Good News

Saturday, 12th of August, 2056

Kai was looking at the clock, it was passed eight in the morning. He felt so anxious about so bad. The day that he and Rio were waiting for finally was right in their eyes. He couldn't stop thinking about the result that would be sent to their email in just a matter of ten minutes.

He kept on looking at the clock for almost every minute, hoping that the time was just the exact time for the result to come out.

*[Knock, Knock, Knock...]*

Kai heard someone knocking on his room.

"Come in," Kai answered knocking on the door.

The door opened and he saw his mother standing at the open door.

Her name is Nia Ishikawa, the husband of Kento Ishikawa, the fallen soldier of Vanguard around 20 years ago. She possesses an ethereal beauty that seems to transcend time and age. Her long, obsidian hair cascades down her back in gentle waves, framing a face that bears the delicate lines of experience and wisdom. Her almond-shaped eyes, the color of warm chestnut, crinkle at the corners when she smiles, radiating warmth and kindness. Nia's maternal aura is palpable, drawing people toward her like a gentle and comforting embrace. Her voice, soft and melodious, carries a soothing quality that calms even the stormiest of emotions.

"Kai?" She softly called Kai. "I brought you the breakfast, my dear son."

"Oh," Kai was surprised a bit. "You don't have to do this mom."

"I was a little worried that you did not go down at this time," She told Kai her mother's instinct thought. "What happened?"

"Nothing is just a couple of minutes from now, the test result for the Legion Academy will be out." He answered. "I am a bit anxious about it."

Nia approached him while bringing his food to the table.

"Your father entered the Legion after he took the second test back then." She told him the story about his father.

"Really?" Kai was a little surprised.

"Trust me, Kai," She continued. "Whatever happens to you in the future, I will always support you. I believe in your ability as a young man, you will pass the test. Have a little faith in yourself, my dear."

Kai smiled at her, she offered him a hug for him. It was a familiar motherly hug that always made him strong. Suddenly, all the anxiety was gone for him. He had more faith than before, Kai realized that the only thing that made him strong was her mother.

Not that long after, they heard the notification ringtone from Kai's phone. He took the phone and looked at the notification on the screen.

It said "Legion Academy".

Kai was looking back at her mother with a hopeful glare in his eyes to her mother. She smiled as if it was a signal from her to open the email. he gathered the courage after his mother gave him a blessing with her smile.

His right index finger was shaking in nervousness. He took a deep breath and gathered all of the positive thoughts for a few seconds. So he clicked the email icon and clicked for the last time at the latest email received from the Legion Academy.

He read the email:

*"Dear Kai Ishikawa,

We are thrilled to inform you that you have been accepted into the prestigious Legion Academy for the upcoming academic year. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!

Your dedication, passion, and hard work throughout the examination have truly impressed our admissions committee. We believe that your unique skills and talents will be a valuable addition to our academy's diverse community.

As a member of the Legion Academy, you will have the opportunity to engage in an advanced and tactical educational military experience. Our esteemed faculty members are excited to guide you on your academic journey.

Once again, congratulations on your acceptance to the Legion Academy. We look forward to welcoming you to our campus and witnessing the incredible contributions we know you'll make.

Warm regards,

Draven Mahendra

Head Master Legion Academy"*

In each paragraph he read, Kai was smiling wider. Knowing the letter was a piece of good news, Kai was hugging her mother once again. She hugged him so tight that she was proud and happy that her son finally achieved a step closer to his dream.

"I passed Mom!" Kai was excited.

His Mom smiled happily as she watched Kai jumping around with joy in his room.

------------------------------

the time showed it was 10 P.M.

Kai remembered about Rio, so he decided to call his close friend to check him out.

[Phone ringing can be heard]

"Thought you would never call again buddy," Rio answered. "What's good bro?"

"Some good news?" Kai answered him back with the question also.

"Give me your news first." Rio insisted.

"It's a good news," Kai excited. "I passed."

There was silence for a split second, Kai started to feel that he was hurting Rio.

"What about you?" Kai was hoping he passed too.

[It was some awkward silence]

"Well, I guess I am going to see you at Legion buddy." Rio was excited.

"We made it Rio!" Kai was so happy for both of them. "We made it man!"

"Looking forward to see you at Legion Kai," Rio said. "You can relax for one day before the excitement begins."

"Likewise man," Kai said. "I'll see you on Monday."

Kai felt so relieved as he let his body fall comfortably to his bed. He couldn't be more happier about what happened today.

Surely, It was the best day of his life.

----------------------------------

Monday, 14th of August, 2056

The scene was so familiar like the last time, however, this time Kai is not the candidate anymore. He was officially a freshman at the Legion Academy.

Among the thousand candidates who took the test, he was one of the two hundred people who got accepted. He enjoyed the view while walking on the academy for the second time. He somehow could not believe that he was among the luckiest students in Jakarta for this year.

[Tap]

Kai felt someone tap him on the back of his left shoulder. He looked back and saw Rio.

"Yo," Rio greeted him. "Kai, long time no see."

"One week is not that long," Kai said.

Rio was laughing at him, somehow Rio already knew that Kai would respond to his words like that.

"So, here we are..." Rio said. " Starting a new journey as a future soldier."

"Sounds like a good life to me," Kai was smiling at Rio.

[For All the freshmen for this year, we are inviting all of you to Join the welcoming ceremony at the Legion Center hall]

"Looks like they are calling us," Kai said. "We should go."

"We better." Rio agreed.