Today was the day. Today, May 1st. I, Yohei Ryoshi, would enter Somei so that I could become a Defender.
I was mildly excited. No, that was an understatement.
I got up from my bed and checked the clock on my nightstand. It was 5:45 am.
The time for the entrance ceremony would be at 7:15 am, so I needed to be there at 7:00 am.
I went to the bathroom and washed my face. I looked in the mirror and smiled slightly.
"Today begins my journey to fulfill my dream."
I lightly ruffled my brown hair. Without doing anything else, I walked out of the bathroom and headed to the kitchen of my house.
I grabbed a bowl, cereal and some milk.
I really didn't need to eat that much breakfast now, after all, Somei has the best cafeteria you could ask for.
I grabbed my phone and checked a few messages, finding messages from some high school classmates.
[Good luck fulfilling your dreams Yohei-kun].
[You can do it tiger, crush them all!].
The last of those messages was the one that brought a smile to my face.
[Ryoshi, I hope you try hard, your big sister is proud of you].
My older sister, Hoshi. She is, without a doubt, a strong pillar in my life.
I replied with a smiling dog emoticon and put my phone away.
Once I finished eating, I left everything in its respective place and went up to my room to take a shower.
I had my uniform ready since last night. I put it on once I finished showering.
It consisted of black pants, a long-sleeved white shirt, a gray school vest, a blue tie and a jacket of the same color as the tie.
I looked in the mirror and lightly combed my hair. I didn't mind having it a little disheveled, but I didn't want to be scolded for having uncombed hair.
I grabbed my backpack and my phone.
"I guess it's time to go. I'll miss this house a lot."
Somei has an individual dormitory system, so, I would have to leave this house totally abandoned (except for vacations).
Anyway, possibly Hoshi is taking care of this house.
Well, it's time to go.
1
I was already at the entrance. This place was huge.
A set of giant buildings where they had all the training equipment.
Without a doubt, Somei became so popular because of the support it had in the past from the prime minister of Japan at that time.
Since then, this academy is the number 1 choice for young people.
I smiled slightly and started walking.
"So you also entered here."
Hm? I heard a very familiar voice behind me.
As I turned around, I could see an old classmate. His white hair looked the same as always, with the difference that he now looked more determined than before.
Nakamura Kenta, that's his name.
"You know the answer."
He and I never had the best relationship. We weren't friends or anything, plus our friend groups were enemies.
In high school everything was divided into groups. It was kind of childish, but that's how school was run.
I was lucky to join a group, but unfortunately, I was enemies with Nakamura's group.
"I guess we'll always be rivals, huh."
"I guess so. Although actually, we were rivals because of our groups."
"Ha. Please don't give me that. We both know that regardless of our groups, we would be enemies forever."
He was right. How Nakamura and I were the strongest in our class (possibly in the whole school as well) our rivalry was obvious.
The teachers always put us in competition, we were also often put in competition to see who was better.
"Listen, while you and I have a great 'rivalry', as you call it, I won't be the only one you'll be engaged in competition with in this place."
In the end, this isn't high school anymore. This is Somei. This is already a different level than what we were used to.
In high school I felt like I was forced to compete with the guy in front of me, but now, it was different.
I'm sure I would find new rivals to compete with.
"Whatever you say. Just the same, you will always be my number 1 rival."
I'd be lying if I said I wasn't surprised by what he said. I guess, deep down, he values our rivalry.
Although I also know that his power is something to take account of, it bothers me a little that I still have to keep competing with him, because honestly, it's become tedious.
Not to mention that it also got boring. We both knew each other's best moves. Just like we also know all our advantages and disadvantages.
"Well, I hope you have luck in your class. I hope you find someone else better as an opponent. Farewell, Nakamura."
And unbeknownst to me... I spoke too soon.
2
"What was that you were saying? 'So long, Nakamura.' Ha ha ha."
I couldn't believe it either. In the end, Nakamura ended up being designated as my seat neighbor.
"Believe me, I'm starting to doubt my luck."
"For some reason I'm offended."
"At this point, I'm not surprised."
"Son of a..."
"Good morning everyone."
A mature female voice was heard at the entrance to the classroom.
It belonged to a young woman of, approximately, 25 to 30 years of age.
Her black hair and red eyes gave her a beautiful air that captivated everyone in the classroom, regardless of whether they were male or female.
"I am Sugiyima Akira, and I will be your tutor teacher for your next 4 years here."
So she is our teacher.
"First of all, I want to welcome you to Somei. During your time here, you will have multiple trainings and practices in Dungeons and public guarding."
Being a Defender doesn't just mean having to save people from robbery, kidnapping, ransom, etc.
It also means having to protect people from dungeons that pop up every so often.
Clearing dungeons is also a good opportunity to test your strength, by facing monsters of incredible levels. Which is why, many times, it is often seen as a lot of fun for many Defenders.
"I want to tell you that tomorrow there will be some physical tests to be able to classify you by ranks. From this school stage, you will be given your official ranks. These may change as the semesters progress."
Somei is currently divided into 4 years, of which, there are 8 semesters. Each semester our ranks will be updated with an evaluation.
Someone from A rank over time, if they improve, they will be able to move up to A+ rank or S rank, if they put their mind to it.
Now, I haven't measured my rank ever, so I'm not sure what rank I possess.
If I remember correctly, Hoshi has an A+ rank, which is pretty impressive.
"Well, besides that, I want to tell you that fighting is strictly forbidden outside of training. If you see any fighting happening down a hallway or courtyard, please stop it or call a teacher. Well, I hope you enjoy your time at Somei. In 5 minutes will be the entrance ceremony. I'll see you there."
Once she finished speaking, Sugiyima-sensei proceeded to leave the classroom.
Everyone in the classroom grabbed their things and we got up from our seats.
We were about to leave the classroom, but someone else spoke up.
"Wait! Since we will be in the same class for 4 years, I think it would be the right thing to get along. Since we're kind of short on time, how about we exchange phone numbers so we can create a group and officially introduce ourselves?"
A purple-haired girl spoke briskly, attracting the attention of everyone in the classroom.
Most agreed with her proposal and we agreed to give out our phone numbers.
3
In the gymnasium, all the incoming freshmen, including Ryoshi, lined up with their groups.
Above the stage, there were several school executives.
They were watching all the students.
"Wow, you can tell we have a great generation."
A slightly older, green-haired gentleman spoke with a smile.
"That's right. By the way, did you hear, Utomiya?"
Another executive, a white-haired gentleman, asked the green-haired gentleman.
"No, did I miss something important, Hoshimiya?"
"Yes. Defender Hoshi's younger brother entered Somei today."
"Really? That's a good thing. What class did the boy get into?"
"I think he was admitted to class A."
"You're right."
Another person, the school president, appeared.
An even older gentleman than the previous two. But his age didn't mean he looked weaker. No. It was quite the opposite.
"He was placed in class A with teacher Sugiyima. This is so he can develop in a better way."
Both Utomiya and Hoshimiya bowed slightly as they looked at the person in front of them.
"Chairman Fujiyama, it is a pleasure to have you here."
"It is also a pleasure, Headmaster Hoshimiya. You too, Professor Utomiya."
"I guess we are starting the ceremony, aren't we, chairman?"
"Yes. Let's begin."
Headmaster Hoshimiya nodded his head and walked up to the microphone and called the attention of all the students.
"Good morning everyone. I am Headmaster Hoshimiya and I would like to welcome you to Somei."
All the students gave their full attention to the words of the person at the microphone.
"I hope your stay at Somei will be to your liking. During these 4 years you will develop to become Defenders who will represent the next generation."
He raised his fist and it burst into flame.
"We expect you to give your all in this academy! Repeat after me! Defenders for the world!"
- Defenders for the world! -
They all repeated with all their enthusiasm.
"I will now give the floor to the president of the academy. Let's give it up for President Fujiyama."
Everyone gave a loud applause as the black-haired man approached the microphone with a slight smile.
"Good morning everyone. As Headmaster Hoshimiya already said, we expect you to give your best. Remember, being a Defender is not just about having to be someone strong. No. You also need to be mentally determined. I was a Defender for more than 40 years, unfortunately, I had to retire because of my age, but that doesn't mean I can't help anymore. Because now I run this great academy so that you become real heroes. Be persevering with your dreams. Thank you very much.
4
It was already 8 am in the morning and the entrance ceremony was over.
All the students, including myself, left the main gymnasium and proceeded to our respective dormitories.
Along the way, I could see several senpais from higher grades walking by. Some were greeting old acquaintances who are now new entrants.
I wonder if 'he' is here. If I remember correctly, he should be in his 3rd year at Somei.
I may maybe see him in some of these days, but for now, I'd better settle down.
Tomorrow we'll start with some rank tests. If I had to self-assess myself, I'd say I'm a rank B or A. Nakamura, on the other hand, I'm sure is in a position equal to mine.
I stopped my pacing and looked at my palm.
I got it. I am in this academy. I made it after a lot of sacrifice. Now all I want is to continue with my dream and to improve myself.
For all those who were by my side.