---
*Present – The Grand Hall*
The last soft note left Nao's lips, lingering like smoke in the air.
Silence.
Then—*applause.*
Even the Executives from *W.W.M*—all five of them seated in their polished VIP row—had paused their scribbling. Their eyes held surprise, interest… and admiration.
Mrs. Grace, Rank 6 Executive, turned to her peers. "That… wasn't just singing."
Another nodded. "She poured her soul into it."
"She lived the music," the youngest of the men added, scratching his jaw thoughtfully. "That's the kind of authenticity we're searching for."
From the backstage shadows, *Mrs. Marion* couldn't hide her pride. Her eyes were locked on Nao, lips pulled in the smallest smile. *You did it, girl.*
The music softened, and soon the rest of the performers began filing onto stage for the traditional *ensemble bow*. Ria, Zara, Kim Joon, and others lined beside Nao, all taking position.
They bowed together, the applause still echoing.
"Attention, students of Imperial Arts Academy," the lead Executive stood, adjusting his blazer as he addressed the hall. "This year's *International W.W.M Review* will double as a new global showcase. The theme is *'Decidal Reign'* — the crowning of the *World's Musical Queen and King*."
Murmurs spread instantly.
"This means," he continued, "that each selected school will submit *two main leads*—one male, one female—to represent their artistic identity. For Imperial's case there's going to be two female leads …"
He paused, taking a slip of paper from Mrs. Marion's hand.
"…We've selected *Nao * and *Viki * as dual female leads. Their contrast represents the dynamic range of this academy."
Silence.
Then chaos.
Viki stood from her seat like she'd been stung. "*What?!*"
Gasps echoed.
"This must be a mistake—*I'm* the lead. I've always been the lead! You can't just pull some ghost girl from a sewer and make her my equal!"
The Executives were already rising from their seats, clearly done with the discussion. Mrs. Marion stepped forward quickly to escort them out, keeping her composed smile.
Tashiba and Takumi stepped in fast—*holding Viki* by both arms as she tried to lunge forward.
"Let me GO!" she snapped, struggling.
"You think you can steal my place?"
She barked at Nao.
"Steal your place?"
Ria scoffed.
"She's creating her own foundation..who needs your worthless place?"
Viki almost hurt herself by trying to set herself free this time but they took her out of the room.
---
*Next Day — Imperial Academy, Morning*
The halls buzzed with voices.
"Did you hear her vocals last night? I swear even the Executives looked shocked…"
"I thought Viki would eat her alive. Guess not."
"Nao's trending on the school app already."
Everywhere Nao walked, eyes followed.
Whispers trailed behind her like smoke. Some were praise. Some, resentment. But none were indifferent.
—
*Classroom 2A*
The sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows as the students sat upright, their attention caught between tiredness and curiosity.
Miss Elira, their Literature and History teacher, stood at the front with a pointer in one hand and a stack of papers in the other.
"The term is almost over," she began, eyes sweeping over the class, "and yet most of you barely passed the last written exam."
A few students sunk in their seats.
She dropped the papers on her desk. "As recommended by Mr. Tao, and approved by the Head Department, we'll be conducting a *Debate-Based Internal Assessment*."
There were groans from the back rows.Miss Elira raised a hand to silence them.
"This is not optional. It will reflect on your final average and influence your eligibility for *Imperial's performance delegation in the W.W.M. qualifiers*."
That got their attention.
She Swiped the huge screen in front of the class:
*"The Price of Silence: Is Sacrifice Justified in the Pursuit of Power?"*
A beat passed. Nao's eyes twitched subtly.
Miss Elira continued, "Each class group will be divided into two teams—*Affirmative* and *Negative*. You will not choose your side. It will be assigned, and you will defend it, regardless of your personal beliefs."
Some students exchanged nervous glances.
"This is about strategy, articulation, and performance under pressure. Just like your stages. You are expected to research historical examples, real-life cases, and inject emotional intelligence into your argument."
She began passing around slips with names and sides assigned randomly.
"There will be preliminary rounds, and then a final showdown judged by staff and external observers—including W.W.M scouts."
Murmurs rose.
"W-Wait, like, *real* scouts?" one student asked.
"Yes," she said with a tight smile. "Because the Decidal Competition is not only about who sings best. It's about *intellect, leadership, moral depth.* Qualities a Queen or King must have."
Nao stared at the screen.
*"The Price of Silence."*
It almost felt personal.
She didn't know whether the topic was fate… or punishment.
And as the slips were passed her way, she felt the weight of her story pressing at her chest.
-