The rest of the school day passed slowly.
After the announcement about the upcoming celebration, the entire campus of Aurora Crest Academy buzzed with excitement. Everywhere students were discussing what they would perform for the school annual day.
Some talked about dancing.
Others about music, sports, and art.
But at the back of the classroom, Leonor Nexar and Alexis sat quietly.
Neither of them knew what they were supposed to do.
Nexar remained lost in her thoughts for the rest of the day.
What was her talent?
What could she possibly show?
Before she realized it, the final bell rang.
Alexis gently tapped her shoulder.
"Hey," she said with a smile. "Class is over. Time to go home."
Nexar blinked, realizing she had been staring at her notebook the entire time.
"Oh… right."
Soon the two girls boarded their usual school bus, joining dozens of other students heading back home through the lively streets of Neode City.
The evening sky glowed softly above the city as glowing clouds drifted across the horizon.
Students filled the bus with chatter and laughter.
But Nexar sat quietly near the window, staring outside.
Her mind still echoed with the question from earlier.
What am I even good at…?
Just then—
Music suddenly began playing through the bus speakers.
At first, no one really paid attention. It was common for the driver to play songs during the ride home.
But the moment the melody started…
Nexar felt something strange.
The music was soft yet powerful, carrying a feeling that was impossible to ignore.
She slowly turned her head toward the speaker.
Then the voices began to sing.
It was a song by the famous band Al-Lumina.
The six-member group was loved all across the Luminal Galaxy. Their songs weren't just music — each melody carried emotion, and every lyric held meaning.
Millions of people admired them.
The song currently playing was titled "Who Am I."
A song about confusion, doubt, and searching for one's true purpose in life.
As the lyrics flowed through the bus, Nexar slowly closed her eyes.
Every line of the song felt strangely familiar.
It felt like the music was speaking directly to her heart.
"Lost in the crowd… searching for a light…"
"Who am I meant to be?"
Her chest tightened.
Her heart started beating faster.
For the first time in her life…
Music didn't just sound beautiful.
It meant something.
A strange warmth spread through her chest as the song continued.
The voices of Al-Lumina filled the bus with emotion.
And in that moment—
Something inside Nexar changed.
When the song finally ended, Nexar slowly opened her eyes.
Alexis immediately noticed the look on her face.
"You okay?" she asked curiously.
Nexar turned toward her.
Her eyes were shining with a new kind of excitement.
"I think… I found it."
Alexis blinked.
"Found what?"
Nexar took a deep breath.
"My talent."
Alexis leaned closer.
"What is it?"
Nexar smiled softly.
"I want to sing."
For a moment, Alexis simply stared at her.
Then suddenly her face lit up.
"Then let's do it!"
Nexar blinked in surprise.
"W-what?"
"The anniversary celebration!" Alexis said excitedly. "We'll perform there!"
"You mean… actually sing on stage?"
"Of course!" Alexis replied confidently. "I'll help organize everything. And I'll perform with you too!"
Nexar couldn't believe what she was hearing.
Just moments ago she didn't even know what her talent was.
And now…
She had found something she wanted to chase.
From that day on, the two friends began practicing after school.
Every afternoon they met in an empty classroom and practiced singing together.
That was when Nexar discovered something surprising.
Alexis had an incredibly powerful voice.
The moment she sang, her voice filled the entire room with strength and confidence.
Meanwhile, Nexar's voice was much softer.
Gentle.
Quiet.
Sometimes it trembled.
Sometimes the notes didn't come out right.
Compared to Alexis, she sounded almost fragile.
At times, Nexar felt discouraged.
But every time she struggled, Alexis simply smiled.
"Don't worry," she would say. "You'll get better."
Encouraged by her best friend, Nexar continued practicing.
Day after day.
Even when it was difficult.
Until finally—
The day of the Aurora Crest Academy Annual Festival arrived.
The entire school was decorated with lights, banners, and colorful decorations.
The auditorium was packed with students, teachers, and parents.
Backstage, Nexar stood nervously beside Alexis.
Her hands were shaking.
"My heart is beating so fast…" Nexar whispered.
Alexis laughed gently.
"That's normal."
Bright stage lights shone through the curtains.
One by one, students stepped onto the stage to showcase their talents.
Dance performances.
Magic tricks.
Musical performances.
The audience clapped and cheered after every act.
Then finally—
The announcer spoke.
"Next performance: Alexis and Leonor Nexar."
Nexar's heart nearly jumped out of her chest.
"It's… our turn."
Alexis gave her a reassuring smile.
"We've got this."
Alexis walked onto the stage first, standing confidently before the microphone.
Nexar slowly followed behind her.
The stage lights were so bright that Nexar could barely see the audience.
The music began.
Alexis started singing first.
Her powerful voice echoed across the entire auditorium, instantly grabbing everyone's attention.
Students looked surprised.
Teachers nodded in approval.
Her voice was strong and confident.
Then came Nexar's part.
She stepped forward and began to sing.
Her voice was soft.
Much quieter than Alexis'.
Some students in the audience whispered among themselves.
A few even looked slightly bored.
Nexar felt her confidence begin to slip away.
But then—
She glanced at Alexis.
Alexis looked at her and smiled.
Without stopping the song.
Encouraging her.
That small gesture gave Nexar the courage to continue.
The two girls finished the song together.
When the music stopped, the applause was polite…
But not very loud.
Their performance wasn't perfect.
Still, as they stepped backstage, both of them looked at each other.
And suddenly burst into laughter.
Despite everything…
They felt incredibly happy.
Because deep inside their hearts…
They knew something important.
This performance might have been small.
But it was the first step.
The first step of a journey that would one day carry their voices far beyond Neode City…
Beyond their planet…
And across the entire Luminal Galaxy.
Their musical journey had finally begun.