Chapter 2: Unveiling Abilities
Hiroshitu Atsuko's POV
It's been two days since I enrolled in this school. I never imagined staying two days without engaging in conversation with anyone.
I choose one of my favorite teas to drink, still pondering, but nothing pops up in my mind.
Tomorrow is supposed to be the first day of school, yet I have no clue about the subjects or lessons the lecturer will discuss.
Sections have already been assigned to each individual, but my name is not included in any section, which confuses me.
Glancing at the wall clock, it's about 10 PM...
How can I sleep when tomorrow is the first day, and I don't even know my section? I've already enrolled, but my name is missing?
It seems impossible...
However, instead of dwelling on this, I remember Akemetsu, the guy I met and sat beside on the bus.
He might seem cool, with a clueless demeanor, but his critical and logical thinking complement each other seamlessly. Even his analysis of the energy spell inside the bus was astute, without the need for research.
That guy is a mystery, his special abilities still concealed. It's been two days since the last time I saw him. I've learned a lot from him; he must be a friend.
Two days earlier, after we arrived at Kenzetu High School, Akemetsu and I got separated. His dormitory is located on the second floor, while mine is on the third. Not too far, since we're in the same building.
We haven't spoken since then, but the last thing he said before leaving stuck with me.
"People will be killed before someone tries to kill him..."
Perhaps he meant his ability isn't just extraordinary, but multi-ordinary. Maybe judging his ability too soon isn't right.
As I'm lost in thought, sleep overtakes me. I walk to my bed and lie down. I can't help but close my eyes and drift into slumber.
____________________________________
7 AM
I wake up devoid of emotion, the air feeling fresher than expected, perhaps infused with the school's spell or natural essence.
I hear the commotion outside my dormitory—people walking, talking, and making noise.
I'm already prepared, with my uniform neatly arranged. My uniform here is different from the one I wore in high school in the city, but the feeling is vastly different.
I have black rubber shoes, white socks, black pants, a white long-sleeved shirt, and a red blazer with the school logo on the top left side, along with a red necktie.
My envelope is black, matching my phone. Even my hair is shining black. I hadn't realized I liked black so much.
Maybe I should investigate myself, so I'm not caught off guard.
I'm well-uniformed. Despite not knowing my section, I'm determined to attend the first day of school. I cannot afford to be absent.
If challenges arise, I'll face them without fear.
Remember, Atsuko, you were top of your class, so there's no need to worry. If they try to suppress you with power, you'll counter with intellect.
My mind works well, but I still believe that if you learn using your brain, you'll master everything, not just based on skill but on strategic technique.
I open my door, greeted by the fresh natural air. I look around; everyone is neatly dressed. The girls wear skirts and blazers, while the boys, like me, wear the same uniform.
I walk towards the other building, recalling that Kenzetu High doesn't hold any opening ceremonies. Even though there are new students, there are no organized sports or academic activities. The school values privacy and protection.
The rules aren't overly strict, but they must be obeyed. Violations are measured against the violator's ability, and punishment is dealt accordingly, often by summoning and releasing their abilities.
Punishment can't kill students, unless the school's chairperson wishes it. The school controls spells and energy, including defense.
The territory is heavily guarded, with spell curtains covering the school. Any energy force against the school is immediately dissolved.
After refreshing my memory of the school guidelines, I borrow the Kenzetu book, where history remains etched.
Lost in thought, I find myself standing in front of a classroom. I don't know why I'm here, but I follow my instincts. However, the section seems full.
As I consider leaving, a baritone voice echoes in my ear.
I turn back to face the door, where a guy stands, a little taller than me—probably 5'10".
"Excuse me?" I reply, taken aback.
The guy smiles slightly, his blue eyes sparkling, his black hair shining.
"Why are you smiling?" I ask, confused, as he approaches, maintaining a safe distance.
Confusion clouds my mind, but my face remains devoid of emotion.
He keeps his face calm, unlike my nervousness. He seems to possess strong abilities, which I sense.
"Why are you standing here instead of entering the room?" he questions, his tone authoritative.
"I-I'm looking for my section, and I think—" I begin, but he cuts me off.
"—and I think this is your section, young man," he interrupts, smiling slightly. "We've been incomplete since earlier, but I believe you belong in our section."
Confusion creases my forehead. Perhaps he's not sure I'm his classmate.
"I know what's on your mind, Atsuko," he says before leaving me dumbfounded.
How does he know my name so quickly?
Maybe he's telling the truth, and I belong in section Gesmet. No way... I've read about Gesmet; students here possess special abilities that Kenzetu's devices can't determine, unlike others whose abilities are detected by the school's devices.
I approach the door, where the names are listed. Finding my name, I'm stunned to see the first name.
Male:
Akemetsu, Kei
Atsuko, Hiroshitu
Hidata, Jin
Goosebumps prickle my skin.
"Now, do you believe me?" the guy asks, and I turn to see him, and the guy next to him...
AKEMETSU???
My nerves tremble, realizing we're classmates. And who is the guy next to Akemetsu?
There's only one empty seat, beside the guy who startled me earlier. I walk over and sit beside him.
"Oh, so we're classmates, and now....... seatmates!!" he laughs, needing a lesson from me after Akemetsu.
I can't believe what's happening; I belong in the section where abilities cannot be determined, and only the person possessing the ability can discern its purpose.
This training isn't just about enhancing my fighting ability and controlling my special abilities; it's also about improving my mental logic and strategic thinking.
I realize that schools aren't just focused in one direction but give importance to various aspects leading to one destination.
"Oh, by the way, I'm Jin Hidata. Don't forget my name; it symbolizes 'handsome'," he whispers confidently.
He touches his hair and smiles, his eyes revealing his satisfaction. I'd rather consider myself handsome.
But what's the connection between Akemetsu and Hidata?
"Atsuko, meeting you again is better than every day," Akemetsu suddenly interjects.
"Yeah, I know," I reply.
"Argh!" I scream as a knife suddenly stabs into my left arm.
"I'm happy to see you, Atsuko, so don't respond with just 'yeah' to my longer sentences," Akemetsu says, controlling the knife with a swift motion, likely his ability at work.
"Release my arm, Akemetsu," I demand with authority, but he only stares back, allowing the knife to penetrate deeper into my arm, causing blood to flow.
"What if I insist on 'yeah'?" he challenges, captivated by the moment.
"Just stay calm, Akemetsu; you're hurting Atsuko," Hidata intervenes.
Yes, you should protest now.
"Oh, I don't care," Akemetsu retorts.
"Akemetsu, release my arm!" I repeat my demand.
"Akemetsu, let him," Hidata urges, but Akemetsu continues to inflict pain, blood dripping from the wound.
"Just tell me, Atsuko, that I'm more handsome than you," Akemetsu demands.
What??? What's wrong with this guy?
"What? What's wrong with you?" I ask, bewildered. Suddenly, Hidata places his hand over my wounded arm, causing the knife to vanish instantly.
In an instant, my wound also begins to heal, leaving no trace of blood. What kind of ability is this? I glance at Akemetsu, who now glares angrily at Hidata, while Hidata remains calm, seemingly unaffected, focusing on his self-proclaimed handsomeness.
But something catches my attention; their abilities manifest instantly, without warning. Nobody can predict if they'll release their abilities, as they summon them with their minds.
Their abilities are much stronger than mine, which also relies on mind control. However, the immediacy of their abilities surpasses mine.
The mystery deepens; I'm not willing to wait to uncover the truth. I'm ready to dive into the unfolding story of Kenzetu High, where abilities have a life of their own.....