountains made the place feel serene, as though her mother's spirit was there watching over her.

They walked together, following the path to her mother's resting place. Akira stopped when they reached the grave, her heart heavy but filled with love.

"Mom," Akira began, her voice soft and sincere, "I've finally done it. I'm the headmaster of Silvermoon Academy. It's everything we talked about. I've worked hard, just like you always taught me, and now I'm here, leading the academy into a new era."

Her friends stood a little further back, giving her the space she needed.

"I wish you could've been here to see it," Akira continued, her eyes glistening with emotion. "I've made so many changes, but it's still a part of the dream you had for this place. And I've done it... I've finally done it. I just wish I could've made you proud in person."

She placed a bouquet of her mother's favorite flowers beside the grave and stayed there for a moment, feeling both the weight and the peace of the moment.

Kael, who had quietly stood by Akira's side, approached with a gentle smile. "You know, your mom would be proud of you. We all are."

Akira wiped away a tear, managing a smile. "I hope so. I hope she's proud of everything I've done."

Lucian, always the supportive one, placed a hand on her shoulder. "She would've been. And wherever she is, she knows you're doing exactly what she would've wanted."

Renetta, with her usual optimism, added, "And we're here with you every step of the way."

Akira looked at her friends, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you. I don't think I could've done this without all of you."

With one last glance at her mother's grave, Akira knew that, while some things had changed, some things—like the support of her friends and her mother's spirit—would always remain a part of her.