Morning sunlight filtered through the college hallway as Roanne walked, her modest blouse and long skirt swaying with each step. She paused in front of a bulletin board, catching her reflection in the glass over a picture of a smiling nurse. Her gaze lingered for a moment, her lips pressing into a determined line.

“For the family,” she whispered softly to herself, her small-town resolve unwavering.

She moved on, finding the door to the testing room. Inside, only a handful of other test-takers had arrived. Roanne chose a seat near the middle and sank into the armchair. Taking a deep breath, she arranged her pencil case and eraser on the desk with careful precision. Despite her nerves, she sat quietly, waiting for the exam to begin.

The proctor entered moments later, a middle-aged woman with a commanding presence. She addressed the room with a formal tone.

“Good day, everyone. I hope you’ve prepared well. Passing this test will earn you a scholarship from the Mayor, enabling you to pursue your tertiary education. It’s an opportunity that could bring great relief to your families. However, I must warn you—the process is highly selective, and the exam will be challenging. But for those of you who are hardworking and determined, success is within reach.”

The proctor placed a large black bag on the desk and pulled out a stack of test papers.

“We will distribute the folders first,” she instructed, handing them to the first row to pass back. “These folders are designed to prevent cheating. Remember, cheating is strictly prohibited and will result in automatic disqualification from the scholarship program.”

Roanne received both a test folder and a test paper, clutching them tightly as the proctor continued.

“The exam begins now,” the proctor announced, glancing at the wall clock. “It is eight o’clock. The test consists of 200 questions across five sections: Math, Science, English, Filipino, and Social Studies. You have two hours to complete it. By 10:00 AM, all papers must be submitted, finished or not. I hope you brought snacks with you.”

Roanne opened her folder and scanned the first page of the test paper. With her right hand, she picked up her pencil, pausing briefly to make a discreet sign of the cross over her chest. Steeling herself, she focused on the first question, her pencil moving with tentative confidence.

Around her, the room grew quiet, save for the faint rustling of paper and the soft scratch of pencils. The proctor sat at her desk, sorting through some papers, her watchful eyes occasionally scanning the room.

For Roanne, this moment was more than just a test—it was a step toward a brighter future.

Beneath the clear blue sky, a lively crowd filled the wide street, buzzing with anticipation.

“Hello, everybody! This is your all-time favorite Oppa Rockstar!” announced the K-pop idol, gripping a standing mic on a stage adorned with the words “Rock ‘n Roll Encore” in bold letters. Cyan, magenta, and yellow shooting stars framed the backdrop, shimmering brightly.

Cutting through the sea of enthusiastic fans were the members of the Kaleidoscope boyband: the two guitarists, Ezra and Apollo; the pianist, Kai; and the drummer, Rowan.

“It’s Oppa Rockstar!” Ezra exclaimed, his eyes wide with excitement. “The pop idol among the Seven Acolytes!”

“Geez, look at the size of this crowd!” Apollo added, equally amazed.

With a confident grin, Oppa Rockstar addressed the audience. “I’ve got the looks of a K-pop boy crush, the voice for K-pop music, and the swagger to match. But you know what? I’ve never performed a K-pop song. Today, that changes. This is gonna be my debut!”

“Well, he has a point,” Kai said thoughtfully, adjusting his glasses. Always the realist of the group, he added, “Until now, he’s only been crimefighting.”

Rockstar chuckled. “Yeah, but being a one-man boyband? It’s tough. Something’s missing. I wish I had other members. Hehe~”

“I volunteer myself—and my friends!” Rowan shouted at the top of his lungs. “Yes, rock ‘n roll!”

“That’s a fantastic idea!” Ezra beamed. “We’re gonna have so much fun.”

“Go for it, man!” Apollo chimed in.

“Wait, guys, does anyone here even know a K-pop song?” Kai asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

Ignoring Kai’s question, Ezra, Apollo, and Rowan bounded onto the stage, dragging a reluctant Kai along. Rockstar’s heart swelled with joy as he stood with his bandmates from school.

“So, are you four ready?” he asked with a mischievous smile.

“Yeah, we are!” Ezra, Apollo, and Rowan answered in unison.

“What do you mean, ‘Yeah, we are’?!” Kai muttered, clearly confused.

“That’s the spirit, my boys,” Rockstar said, raising a glowing hand. A burst of technicolor magic—cyan, magenta, and yellow—engulfed the four boys. When the glow faded, they were transformed into rockstars, wearing sleek white jackets and pants with gray accents webbed by urban abstract art.

“Okay, boys, get to your posts!” Rockstar commanded as instruments appeared on stage in a swirl of music magic.

Ezra and Apollo took positions to Rockstar’s left and right, guitars in hand. Rowan leapt behind the drums, ready to go. Kai, still grumbling, reluctantly sat at the keyboard.

“This doesn’t mean I magically know how to play K-pop songs just because of some costumes,” Kai protested. Then, with a sigh, he muttered, “So help me, God.”

Rockstar raised his mic, and a swirl of vibrant energy radiated outward as he began to sing. The magic flowed through Ezra, Apollo, and Rowan, who instantly synchronized with the music. Finally, it reached Kai.

“Wait… I’m actually playing K-pop on these keys! Heck, this is cool!” Kai exclaimed, his earlier skepticism replaced by awe.

[Intro: Oppa Rockstar] Welcome, first time to Mirage?

The performance began with electrifying energy. Ezra and Apollo, now donning magenta and cyan visor glasses respectively, strummed their guitars. Ezra’s shirt featured a sixteenth note, earning him the moniker Rockstar Magenta, while Apollo’s shirt, emblazoned with a treble clef, marked him as Rockstar Cyan.

[Chorus] Nan jom jjeoreo

Kai, now wearing apple-green visor glasses and a clover-leaf design on his shirt, became Rockstar Apple Green. Meanwhile, Rowan’s afro and bright yellow visor glasses paired with a smiley-printed shirt made him Rockstar Yellow as he pounded the drums with infectious enthusiasm.

As Rockstar sang the verses of DOPE (2015) by BTS, the magic swirled around the stage. Midway through the performance, the instruments and equipment vanished. The band switched seamlessly to singing and dancing, their synchronized grooves and swagger captivating the cheering fans.

The Mirage boyband dazzled the crowd with their vibrant energy, moving in unison and taking turns in the spotlight. The street roared with applause and adoration, as Oppa Rockstar and his newfound bandmates gave a performance to remember.

In the retro-themed ‘50s den aboard the futuristic Peregrine spaceship, an old rotary phone rang. CleanBot, the small yet efficient robot, scooted over and answered with a mechanical chirp.

“Good morning, who’s calling? What? A press conference for the Seven Acolytes? And… you want to schedule it now?”

CleanBot’s sensors whirred in confusion—this was definitely outside his usual cleaning protocol.

Later, in a brightly lit room filled with reporters and flashing cameras, the Seven Acolytes sat together, ready to face the media frenzy. Spartan (Michael), Princess Ruana (Roanne), Bee Girl (Sophie), Cerulean Arlentis (Topher), Love Fey (Allison), Oppa Rockstar (James), and Captain McKinley (Benjamin) introduced themselves one by one.

A reporter stood and directed the first question to Spartan and Love Fey.

“Spartan, you’re a superhero. And Love Fey, you’re a magical girl. Can you tell us more about yourselves?”

Spartan leaned forward confidently. “Yep, that’s me, the superhero. I’m super strong, super-fast, and super in every way. I’ve got heat vision, I can create mini-tornados when I run, and I can control solar energy to forge golden weapons. Oh, and I can turn into humanoid plasma. Pretty awesome, right?”

Love Fey flashed a dazzling smile. “As for me, I’m the ‘Mage of Love and Beauty.’ I fight with hearts, roses, sparkles, and rays of light. Oh, and let’s not forget, I look amazing in pink. My dream? To be an A-list actress and find true love, of course!”

Another reporter took the mic. “Bee Girl, the cartoon-turned-hero, and Rockstar, the K-pop idol, what’s your story?”

Bee Girl hesitated but found her courage. “I was a 2D cartoon character from a children’s show, but now I’m real—half honeybee, half girl. My powers are inspired by bees, and this is my companion, Bumblebee.”

Her small, yellow-and-black robot companion buzzed around her before nuzzling her affectionately, earning a collective “aww” from the audience.

Rockstar flashed his trademark grin. “I’m Oppa Rockstar—‘Oppa’ means big brother in Korean. My style is eccentric but cool, right? My powers are music-based and colorful, and I believe in teamwork and friendship. Together with the Seven Acolytes—and my new band, Mirage—I feel unstoppable!”

The third reporter chimed in. “Princess Ruana, Captain McKinley, and Cerulean Arlentis, your stories are just as unique. Care to share?”

Princess Ruana spoke gracefully. “I am Princess Ruana, a mermaid and sea maiden. I have red hair, green eyes, and a sea green tail. My magic is tied to the ocean, and I wield a lunar scepter. I’m here to support my second family—the team.”

Captain McKinley followed, a bit more reserved. “I’m Captain McKinley, commander of the Peregrine spaceship. My crew includes CleanBot and ROBO3000, and, well, a mysterious mechanic I’d rather not name. I use futuristic weapons like lasers and light constructs and pilot my personal spacecraft, Mockingbird. Advanced tech like nanomolecules is kind of my thing.”

Cerulean Arlentis stood proudly. “I am Sir Cerulean Arlentis, the paladin of RPG worlds. I’m clad in silver and gold armor with a billowing white cape. I wield a holy sword and shield, and my magic is based on light, healing, and protection. Oh, and my steed, Cielo, is an angelic pony!”

The third reporter chuckled. “Your lineup is something else—a superhero, magical girl, cartoon character, K-pop idol, fairytale princess, space ranger, and RPG paladin. Quite the mix!”

Cerulean grinned. “The crazier, the better! We’re family, friends, and comrades in every mission or quest. I wouldn’t trade the Seven Acolytes for anything.”

At that moment, an over-the-top reporter, Becky Davies, made her presence known. “Enough about your powers and genres. Let’s talk about the boys!”

Love Fey interjected with a sassy smirk. “Us girls have plenty to talk about too, you know!”

Becky dismissed her with a wave. “Sure, sure—magical hearts, sea spells, and bee abilities. But back to the boys! Spartan and Cerulean, how old are you?”

Spartan replied, “I’m fourteen.”

“And I’m twelve,” Cerulean added.

Becky nodded eagerly. “Ah, a few years and you two will grow into fine young gentlemen!”

Her cameraman, Gido, pinched her arm. “Becky, leave the kids alone.”

“Gido, it’s too early for you to nag me!” Becky shot back, wiggling theatrically.

Turning to Captain McKinley and Rockstar, Becky grinned. “So, Captain, Rockstar—are you single and ready to mingle?”

Ruana frowned slightly, but Becky didn’t notice.

Captain McKinley cleared his throat. “I, uh, already have someone special.” He glanced discreetly at Ruana, who hid her shy smile.

Becky’s expression soured. “Rockstar, what about you?”

Rockstar chuckled. “Well, I’ve got a Love Guru from a flower shop helping me find the perfect match.”

“Oh, you don’t need a matchmaker, Rockstar! Love could be right around the corner… maybe even me!” Becky batted her lashes dramatically.

Rockstar smiled apologetically. “Sorry, Ms. Davies, but I’m still a minor—just seventeen.”

Becky’s face froze in embarrassment. Gido, meanwhile, burst out laughing. “Best day ever!”

Outside, the Seven Acolytes were greeted by a crowd of adoring fans. They walked through the aisle, waving to cheers and applause, their bond stronger than ever.

At the Kennedys’ mansion, Topher wandered the dim hallways with his loyal German Shepherd, Hunter, at his side. As they meandered, the door to the study room began to glow with a mysterious white radiance, illuminating the shadows around it.

The sight stopped Topher in his tracks, curiosity lighting up his face. “Why is that door shining?” he murmured, stepping cautiously forward.

Hunter followed closely, his nails clicking softly against the wooden floor. When Topher reached the glowing door, he hesitated for a moment before turning the knob and pushing it open. A brilliant white light engulfed him as he stepped inside.

Just as Hunter tried to follow, the door slammed shut with a decisive thud. The German Shepherd let out a low whimper, his ears flattening and his eyes wide with a look of forlorn disappointment.

Inside the radiance, Topher was instantly transformed into Cerulean Arlentis, the paladin clade. His silver and gold armor shimmered with divine brilliance, and a flowing white cape cascaded behind him.

Before him stood twelve towering giants, each seated on an ornate golden throne. The gods of Mount Olympus loomed above, their presence both majestic and awe-inspiring.

• Ares, the God of War.
• Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty.
• Dionysus, the God of Wine.
• Hermes, the Herald God.
• Apollo, the God of the Sun and Prophecy.
• Artemis, the Goddess of the Moon and Hunt.
• Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom.
• Hephaestus, the God of Fire and Metallurgy.
• Demeter, the Goddess of Agriculture.
• Hera, the Queen of the Gods.
• Poseidon, the God of the Sea.
• Zeus, the King of the Gods and the God of the Sky.

Zeus, charismatic and larger than life, rose from his throne. He extended both arms, his deep voice resonating like thunder. “Cerulean Arlentis, Seventh Acolyte and Acolyte of Heaven—welcome to Mount Olympus!”

Cerulean froze for a moment, awe washing over him as he took in the divine assembly. Collecting himself, he bowed deeply. “It is an honor and privilege, Your Majesty, to stand before you and your host of gods and goddesses.”

Zeus nodded with a benevolent smile. “The honor is ours, young paladin. We owe you and the Seven Acolytes a debt of gratitude. Through your combined strength, you vanquished Typhon and his monstrous hordes, restoring peace and balance to the mortal world. For this, we, the gods, are forever grateful—and we reward those who are worthy.”

He turned to Hermes. “Hermes, bring forth the medals of honor for the Seven Acolytes.”

The herald god, towering like the others, shrank down to the size of a mortal man. In his hands, he carried a velvet cushion bearing six intricately designed gold medals. One by one, Zeus explained their significance:

“The head of a lion, symbolizing courage, for the Spartan, Michael.

A rose, embodying beauty and grace, for the Love Fey, Allison.

A honeybee, the essence of warmth and vitality, for Sophie, the Bee Girl.

A clover leaf, a charm of fortune, for James, the Rockstar blessed by Lady Luck.

A seashell, a mark of the ocean’s maiden, for Princess Ruana, the sea’s protector.

And a shield, the emblem of defense, for Captain McKinley, the defender of mankind.”

Zeus turned to Cerulean with a knowing smile. “And what of you, young paladin? Do you not wonder where your reward lies?”

Cerulean straightened, his voice firm and humble. “I require no reward, Your Majesty. Peace itself is the greatest treasure.”

Zeus chuckled, his eyes twinkling. “Spoken like a true hero. Yet even the Griffin, the Guardian of Treasure, recognized the goodness within you. He gave his life for a hero he believed in—a hero destined to redeem the world. What I am about to bestow upon you, you cannot refuse.”

With a wave of his hand, Zeus summoned a golden bow into Cerulean’s grasp. The weapon was exquisite, its design sculpted to resemble the eagle head and wings of the Griffin.

“This bow,” Zeus intoned, “is imbued with the spirit of the Griffin. Its arrows are forged from divine flames, capable of vanquishing the darkest evils. It is a remembrance of the Griffin’s sacrifice and your unyielding virtue. From this day forth, the Griffin shall be your eternal Guardian, standing by your side in every battle until the end of time.”

Cerulean clutched the bow tightly, his heart swelling with gratitude and resolve. His lips curled into a heartfelt smile as his eyes glistened with emotion. Behind him, the spirit of the Griffin appeared—its eagle head proud, its lion’s body steadfast and true. The noble creature stood as a protector, radiating strength and loyalty.

Cerulean Arlentis, the Seventh Acolyte, had found his place among the gods, and his journey as the Holy Knight was destined to echo through eternity.