The bell rang.
The new students of First Year, Class 1-S gathered in silence. Only twenty were chosen for this room, the elite of the elite. The ones who would shape the world.
Renka slipped inside with Mizuki Aoi at his side. The classroom was wide, high windows spilling light across polished floors. Desks gleamed in neat rows, twenty in all.
The teacher stood at the front.
Miazaka Sayuri.
Tall, composed, her presence sharper than steel. Long dark hair tied back, her uniform lined with silver markings. A known powerhouse — her strength alone had ended a regional conflict years ago. Yet her voice, when it came, was calm.
"Welcome, Class 1-S. You are the best of this generation. You will compete, bleed, and grow. You will also fail, unless you learn discipline. I am Miazaka Sayuri, your homeroom teacher. For one year, your life is mine."
A chill passed through the room.
Renka only smiled, scratching his head, already fumbling with his bag as if he were the least dangerous person alive.
"Sit. Introduce yourselves. From the front."
One by one, the students spoke.
The 20 of Class 1-S
1. Mizuki Aoi — Fire, S-Class. Confident, composed, a natural leader.
2. Hikari Renka — Boost/Support (hidden: Eternal Darkness). Cheerful, kind, chocolate-loving.
3. Kurogane Ryo — Metal Manipulation, A-Class. Broad-shouldered, hot-headed.
4. Hanabira Yui — Healing Light, A-Class. Gentle, soft-spoken.
5. Tachibana Kaito — Wind Blade, A-Class. Cocky, restless.
6. Shinonome Rei — Ice Spears, S-Class. Quiet, calculating.
7. Fujimoto Haru — Plant Growth, B-Class. Easygoing, laughs often.
8. Sakuraba Mei — Illusion Arts, A-Class. Mischievous, sharp-eyed.
9. Inoue Daichi — Earthquake Pulse, A-Class. Serious, disciplined.
10. Hayashi Kana — Water Veil, B-Class. Caring, nervous.
11. Okita Ren — Gravity Push, S-Class. Cold, prideful.
12. Natsume Akira — Flame Sword, A-Class. Ambitious, reckless.
13. Morikawa Shizuku — Mist Control, B-Class. Quiet, dreamy.
14. Takashiro Jin — Beast Claws, A-Class. Rough, physical fighter.
15. Arisugawa Nene — Sound Waves, A-Class. Loud, playful.
16. Kanzaki Toma — Lightning Dash, S-Class. Arrogant, competitive.
17. Shiraishi Yuna — Barrier Dome, A-Class. Calm, dependable.
18. Odagiri Sota — Poison Touch, A-Class. Dark humor, sly.
19. Mihara Kyoko — Shadow Movement, A-Class. Silent, sharp gaze.
20. Tsukasa Itsuki — Light Arrows, S-Class. Charismatic, heroic type.
The room was full of sparks already — laughter, rivalry, quiet glares. Aoi introduced herself with dignity. Renka followed with an awkward bow and a grin.
"I'm Hikari Renka. I like dark chocolate, naps, and… ah, not much else. Let's all get along, yeah?"
The class laughed. The tension broke. Even Kanzaki, cold as lightning, smirked.
No one saw the shadow at Renka's heart.
No one noticed the Eternal Darkness whispering in silence.
Not even Aoi.