The morning sun merely glided over the high black stone walls of the Soul Contract Academy. The courtyard was full of energy and activity; students moved with purpose, their spirits occasionally shimmering beside them. These spirits formed faint outlines of foxes, hawks, and serpents in midair. Whispers rose and fell in a chorus of the same question repeated over and over: "Have you heard? A transfer student arrives today."
In the crowd, a lone figure walked with poise and calmness. With jet-black hair carrying a subtle crimson streak across the sunlight as he entered the main gates, one of his eyes was golden, while the other appeared tinged in red. He watched the courtyard with quiet interest. The mere presence of this man made most of the nearby students freeze.
"Hanzō Kurayami," the soon-spreading murmur of his entrance into the classroom: "2-B, the top unofficial class of the second year."
The teacher, a tall figure with sharp features and commanding presence, stood at the front. "Class 2-B, settle down. We have a new student joining us today. Show him respect, but remember—your abilities speak louder than words."
As Hanzō took his place in the back of the classroom, several pairs of eyes glanced his way-out of a mixture of curiosity and doubt. Kazuto Himekawa smiled slyly, a flame tiger spirit standing on his shoulder, and whispered to a classmate, "Looks like we finally get some real competition."
Aoi Tsukihana's violet eyes met the calm gaze of Hanzō at the front. Sunlight glimmered in her long, silvery-blue hair; she was the epitome of elegance and calm, for the Crystal Phoenix colored with an aura-and coiled faintly around her like a ribbon of living crystal. A tilt of her head let curiosity glimmer in her expression. This boy…he's different.
Renji Takahara and Kaoru Itsuki, Hanzō's soon-to-be accomplices, gave him quiet nods, already outing his aura. Mei Suzuhara and Haruto Minami, Aoi's late friends, noticed the energy change that settled in their usually stable class.
The teacher clapped sharply with a single clap. "Hanzō Kurayami, please demonstrate your spirit bond for the class."
Without a single word, Hanzō moved towards him. Behind him, a shadow flickered, and the Half-Demon Wolf appeared by name of Kurōgami. The chains of dark energy coiled around its massive frame, crimson markings faintly glowing. The heavy air grew thick with whispers that almost turned to gasps of amazement. Kazuto, known for his free-spirited smirk, found his grin vanish for a second.
Almost on cue, Aoi's Seiryūka responded. The crystal feathers gave their first faint flare, as if recognizing a kindred strength in Hanzō's wolf. There lingered a subtle tension between the two-an electric calm, dangerous in its balance, and a graceful wildness.
Although the first day had just started, the balance within Class 2-B was already turning upside down. Setting into place were rivalries, alliances were forming, and right in the center of the academy, the Wolf met the Phoenix.