Floating Island - Triple S Talent

At present, aboard a hovering airship floating at a moderate altitude, a live broadcast is underway. A reporter stood confidently, with the majestic view behind him forming an unavoidable backdrop. Dozens of flying cameras hovered in the air, capturing the best angles of every activity at the construction site. The sunlight reflecting off the massive tree's surface added a visual brilliance, making the broadcast appear almost like a living masterpiece.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the grand venue for welcoming guests from another realm is being constructed at an impressive pace. You can see the progress happening right behind me," the reporter announced with a professional tone, clear articulation, and a faint smile on his face. His voice was full of enthusiasm, reflecting awe at the scale of the ongoing construction.

Behind him stretched a breathtaking view. The leaves of the Tree of Life Source, each spanning over 1,000 kilometers, formed the foundation of the event area. Hundreds of towering pillars, standing tens of meters tall, encircled the venue like giant sentinels. The completed area already extended over 500 meters, with work still ongoing. Hundreds of thousands of seats were being meticulously arranged, encircling the main stage, which served as the focal point.

The stage, nearing completion, exuded grandeur with a massive holographic screen mounted at the front. These screens were ready to display every moment of tomorrow's event with perfect clarity. Workers could be seen testing advanced technology, while others adjusted the lighting to ensure perfection when night fell.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

The broadcast captured not only the bustling atmosphere of construction but also conveyed its energy. The thud of machines, the rapid exchanges among workers, and the gusts of wind blowing at high altitudes added to the vividness of the broadcast. Viewers at home could almost feel the adrenaline, as if they were on-site witnessing this marvel take shape with their own eyes.

Upon closer inspection, a woman with long black hair stood firmly above the busy construction area. The wind gently moved her hair, but her gaze remained focused, observing every detail of the work. Laras, who held full control over the preparations, ensured everything proceeded as planned. With a calm yet commanding demeanor, she exuded the aura of a respected leader.

Although the event was scheduled for the next day, Laras would not tolerate any imperfections. For her, every element had to be ready by tonight. She scrutinized the area with sharp eyes, searching for anything that might have escaped others' attention.

"You…" Laras spoke softly to a worker standing near a loudspeaker. Her tone was calm, but there was an undeniable firmness within it. Her voice almost drowned amidst the noise, yet the worker immediately turned, as if drawn by an unseen force.

The worker looked at Laras with a serious expression, then slightly tilted his head as if to ensure her instructions were clear. "Yes, Miss? What is it?" he asked respectfully.

"Adjust the angle of the speaker inward," Laras instructed, this time transmitting her command directly into the worker's mind through her telepathic ability. There was no hesitation in the tone of her directive.

"Understood, Miss," the worker replied firmly, his voice resonating with a sense of responsibility. He quickly raised a small communicator and relayed the instructions to his team to adjust the position of the main speaker. Their movements were swift, like the interconnected gears of a massive machine.

Laras observed briefly, ensuring her command was executed with precision. When everything aligned with her expectations, she exhaled slowly, feeling satisfied. With a graceful motion, her figure vanished from the spot. In an instant, she reappeared atop another leaf of the Tree of Life Source, overseeing a different area of the grand event preparations.

The giant leaves of this tree rose like natural stages, each designated for various activities. From her new position, Laras resumed her careful observation of the work. From a distance, the sounds of machines and workers blended like a harmonious symphony—a sign that preparations for this monumental event were proceeding according to plan.

***

A yellow bus floated calmly amidst the bustling sky traffic. Its aerodynamic design allowed the bus to glide effortlessly, while a small flag bearing a star-shaped logo fluttered gracefully at the front, swaying with the rhythm of the wind. Sunlight reflected a soft sheen off the bus's surface, a testament to its regular maintenance.

Inside the bus, the atmosphere was lively with the presence of many young passengers dressed in blue uniforms featuring the same star emblem as on the flag. Twenty-two students sat in their seats, some engaged in animated conversations while others gazed out the large windows beside them. Two supervisors in purple uniforms sat at the front near the driver, speaking in hushed tones. Their expressions were calm but attentive.

At the back of the bus, the energy was different. The students there were enthusiastically discussing their upcoming journey to the Sky Tower. A great challenge awaited them, and anticipation filled the air.

"We're only going to tackle floors one through five," said a short-haired student seated at the front of their group. His voice was steady, filled with fiery enthusiasm. "But that's already challenging enough, right? The Sky Tower is famous for its difficulty."

"At least we don't have to worry about dying there," quipped a bespectacled girl, her tone half-joking but confident. "Death inside the Sky Tower is just a simulation. But still, the pain must feel real."

Some students chuckled at the remark, but others nodded with serious expressions. Their eyes reflected an understanding of the dangers ahead. Even so, their spirits remained undeterred. The allure of the Sky Tower wasn't just in its challenges but also in the rewards it promised. If they managed to defeat many monsters, valuable materials awaited them, including the possibility of upgrading their combat equipment. Furthermore, the Star Academy had promised special rewards for the team with the highest points.

"Just imagine," said a young man with long black hair, his eyes gleaming with hope. "Rare materials from the third or fourth floor could make our weapons much stronger. And if our team wins, it'll be a huge honor for the Academy."