The Hierarchy

The air still echoed with awe, shouts, claps, and gasps. Amid the storm of noise, Eluera stood still.Her yellow eyes were locked on the now-empty stage, where Celestia Evergarden had stood moments ago.

“Was I truly... meant to be here? Was this path… a mistake?” Her fingers curled at her sides.

Then—

“Hey... Eluera!”

Catherine’s voice cut through the fog in her mind.
Eluera blinked, turning toward her best friend, Catherine.

“The welcoming ceremony’s about to start,” Catherine said, nudging her shoulder.
“Don’t go all statue on me, we’re still in the middle of things.”

Eluera exhaled slowly and forced a tiny smile.
“Oh… yeah. I’m here.”

—

The sun hung high, the soft breeze felt sharp against Eluera’s skin.
A voice cracked through the outdoor speakers—sharp and clear.

"Welcome to Aria Luna Academy."

The sea of girls began to quiet. Heads turned toward the stage, where a tall woman had stepped forward.
Her long black hair tied back with a silver band, her uniform crisp and formal. Students began to realize—this was the Headmistress.

She stood motionless, yet her presence loomed like a shadow, scanning every soul.

“You have stepped into this academy,” she said, her voice firm, unmoved.
"Here, music is not a subject. It is your future... and your battle.”

The word battle cracked like thunder.

The murmuring began almost instantly.
“B-battle…?” one girl whispered, her voice barely audible under the mounting tension.

Catherine’s brow lifted. Her fingers flexed unconsciously.
“Okay… this suddenly got real.”

Eluera stood still beside her, eyes wide—not with fear, but wonder.

The Headmistress raised her chin,
“Our academy nurtures talent through four tiers, each representing your band’s quality and strength.” She paused, letting the words settle in.

"You will climb through these tiers:

Concerto (Beginner) — where every new students starts at.

Ballad (Intermediate) — where emotions deepen.

Virtuoso (Advanced) — where mastery is sharpened.

Symphony (Ultimate) — where legends are born."

A collective hush spread as the hierarchy settled into every heart.

“Each tier is harder than the last. Each demands more of your effort.”

The words hit like a truck. Eluera glanced at Catherine, whose grin was already sharp.

“The tiers reflect more than talent. They reflect growth, artistry, and the will to overcome. Each tier brings you closer to reaching the peak of your potential.”

Then, with a sharp pause, the Headmistress declared.
“As an example of the pinnacle of this academy, Evergarden sits at the top in Symphony-tier.”
“The strongest, the most skilled... they've never lost a single battle—whether in competition or performance.”

Eluera's heart clenched, her thoughts a blur.
"Could we ever stand a chance?"

Catherine’s eyes glimmer with ambition, as if to say: Bring it on!

Evelyn remained quiet, her blue eyes reflective.

—

The Headmistress raised her voice again.
“And to ascend through these tiers... you must face the Final Sonata.”

A hush fell across the field.

“The Final Sonata is the soul of Aria Luna,” she declared.
“It is the ultimate test of skill, judged by the academy’s highest authority.”

“In the Final Sonata, you will have a choice—whether you will compete or collaborate.”

She raised a hand, and a small silver coin glinted in the light. She tossed it high into the air, it spun in a perfect arc before landing with a quiet clink.

“Should the coin land on heads, you will battle. Only the victor ascends, while the defeated remains in their current tier.” she said.
“Should it land on tails, you will cooperate. Both bands will need to work together, achieving combined scores to rise. Fail to meet the requirement scores, both bands will not ascend.”

The silence in the field was palpable, everyone waiting for the next words.

"You’ll have the liberty to choose the same tier band you might face—or partner with—in the Final Sonata, held each semester, every six months."

“And yes, I’m aware of the bias—of the strong always being chosen. But in the end, the coin decides.”
“Will your choice be your salvation... or your downfall?”

The Headmistress took a brief pause.
“Any questions before this ceremony concludes?”

One girl in the crowd raised her hand.
“W-what happens if there's a band left out, with no more bands to choose from in their tier…?”

“They will face the Final Sonata alone,” the Headmistress replied.
“With higher stakes to compensate for being a soloist.”

After a brief moment of silence and no further questions, the Headmistress raised her voice again.

“That concludes the welcoming ceremony.”
“I wish you all the best of luck.”

With that, the Headmistress turned, her heels clicking as she disappeared into the academy wings.
Slowly, the crowd began to breathe again.

Girls spoke in gasps, whispered in panic.
“I… I don’t think I can do this—”
“Me too… what if I have to face my besties thanks to the coin toss...”

Students began to disperse, leaving Eluera and Evelyn standing in silence—until Catherine wrapped her arms around them.
"Come on, I know this is a lot to take in right now, but we’ll make sure to prove ourselves." Her grin widened.

In that moment, Catherine’s words reminded them that their journey had just begun.