The next day, I woke up at a very early hour. The nauseating feeling from yesterday was completely gone. I drew back the curtain to see the sun just beginning to rise.
"How long did I sleep?" I yawned, stretching my arms.
I pulled out my phone to check the time: 5 AM. Far earlier than my usual 10 AM wake-up.
I decided to take a walk. I put on simple clothes—a black hoodie with a large panda design, black pants, and earphones connected to my phone. Music filled my ears as I stepped out.
The streets were quiet and peaceful as I walked past the metal gate and onto the empty roads. I wandered until I reached the training field Kagetsu and I used.
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted someone running laps.
"Who runs at 5 in the morning?" I muttered in disbelief.
It was Kagetsu. He had been running for a while—sweat glistening on his skin. The bandages from yesterday were changed into newer cleaner ones.
I considered going over. I should say hi.
But as I got closer and saw his face, his usual smile had vanished, replaced by sheer determination and anger.
Nevermind, I told myself, continuing my walk.
"This loser mentality is what's holding me back," Kagetsu whispered under his breath, pushing through the pain without slowing down.
I kept walking until I reached a small fast-food restaurant in town.
A grin spread across my face. "Jackpot!" I whispered, entering the nearly empty store. Only an old man eating a cheeseburger and a middle-aged woman with fries were there.
I ordered two cheeseburgers, paid, and quickly left, devouring one as I walked home.
Passing the training field again, Kagetsu was gone.
He probably got tired and went home, I thought, patting my stomach after burping.
Minutes later, I arrived at my neighborhood. At my doorstep sat a package, an envelope attached with "Tsubasa Academy" written in an elaborate font.
I brought the package inside, placed it on my desk, and tore open the envelope.
Dear Kabuchi Zane,
It is with great honor that we welcome you to Tsubasa Academy, the foremost institution dedicated to shaping the next generation of heroes.
After reviewing your results, we are pleased to inform you that you have secured 15th place in this year's Entrance Examination. Such a rank speaks of both talent and potential, and we look forward to seeing how far your wings will carry you.
Enclosed within your acceptance package, you will find:
Your official Tsubasa Academy uniform, tailored to mark you as one of our students.
A dormitory key, granting you access to your assigned living quarters on campus.
An orientation handbook outlining academy rules, schedules, and expectations.
Here at Tsubasa Academy, every challenge is an opportunity to soar higher. You will be tested, pushed beyond your limits, and forged into more than you ever imagined. We trust that you will rise to the occasion and embody the spirit of a true hero.
Welcome to the Academy. Your journey begins now.
With honor and expectation,
Principal Gregores
Tsubasa Academy of Heroes
I frowned. "Tsk… this looks like it was written by AI," I muttered.
Setting the letter aside, I opened the package. First, a pale handbook. Then, a pristine white uniform with black contours. On the top-left, a metal plate engraved "Kabuchi Zane."
"This is so cool!" I exclaimed, lifting the uniform for a better look.
A sudden clink-clatter drew my attention. A small key had fallen onto the floor. I picked it up and noticed "Room 15" engraved on it.
My own dorm? This is amazing! I thought, excitement surging.
I returned the items to the package, keeping only the handbook on my bed. I plopped down and opened it.
The first page read:
Homeroom
2th Division
I squinted. "Hmm… so they call it 1th, 2th, 3th divisions instead of 1-A, 1-B, 1-C," I muttered.
Flipping through, one line caught my eye:
"Please note that in exactly three days' time, the academy gates will open to welcome the incoming first-years. Until then, you are expected to prepare yourself and review the handbook carefully."
I closed the book, excitement and anticipation welling up inside me. The countdown to the next stage of my journey had begun.