The next three days passed in the blink of an eye. Most of it was just packing clothes and other necessities into my suitcase—nothing special happened after that.
Finally, the day arrived.
"Brrring! Brrring!" My phone alarm blared.
"Mhhmehm…" I groaned, pushing myself out of bed and sitting on the edge. Rubbing my eyes, I muttered, "Today's the big day," my voice still half-asleep.
I went through my usual morning routine—shower, uniform, suitcase in hand. Tsubasa Academy wasn't far, only about a thirty-minute walk.
Kagetsu said he'd be late… so we won't walk together, I thought, a twinge of disappointment in my voice.
I'll make the most of my school days. My first task is… get a girlfriend! I said aloud, full of enthusiasm.
A while later, the academy came into view. The massive building was still blurry from the distance, but there was no mistaking it—Tsubasa Academy.
As I got closer, I noticed many students in white uniforms, both male and female, walking through the huge gates. I blended into the crowd, excitement bubbling inside me.
This is so cool! I thought, eyes wandering over the beautiful gardens, trees, and grand architecture. My gaze eventually landed on a large building. I put a hand to my chin, thinking like a detective. Those must be the dorms.
After a few more minutes of walking, I found myself sitting in the auditorium. My suitcase rested between my legs. I was somewhere in the middle-left, squeezed in by other students.
"Ahem," a voice rang out from a speaker. The bickering stopped instantly as everyone's attention shifted toward the source.
It was Principal Gregores, in his gray suit with slicked-back hair. Beside him stood a woman with short dark orange hair—Vice Principal Yami, according to the guidebook. On his other side was an elderly man wearing a long white robe and a traditional bamboo hat covering his eyes. His long white beard and mysterious aura gave him a solemn presence—Vice principal Qiu, according to the guidebook.
Principal Gregores lifted the microphone and began:
"Esteemed faculty, honored guests, and most importantly, our new students, it is with great pride that I welcome you all to Tsubasa Academy, where tomorrow's heroes take flight.
You have each passed the Entrance Examination and earned your place within these walls. That alone is no small feat. From this day forward, your training begins. You will not only sharpen your power but also shape your spirit, discipline, and resolve. Remember, true strength is not measured by ability alone, but by the will to rise after every fall.
Among you, there are those who have shown exceptional ability during the examinations. It is my privilege to acknowledge the Top Five Ranked Entrants of this year's class."
"In 5th Rank: Leor Kaguro!"
A tall, muscular man walked out confidently in a black uniform and sat in one of the five seats at the front.
"In 4th Rank: Sai Fukumaki!"
The little red-haired girl from the entrance exam walked out in her small black uniform and sat down.
"In 3th Rank: Kiota Hana!"
An extremely beautiful girl with short wavy hair. Her hair was black at the roots and deep red at the tips. Her black uniform barely contained her curves, and her thunderous thighs threatened to burst out of her knee-high socks. A small grin played on her lips as she took her seat.
"In 2th Rank: Dubois Charles!"
The blond guy from the entrance exam—who had been Yuki's human seat—walked out, adjusting his tie like it made him cooler, and sat down. Only one seat remained.
"And finally, in 1st Rank… Omanai Yuki!"
The girl with black-to-blue hair strode out, a malevolent smile on her face. Her black uniform fit perfectly as she elegantly sat in the final seat.
"These students represent the highest scorers of this year's examination, but let us not forget: every one of you has the chance to rise, surpass, and inspire. Tsubasa Academy is not a place where wings are measured—it is a place where wings are grown."
"Omanai Yuki will now give a speech to you all. After that, you will be free to explore and familiarize yourselves with the school grounds." Applause erupted as Gregores handed the microphone to Yuki.
She lifted the mic gracefully. "Hello, fellow students of Tsubasa Academy. I wanted to give a small speech about one little thing. You all are pathetic compared to me. You'll never reach anywhere near my level, so just give up while you still can." She returned the mic and sat elegantly.
A tiny grin formed on Hana's face. "She's gonna be fun," she muttered under her breath.
Charles' eyes were glued to Hana, drool forming as he stared shamelessly.
The entire auditorium erupted in cheers, despite Yuki's insult.
A small grin spread across my face. I'll make sure to crush her ego, I thought, letting my own pride flare for a moment.
"Now, students, you may go out and explore. Remember, in approximately one hour, you must return to your individual classrooms," Principal Gregores finished.
The doors opened, and a flood of students poured into the hallways. I barely managed to make my way through the crowd alive.