The sun rose brightly in the eastern sky, scattering its golden rays across the rooftops. The cheerful chirping of birds filled the air without pause, while fragrant flowers swayed in rhythm with the morning breeze.
Ren walked through the tall gates of KIAST, Kyoto Institute of Science and Technology, his bag slung lazily over his shoulder. Just beyond the entrance, two familiar figures stood waiting.
"Long time no see, Ren!" Aiko called out first, her smile as radiant as always.
"You've been in good shape, right buddy?" Riku added, wrapping an arm around Ren's shoulder in a friendly half-hug.
"Yeah, I was fine," Ren replied with a small laugh. "How about you guys?"
After a short but joyful reunion, the three made their way to the lecture hall. The long month of vacation had passed quickly, but the campus already buzzed with a sense of excitement , today, something felt different.
[THUD]
A firm sound echoed as Mr. Takashi, their instructor, placed a heavy pile of books onto the desk at the front. Despite his sixty-five years, he moved with surprising sharpness and authority. His presence alone was enough to silence the chatter.
"Good morning, everyone."
"Good morning, Mr. Takashi!" the class answered in unison.
"I trust you all enjoyed your holidays," he began, his tone calm yet commanding. "But today, we return to the business of science."
He adjusted his glasses and glanced over the room, letting the anticipation build.
"Before we start, I have two important matters to announce. First, regarding your projects submitted before vacation: I reviewed them carefully. Some of you showed notable improvement. However…" his eyes narrowed just slightly "…too many of you repeated ideas and models already created in past years. Remember, true science is not copying, but creating."
A nervous ripple went through the classroom.
"Therefore," he continued, softening his voice again, "your grades are based not only on results, but also on dedication, effort, and creativity."
Ren scribbled something aimlessly in his notebook, not expecting much. He hadn't been fully confident about his work.
"And second," Takashi said, his voice dropping slightly lower as if preparing them for something far bigger. "As students of science, I'm sure you have all heard of the asteroid that entered Earth's atmosphere yesterday. The International Space Exploration Agency ISEA has entrusted our university with a rare opportunity. The fallen fragments in the Mount Aso region are to be researched and catalogued… by us."
Gasps broke out across the room. Whispers filled the air.
Takashi raised a hand for silence.
"Of course, I will lead the team. But three students have been chosen to accompany me, based on their performance."
Ren felt his grip on the notebook tighten. His heart beat faster, though he didn't know why.
"Riku Matsuda, with 72 marks."
"Present!" Riku answered quickly, grinning nervously.
"Aiko Hayashi, with 83 marks."
Aiko's hand shot up, though her eyes widened in surprise.
"And finally… Ren Arakawa, with 90 marks."
Ren froze. His pen slipped slightly in his fingers. Ninety? He hadn't expected that at all. He wasn't confident in his project, yet somehow, fate had given him this chance.
He darted a glance toward Aiko and Riku. Both wore the same stunned expression as if the world had just shifted under their feet.
"Congratulations to the three of you," Mr. Takashi said firmly. "I trust you will prove yourselves as worthy companions in this research. Meet me in the lecture room after classes today for further instructions."