In the grand hall, christened as 'Arcadia', a name echoing the history and grandeur of the academy in a single word, the magnitude of the occasion unfolded. It was an imposing and majestic space where sunlight streamed through tall windows, cascading like a golden mantle over the polished ebony-toned floor. Carved shields and gleaming crests adorned the walls, narrating the school's centuries-old story through vivid images.
The ambiance exuded an aura of mystery and excellence, a unique combination of charm and history. Neatly arranged benches extended towards the stage, where a carved wooden lectern awaited the imminent presence of the principal. Anxious murmurs filled the air as students, seated in imposing rows, eagerly anticipated the start of the ceremony, marking not just a new year but a chapter in the history of 'Arcadia'.
In the breathtaking 'Arcadia' hall, the new students occupied their rows with a mix of curiosity, nervousness, and anticipation. Some faces displayed an excited sparkle, while others maintained a more restrained expression, absorbing every detail of the majestic surroundings.
At the front row, two students contrasted in their postures and vibes. Kai, radiating contagious energy and youthful impatience, seemed poised to dive headfirst into the forthcoming experiences. Beside him, Yuna exuded calculated calmness, her serene expression contrasting with the commotion around. This duality in how they approached that crucial moment was reflected in the striking difference between their personalities.
The students wore uniforms from the Shinsei Hero Academy, composed of sleek, refined jackets paired with trousers or skirts, all adorned with the school's emblem. The color palette blended shades of navy blue with golden accents, conveying a sense of prestige and seriousness.
Observing Yuna, Kai noticed her effortless elegance amid the calm she radiated. Her black hair cascaded in soft waves down to her shoulders, and her blue eyes seemed to reflect the tranquility of a serene ocean. She wore the academy uniform with a near-perfect posture, accessorized by a subtle necklace bearing a pendant of a lightning bolt, gracefully contrasting against the navy fabric of her jacket. The necklace detail added a distinctive touch to her appearance.
Kai found himself briefly captivated by Yuna's appearance, showcasing calmness and serenity amid the bustling environment. Her black hair and blue eyes stood out, perfectly complementing the academy uniform. In a moment of admiration, Kai noticed a necklace around her neck, an insignia of the Nakamura family associated with the Thunder King, a high-level superhero.
As Kai observed, Yuna caught his gaze. Upon locking eyes with Kai, she noticed a young man with dark hair and a few reddish strands, amber eyes fixed on her, sporting a peculiar expression, as if slightly dazed or surprised.
Kai, trying to shake off the embarrassment from the prolonged gaze, gave Yuna a faint smile. "Hey, sorry about the spaced-out look. I'm Kai."
Maintaining her serene composure, Yuna responded with a nod. "Yuna. Nice to meet you, Kai."
Kai felt a bit taken aback by her calm demeanor. "So, excited about starting at the academy?"
Yuna tilted her head, considering the question. "Excited might be an overstatement. Let's say I'm curious. And you?"
Kai flashed a wide smile. "Me? Oh, I'm excited. I mean, look around! So much going on! And your aura... it's so serene. Is it like that all the time?"
Yuna let out a soft sigh. "Most of the time, yes. I don't usually get swept up in the frenzy around me."
Kai seemed intrigued. "Is that some special ability? Like, some sort of superpower to stay calm?"
Yuna smiled faintly. "Not exactly. It's more about perspective and focus."
Kai scratched his head, a bit puzzled. "Interesting. Well, if you need anything or want to chat... I'm around!"
Feeling intrigued, Kai almost asked Yuna about her lineage, but before he could, the main door swung open. All eyes turned toward the entrance, where the principal entered accompanied by the teachers. The atmosphere shifted instantly, murmurs fading as the students gazed in admiration at these legendary figures in the flesh. Among them, one teacher was unfamiliar to many—a robust man with white hair and blue eyes.
Caught by the presence of the principal and teachers, Kai briefly turned to Yuna, a nervous smile escaping his lips. "Nakamura?" He began to ask, but the arrival of the distinguished visitors cut short any chance of finishing the question.
The principal strode to the center of the grand hall, his steps resonating in the growing silence. The teachers lined up behind him, a row of palpable authority and wisdom. The students watched, some with excitement in their eyes, others maintaining their composure in the presence of living legends.
As the principal positioned himself, the murmurs of the crowd subsided, and he cleared his throat, calling for silence. His voice, deep and commanding, filled the hall.
"Students, welcome to Shinsei Academy! This is a place where future heroes are shaped and forged to face the challenges our world presents."
He continued with an encouraging speech, praising the importance of the academy and their mission as future heroes. Then, he began to mention the outstanding students, the top twenty.
"As a tradition here at Shinsei Academy, we acknowledge the top twenty students who have shown exceptional abilities. They are the leaders of tomorrow, the examples to be followed by all of you."
As the principal mentioned each student and their achievements, curious glances from the other students turned towards these individuals, admiring and respecting their abilities.
The principal continued with the announcements, mentioning the names of notable students, including Kai Tanaka, Anya Petrov, Erik Vasiliev, Nina Ivanova, Dmitri Popov, Lena Sokolova, and Yuna Nakamura. As the names were called out, students exchanged looks, some whispering in admiration, others in surprise and curiosity.
"These exemplary students have demonstrated remarkable skill, dedication, and courage. They truly reflect the values that this academy upholds," declared the principal, pointing towards the mentioned students.
Upon hearing the name Nakamura, a wave of murmurs swept through the hall. "Nakamura? The family of the Thunder King?" thought some students, surprised by the connection. Even the teachers showed a peculiar interest in Yuna, a mixture of respect and curiosity reflecting in their gazes.
As the students reacted to the principal's announcements, Akira, the teacher, found himself divided between observing the students' responses and analyzing the behavior of his fellow faculty. He noticed the peculiar interest of the teachers, particularly a silver-haired professor, who observed Yuna with a mix of recognition and contemplation.
Amidst the commotion, Akira observed the students' reactions. Some looked at Yuna with a blend of fascination and respect, while others appeared surprised, possibly by the revelation of her family's background.
The principal then invited the top twenty students from the practical test to step onto the stage to receive their medals. One by one, the students were called, and the principal personally handed them their medals, acknowledging their abilities and achievements.
Suddenly, Yuna stood on stage, ready to receive her medal, her expression serene and indifferent. While some professors couldn't take their eyes off her, others seemed indifferent to her presence. Among the latter, Akira remained with the same indifferent expression, observing the ceremony without any visible effect.
Shortly after, it was Kai's turn to receive his medal. He stepped onto the stage with enthusiasm written all over his face, graciously thanking the principal for the honor bestowed upon him. His eyes gleamed with excitement and gratitude, radiating an infectious energy to everyone present.
Meanwhile, Akira, although observing the medal ceremony, remained calm and composed. His gaze swept across the students, assessing them with a mix of curiosity and contemplation, as if mentally strategizing on how to approach each one throughout the academic year. He knew that this stage was just the beginning of a journey filled with challenges and growth.
In the bustling hallway, the new students clustered, trying to find their respective classrooms. Some seasoned students, familiar with the academy's corridors and mazes, were there to guide them. Among the students, Yuna walked calmly, attempting to remain inconspicuous, though since the award event, this became a challenging task. Her revealed identity had turned her into a focal point of attention.
As Yuna navigated the hallway, trying to ignore the curious glances and whispers around her, someone gently tapped her on the shoulder. She turned, finding someone with a kind and familiar smile.
"Need help finding your classroom?" The voice was calm but filled with sincerity and warmth.
Yuna glanced at the young man, one of the third-year students she recognized from the awards ceremony. He was known for being friendly and helpful to newcomers. She hesitated for a moment, surprised by his approach, but soon nodded with a slight tilt of her head.
"Yes, please. I'm a little lost," Yuna replied, grateful for his kindness.
The young man, with a sturdy build, green hair, and blue eyes—known among students as a respected senior named Jack—offered to assist Yuna and skillfully guided her through the corridor to the classroom. Jack briefly shared some information about the academy, trying to help Yuna get familiar with the surroundings.
As they reached the classroom door, Jack pointed. "This is your classroom, Room A-1. The teacher is on the way; anything you need, just let me know," he said, offering a friendly smile before bidding goodbye and stepping back to allow Yuna to enter.
Upon entering the room, Yuna scanned the students, some catching her attention with their curious expressions or confident auras. However, she noticed that the boy named Kai, with whom she had interacted earlier, was still not present in the room. Ignoring this, she chose the first seat, positioned directly in front of the teacher's desk, and settled in with composure.
Seconds after most of the students had entered, the assigned teacher for Room A-1, Akira, made his appearance. The commotion outside quieted down, indicating that nearly everyone was inside their respective classrooms. The sound of footsteps drew nearer, and suddenly, someone passed through the door, revealing Akira's figure.
He was a man of robust build, disheveled grayish hair, and piercing blue eyes. He wore a sleek suit with a tailored vest and details that denoted a mix of mystery and authority. His imposing posture perfectly matched the attire, exuding a striking presence and unwavering confidence. There was still one student missing from the classroom.
Suddenly, interrupting Akira, someone appeared at the classroom door. A boy with black hair and reddish highlights asked timidly, "May I come in?"