Aoroi's eyes blinked open to the glaring rays of sunlight piercing through the dorm room window. With a groan, he slowly stretched his stiff limbs and rubbed the sleep from his eyes, mentally preparing himself for another long day at Emoji Academy.
The hallways buzzed with activity as students hurried to their classes. Aoroi picked up bits and pieces of hushed conversations as he walked.
"That's him, the first year who beat up those third years..."
"I heard he took on all three of them by himself..."
"Who does he think he is anyway? No one messes with the top students..."
Aoroi sighed, the gossip about his fight rippling through the school like wildfire. He didn't mean for it to happen, but those upperclassmen had it coming.
A girl with yellow skin tone and love shaped heart eyes walked up to him, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Aoroi! Is it true you're the strongest fighter in school now?"
Aoroi shrugged. "I just did what I had to do."
The girl clasped her hands together, gazing at him in admiration. "You're so brave! Will you teach me how to fight like that?"
"Uh, fighting should only be used as a last resort-" Aoroi began, but the girl had already scurried off.
As he continued down the hallway, hushed voices followed him. Aoroi kept his gaze fixed ahead, trying his best to ignore them. He didn't want to be known as a fighter or a troublemaker. But it seemed his reputation at Emoji Academy was quickly growing beyond his control.
Aoroi entered his classroom, the buzz of chatter filling the room. As he made his way to his desk, a folded piece of paper caught his eye. He paused, noticing the bold words scrawled across it:
"DO NOT OPEN THIS PAPER NO MATTER WHAT..."
Aoroi's eyebrows furrowed. He picked up the note, turning it over in his hands. His name wasn't written on it. Was this some kind of prank?
Curiosity bubbled up within him. What could be inside? A secret message? Homework answers? His fingers itched to unfold it. But no, he knew better than to fall for some trick. Crumpling the paper into a tight ball, Aoroi aimed and shot it perfectly into the trash can across the room.
Just then, the morning bell rang, and students scrambled to their seats. Aoroi sat down, putting the strange note out of his mind. He had more important things to focus on, like passing his classes with top marks.Whatever nonsense someone tried to pull, he wouldn't let it distract him from his goals. Aoroi was determined to learn all he could, stop the virus conquest and get back to the real world... This time he was going to be careful on his execution of his revenge against Valeria Richfield.
Aoroi settled into his seat as the classroom filled with students. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a tall, unfamiliar boy enter.
The new student had an air of confidence about him. His uniform was neatly pressed and his posture straight. Aoroi guessed he must be a transfer student.
Just then, the new boy paused, his gaze falling to the floor. He bent down and picked up the crumpled ball of paper Aoroi had thrown earlier.
Aoroi tensed. Had his shot missed after all?
The transfer student turned the crumpled note over in his hands, intrigued. For a moment, it seemed he might open it. Aoroi held his breath, waiting to see what he would do. But then the boy simply shrugged and tossed the paper into the trash where it belonged. He took his seat without another glance back.
Aoroi breathed a quiet sigh of relief. Whoever this new student was, at least he had the sense not to go snooping into other people's business.
Mirai scowled as she watched the new student, Shin, casually toss her carefully crafted note into the trash. How dare he interfere with her brilliant plan! She had spent all night composing the perfect message to tempt and toy with Aoroi, her now new best friend who had somehow gone toe to toe with Doctor Pain and single handedly defeated three upper grade students.
This was supposed to be her moment of triumph, to prove she was still the most cunning student in their year. But now this Shin had ruined everything with his goody two-shoes attitude.
Mirai felt her hands clench into fists under her desk. A slow burn of anger rose within her. She had not come this far by letting obstacles stand in her way. If her original scheme had failed, then she would just have to devise an even better one.
No one made a fool of Mirai and got away with it for long. She would teach both Aoroi and this new thorn in her side a lesson they wouldn't soon forget. The game was still on.
Just then, their teacher Miss Sasha entered the room. "Good morning class," she said brightly. "Before we begin, I'd like to introduce a new transfer student." She gestured to the boy who had entered earlier. "This is Shin Grandsley."
Murmurs rippled through the class at the mention of the prestigious Grandsley name. Aoroi studied Shin with renewed interest. The son of one of their academy's founders was sure to be incredibly gifted.
Shin gave a polite nod to the class. "Nice to meet everyone. I look forward to joining you here at Emoji Academy." His voice was cool and cultured. But Aoroi sensed a hint of something more behind his refined exterior. There was an undeniable spark of ambition in his eyes that Aoroi recognized all too well.
Perhaps this Shin Grandsley would prove himself a worthy rival after all.
Just then, Miss Sasha called the class to attention, interrupting Aoroi's thoughts and Mirai's brooding. "Now then," Miss Sasha said, "let's begin today's lesson on the history of viruses..."
Mirai pretended to pay attention, but her mind was already whirring with possibilities for her next act of vengeance. For now, she would bide her time and plan. Her moment would come soon enough.
Miss Sasha cleared her throat, casting a stern gaze across the classroom. "Before we dive into today's lesson, I want to offer my congratulations. You all passed Dr. Pain's blood orb training with flying colors."
A ripple of excitement passes through the students. Aoroi allows himself a small smile, rubbing his bandaged chest where a blood orb had grazed him. The training had been grueling, but he feels ready for whatever comes next.
"However," Miss Sasha continues, her tone growing sharp, "I was informed of an...altercation between some students." Her eyes fix on Aoroi, who stiffens. "Unsanctioned fighting between schoolmates goes against academy rules. Consider this your final warning."
Aoroi's heart sinks. Of course word had spread about his scuffle with the upper class men. He should have known better than to let his temper get the best of him.
"Aoroi, I'd like you to see me after class," Miss Sasha said. "We need to discuss proper conduct befitting an academy student."
"Yes, Ma'am," Aoroi muttered, cheeks burning as he felt the class's eyes on him. He vows to himself that he wouldn't slip up again no matter how much anyone provoked him. The academy was his sure hope to safeguard his life, and he was not going to let anger or pride put that in jeopardy. Aoroi sat up straight, focusing on Miss Sasha's words. He was become a model student - he has to.
Miss Sasha clasps her hands, surveying the class. "Now then, let's begin today's lesson... Who among you would like to tell the class the history of Viruses and the purpose of this Academy?"
Vanessa Helsing, a beautiful zombie emoji female student with long blue hair and specs, wearing a clean, smartly ironed uniform with a beautiful smell of lavender perfume, raised her hand and stood up at Miss Sasha's request, "Thank you, Miss Sasha," Vanessa said. "Today I will provide an overview of the history of Viruses and the founding of this academy."
"Viruses by nature are demonic creatures that fell from the sky five years ago, a day commonly known as the day of the 'BLOOD SKY' in which thousands of civilians lives were lost but the four cardinal heroes, also known as the 'Council of Four' managed to drive the demons back in the shadows and built this academy to educate and nurture the next generation of imperial heroes who will stand up and protect the citizens of this land and bring an end to the Virus conquest."
Everyone in the classroom stared at her and whispered one to another, amazed by her eloquent explanation.
Miss Sasha gave a resounding clap. "Very good" she said, "What's your name" she added.
"My name is Vanessa Helsing, third daughter of Van Helsing and Fey Frankenstein," she answered.
"Thank you, Vanessa," Miss Sasha said once. "You summarized the origins of our institution wonderfully."
Turning to the class, Miss Sasha continued, "As you know, we train you specifically to fight Viruses. Let's review the three main types."
Miss Sasha tapped the board, bringing up images. "There are three kinds of Viruse we have come to identify," she said as she handed the hand-outs to the students. First are DUMMIES, the lowest class of viruses. Despite there class, they are still destructive by nature as you experienced during the entrance exams. They are mindless demons of destruction but that does not mean you should underestimate them!"
"Second are GLIAGONS, they are large scale symbiotic creatures without a definite shape. Coming across one is rare but be ware of their destructive capabilities as an attack from these monstrosities can level an entire town to the ground."
"Number three are VIROGONS, the deadliest class of Viruses. They come in different forms, shapes and sizes, and have the ability to evolve, gain intelligence and enhanced combat prowess with every civilian life they take. We do not now the their true evolution yet, but we know is that we do not want to find out. This is why it is the Academy's top priority to hunt them down and destroy them on site before they can have the chance to fully evolve," Miss Sasha explained with a serious look on her face.
Miss Sasha then surveyed the class grimly. "Make no mistake - the Viruses are a threat to this world. We must be ready. Your training here is the only way we can hope to stand against them."
A chill runs through Aoroi. He glances at Shin, Bombshell, Mirrai and Vanessa, seeing his own resolve mirrored in their faces. They understand the stakes. Failure means annihilation.
Aoroi sat up straight. He wasn't going fail, no matter what it takes. This is what he was going to return to his world with his life.
Miss Sasha passes out a thick packet to each student. "To prepare for next week's exam, I'm providing you all with a complete virus compendium. One hundred pages detailing everything we know about DUMMIES, GLIAGONS, VIROGONS, and emerging viral strains."
A collective groan rised from the class as they flip through the dense pages. Aoroi's shoulders slump looking at the tiny text and complicated diagrams. This seems like an impossible amount of information to memorize in a week. Anxiety twists his insides. What if he can't retain it all? Will he be kicked out of the academy?
From her desk, Vanessa raises her hand. "Miss Sasha, I'm concerned we haven't been adequately prepared to digest such an exhaustive syllabus in so short a time. Perhaps we could delay the exam?"
Miss Sasha shook her head. "The exam date is set. Consider this a test of your dedication and focus. Train your minds as you train your bodies. The fate of the Emoji world depends on it."
Aoroi felt his heart sink. The packet seems impossibly dense. He can almost feel the details slipping from his mind already.
But he knew Miss Sasha was right - mastering this information is crucial to defending against the Virus threat. He clenched his fist. He must find a way to retain it all. Failure is not an option.
Miss Sasha clasped her hands behind her back as she paces before the class. Her expression was stern, yet not unkind. "I know this syllabus seems daunting, but you are the best and brightest this academy has to offer. With focus and diligence, I have no doubt you will all excel."
She then paused, making eye contact with each student. "However, I understand staring down one hundred pages can feel overwhelming. So for today, I want you to close your books."
Murmurs rippled through the classroom. Aoroi looked up, surprised. Miss Sasha smiled, "Consider this a gift - an extra hour before we dive into the material. Clear your minds, rest your eyes. When you return tomorrow, you'll be fresh and ready to absorb this wealth of knowledge."
A collective sigh of relief sweept the room. Students begun packing up, chatting excitedly at the prospect of free time. Aoroi felt the knot in his chest loosen slightly. An hour to unwind would help settle his nerves before tackling the syllabus. He was grateful for Miss Sasha's understanding - perhaps this exam wouldn't be so bad after all.
As the class filed out, Aoroi made a silent vow to use this time wisely. He would prepare his mind like a sharpened blade. When he returned, no virus would stand a chance against his mental acuity.
"Oh crap!" Aoroi spoke aloud as the crossed the classroom door, his nerves tingled as he realized he was supposed to see Miss Sasha in her office over his unruly conduct with the upper class men.