December rolled through as winter in America forged on ahead. Time for Starlight flew by rather quickly with their time together, and once the nationals were done and over. Everything settled down, and soon springtime rolled its way across the nation.

April 8th, 2030,

Idaho, USA

Starlight Academy

The sound of pencils brushed up against sheets of paper radiated through the classroom within the senior year class. Alexia would be taking their final exam to graduate. After returning from the tournaments from December to April, most of her tests and prior studies had to be crammed into her schedule.

Here she was, the last stretch, the final test, and she was done with schooling, in the traditional sense… for good. Time continued on, the vibrant sunlight shining through the windows and ushering in spring. A weight lifted off her shoulders and a future ahead of her.

Pacing around the room would be Professor Earl D. Simons. When he passed by Alexia, the professor could tell she was doing well. For a moment, the professor even sensed her power. Her energy was weak and flimsy when they first met, talking about her future, but now it was controlled, precise, and powerful. Even he had to stop pacing for a moment to consider all she’s been through. What else could he say? He became a fan when they won their first match during the state tournament.

Simons continued to pace around, and before long. Time was up — Pencils went down. And when the bell rang, the senior students, even underclassmen, all piled out of their rooms. Once Alexia made it out, her best friend, Matilda, accompanied her. The normal human was also a big fan and still couldn’t believe Alexia had won the grand prize. In fact, most of the school praised Starlight for their achievements, and even when the money was split between them, they all decided to pitch in and give the school a small portion of each of theirs. Though, one may argue it was due to Reynolds. Because of their win, their club has had a recent influx of applications. Cheveyo and Deveron will be busy in their final year. As for Alexia, she’d continue to walk down the halls with Matilda until they arrived at the singularity clubroom. Situated around the door would be many students trying to peek in. It would seem Deveron, on the inside, happened to be showcasing to a few newcomers how to fight.

His mood was undoubtedly upbeat and cheery for once. Likely due to the money being sent to aid his sibling’s operation. In truth, he happened to be advising. While the real fight occurred between Heidi and another student.

“Winner! Heidi Graham!”

The machine called out, forcing out one of the students really hard onto the ground while Heidi stood up victorious. A new device for the club spent with some of their money, one would say, but no, it was a gift from the Foundation. Alexia pushed past a few of the students to enter the room; it really was slightly packed, and she liked it better when it was just six of them.

“Oh? Yo, Lex.”

Deveron waved, holding a cane in his hand and leaning against it.

“Lexi! Wanna join in~?”

Heidi helped pick up the student she had just defeated, waving to Alexia.

“I’m good. Going to leave early today with Matty here.”

“Oh. That’s okay, more for us then~.”

Heidi made it sound like they were devouring any and all challengers, which, to see her and Deveron giving fighting lessons to those that applied, made sense. The original team of Starlight was an entirely different breed of warriors now that winter had passed. Matilda lightly jabbed Alexia’s shoulder.

“I didn’t think you’d hit it off as friends before the year passed. Didn’t you tell me you disliked one of them?”

“Oh, you mean, Dev. At first, yeah, he was a bit of an ass.”

“Hey! Thank you kindly, Ms.Star~.”

Deveron smiled and waved at the two, taking the compliment.

“Besides, he’s mellowed out by now.”

Alexia approached Deveron.

“What do you mean, mellowed out? I have to pick up your slack now.”

The two fist-bumped, which baffled Matilda even more. Well, friendships are always formed in the unlikeliness of two individuals.

“Where’s Roy and Chev?”

“Hm? Roy is..”

Immediately, the crowd gathered outside would all tip over as Roy made it through. Luckily, no one was injured.

“I’m here! Alright, newbies, line up! It’s time to learn what Roy is made of!”

“Ah, there he is.” Deveron raised his chin, watching people pile into the room after him. An annoyance left his voice. He could really use Cheveyo’s help here. Alas, he had to start being here on time now… at least for one more year.

“Well, you guys seem to have it covered. We’re off.”

“Take care, Ms.Senor. Don’t forget to invite me to your graduation.”

Heidi soon whacked Deveron in the back.

“You mean us!”

“Yeah!” Roy added.

Deveron scratched his back, unaffected by the hit.

“Yeah, that.”

With that, Alexia and Matilda left the room as it was getting busy. As the early parts of the afternoon finally hit, the academy entered a free period for its students. As for the senior students, all of them were allowed to leave early. While Alexia didn’t have a car, she didn’t necessarily need to drive. The ability to manipulate gravity to fly had become so easy since the nationals that she could even grant it to others, such as Matilda.

But Matilda refused the flight offer due to a fear of heights. So the two decided to walk out of the academy. Only to run into Cheveyo and Reynolds in the school's parking lot. The two were standing by Cheveyo’s truck, newly acquired.

“So, have you thought about it? The pays pretty good.”

“I have teach. I’ll join it. Maybe it can help me a bit more with… Well, you know.”

Cheveyo points towards his chest, only to turn to see Alexia and wave. She’d wave back and see Reynolds motioning her over.

“Greetings, Alexia. I take it your exams went off without a hitch? Also, hello, Ms.Hudson.”

“Well, I did my best… As I could, Teach.”

“H-Hello, Professor.” Matilda replied.

“What were you two talking about?”

“Hm? Oh, just the same offer I gave you both months ago. He’s finally decided.”

“You’re joining the pro league, Chev?!”

“No.”

“What?! Wait, then what?”

“I’m joining the Foundation. Specifically, an administrator role. My family has received most of my prize money. I don’t believe I'll need it anyway with a job there. I’ll get intern experience at least some time in a few months. You’ll likely be fighting on the world stage by then.”

“That’s good to hear, Chev! Not sure what that entails, but I hope you don’t miss the action too much~.”

“Unlike you and Dev, I'm not all that excited about getting punched in the face. Or worst, getting some strange power flung at me.”

“Actually, the position entails overviewing all sorts of tournaments, fighters, and other internal problems that the foundation may have. I hear it's quite a high-paying position~. But, quite stressful at times.” Matilda suddenly inquired into the conversation.

Reynolds' interest peaked momentarily in Matilda.

“Oh? I didn’t know you had a friend who showed an interest in the foundation Alexia. Maybe I can also offer her a position somewhere.”

“That’s really up to her, not me….”

“Sorry, I’m just a fan.”

“Aw~. Now that’s a shame, but thank you for supporting.”

“Anyway, Teach. We’ll be leaving now.”

“Take care, you two.”

Reynolds waved goodbye, as did Cheveyo, and the two continued their conversation while Alexia and Matilda walked down the street. So much happened in the span of half a year. But, deep down, Alexia had that same excitement bundling up, knowing that she was the target, or at least the attention of some prominent people in this world.

“So… Alexia, you sure you’re committed to this? Cause I'm all for it!”

“What about entering the professionals? Yeah! Well… If nothing stops me from doing so, I think I have enough fortunate people to recommend me.”

“So, are you going to have one of those fancy outfits? Like that, goth fighter?”

“You know, that would be a delightful change of pace. Maybe I’ll grow my hair out again too.”

“Why did you cut it?”

“Honestly, it got in the way, and I feared someone might pull on it in combat.”

“It already seems to be growing back.”

“Is it? Well, maybe in a year, it will be longer. Don’t need it being longer just yet.”

“Well, can’t wait to see what you do during your world debut!”

“Thanks, Matty. But I feel my teammates might force me into my original position….”

“Don’t like being a captain?”

“I don’t mind; it’s just… the least popular. And also doesn’t see the most action realistically.”

“Yeah, waiting to fight, I suppose, might not be ideal to shine?”

“Well, it's not all that bad. Sponsors will be looking all over. Even just my name on the national team is enough~.”

Matilda humored Alexia on their way home. The girl could quickly tell Alexia had bits of greed in her still. Sponsorship and all, but in this day and age. No one could blame her for thinking about that. Eventually, the two parted ways at one point, and Alexia made it home.

Upon opening up the doors to her home, Alexia was faced with her own mother. The two lock eyes, a tense notion of intimidation coming from Mrs.Winchester. Only for it to quickly subside with her opening up to speak.

“Shut the door, please.”

Alexia closed the door and looked around the house for a moment. Her little sister wasn’t around, still in school. Father at work, and just mother situated within, and worst of all, it seemed she wanted to talk.

“Am I in trouble?”

“No, just… I know we had an agreement, but are you sure about this? Is this what you want?”

“Of course… And I don’t think I'm cut out for college, you know?”

Mrs.Winchester paused, trying to think, but she’d give her daughter a smile. It was wrong to force a child into doing something they don’t want to. And at the very least, Alexia proved to her that she had found her own talent. Albeit with power even she never truly knew about. Strange…

Mrs.Winchester continued to ponder. She knew her daughters were both singularity users. Such a power was not possessed by her or her husband. Both were two ordinary humans but among their children. Their oldest, Alexia, acquired a rather terrifying power. If it weren’t her own flesh and blood, she’d have been terrified even to house her. Yet, she couldn’t afford to show fear to her own daughter. Eventually, Mrs.Winchester moved in to hug Alexia.

“Do your best, okay?”

“I will!”

“And you better have passed that exam.”

“D-Don’t worry, mom.”

As a whole, the two would continue their little conversation as the day continued, but as a whole. The Month of April flew by, and May soon arrived… And the day of graduation was upon them. This graduation occurred near high noon, an outdoor graduation. Clear Skys — A Sunny Day. And a gentle breeze brushed through the city.

One by one, each student from the senior class was called up to get their diploma. Each one adorned in a blue and gold regalia. In the audience watching, their families and other affiliates of theirs. Standing guard a distance away would be foundation members. Professor Simons would hand out diplomas, and seated down with other teachers, Reynolds watched each student pass by.

Alexia was one of the last ones to be called up due to her last name. And when she was called, she nervously walked up to grab her diploma from Simons. This clearly is the hardest thing she’s done apart from fighting.

“Congratulations, Ms.Winchester. I look forward to your future.”

Professor Simons handed her the diploma with a smile. From the corner of Alexia’s eye, she watched as Reynolds started clapping along with the other school faculty members.

“I won’t disappoint!”

To her surprise, when she walked off. She had quite the uproar from the audience, indeed. Everyone that watched the tournaments had an impression of her. She could spot Cheveyo, Roy, Heidi, and Deveron in the crowd. A short page in her life had finally been flipped and turned, but she knew this wouldn’t be the last time she’d see them after today.

When all the diplomas were handed out, the Class of 2030, composed of around 400 graduating students, Alexia included, all threw their caps into the air. The wind blew a few away into the air, causing a scramble of a few students to run off and catch theirs. Alexia’s own cap flew off to a nearby tree, but to her surprise, it would easily land in the hands of Clarice Clark.

The national champion of America waved at Alexia; such perfect timing. But Clarice knew what she was doing by modifying the weather to make it a lovely and windy occasion. Clarice looked slightly different; she no longer had long hair — it was cut short. Of course, she still fashioned shades on her face to block the incoming sunlight. Her attire was casual, with a white t-shirt, short blue jeans, and a black biker jacket around her shoulders. Standing next to Clarice would be Mahdri. Mahdri waved at Alexia as well. She still looked the same, honestly. Still wearing her traditional clothing and adorned with more jewelry than before.

“There’s the graduating girl I've been looking for. Do you mind if we occupy your time for a wee bit?”

“Not at all; here to take me?”

“Oh~. She’s quick on the spot. Mayhaps, I should explain?”

“No, Mahdri. I got it. But, yes. We are here for you, Alexia. I’m sure I don’t need to introduce Mahdri… But she’ll be the Vice-Captain. I hope you two can be great friends in this upcoming tournament.”

“Friends with Mahdri? Why wouldn’t I be? Well, I will have to get used to how they speak… No offense.”

“None taken~.” Mahdri replied.

“She does that just to mess with people. However, we should've saved introductions or reunions for later. I’d rather not distract your day for too long. So let me cut to the chase…. How are you feeling?”

Clarice’s eyes locked onto Alexia, partly because she could feel Lucifer staring at her. They were gauging the power within; this could easily blow up in their face in many ways. Especially now that Clarice acquired aid from the Vatican. Also, keeping track of the power of the tear within Alexia was an absolute must.

“I feel fine. But, you’re implying about my power….”

Alexia lifted up both her arm sleeves, revealing no suppressor, though quickly she’d hold out her hand to form a star. Yet, this star had strange properties to it. It gave off no extreme heat like before, nor did it disrupt the surrounding gravity. After a few seconds, Alexia flicked it toward Mahdri, who was hit directly in the face. Yet, instead of an impact, it shattered into glittering dust.

After a few seconds, Mahdri noticed a marginal boost in energy. The gods within her felt rejuvenated, almost.

“Does that answer your question?”

“... Sort of, well. We have a month before the world tournament to figure it out.”

Clarice looked past Alexia noticing their family approaching. A small demonic groan left her voice before the woman turned around and waved. Then she’d toss back Alexia’s graduation cap.

“I’ll come by your place tonight and pack your bags. We’re going traveling ~!”

“Y-Yeah, I can do that.”

Mahdri turned to follow Clarice, waving goodbye to Alexia. The faint silhouette of a sun god looming over them. Mahdri got stronger since the nationals as well. In fact, the two were also the same age and graduated around the same time, though Mahdri’s graduation was a week ago.

“Enjoy your day. For now, this might be one of the last times you’ll have an honest moment with your friends and family.”

Clarice and Mahdri would leave Alexia and walk back towards nearby foundation members. As Alexia’s family arrived to see their graduating daughter, Reynolds watched on in the distance. Sadly, it was not his place anymore to direct Alexia.

In his mind, Reynolds ran through a series of thoughts. He is finally seeing progress, just as he had hoped. A torn and ruined suppressor would be in his hand, the same one Alexia wore. It was his suppressor, one he had worn long ago before his own singularity was stolen and robbed.

In due time, Alexia will be revealed to the truth of this world. He knew it was only a matter of time. But, such a time would not arrive today. Thus, Reynolds turned and began to walk away now that the graduation ceremony was over.

One down — Four to go.