The first day at my new school felt like stepping into a world I didn't belong in.
The building itself was massive, with sleek glass walls and towering spires that seemed to scrape the clouds. Students bustled everywhere, their vibrant eyes glowing with power—each color and shade a testament to their unique abilities. I couldn't help but feel out of place as I walked through the hallways.
Most of the students here came from families of high-ranking heroes or elites. And me? I wasn't even awakened. The only reason I was here was because of my dad. His reputation had paved my way, and I hated it.
---
My first class started awkwardly. The teacher introduced me to the room, and I could feel everyone's eyes on me. Whispers followed as I took my seat.
"That's Itzuki Tsukumo's daughter," someone murmured.
"Doesn't even have powers yet," another voice snickered.
I clenched my fists under the desk, trying to ignore them.
At lunch, things got a little better. That's when I met Cherry.
She was sitting by herself at a table near the window, her golden hair catching the sunlight like a halo. Her bright purple eyes sparkled as she waved me over with a friendly smile.
"Hey, new girl!" she called. "Don't eat alone—come sit with me!"
I hesitated, glancing around the cafeteria. Most of the other tables were full of students who were clearly more comfortable with each other than I was. Cherry's welcoming grin felt like a lifeline.
I walked over, my tray in hand, and sat down.
"I'm Cherry," she said, offering her hand. "And you are... Akari, right? I heard the teacher say your name earlier."
"Yeah," I said, shaking her hand. "Akari Tsukumo."
Her eyes widened slightly. "Wait, that Tsukumo? As in the Rank 1 hero?"
I groaned inwardly. "Yeah... but please don't make a big deal out of it."
Cherry laughed. "No worries. My dad's a retired hero, but nobody knows his name, so you've got me beat."
I couldn't help but smile at her easygoing attitude. She was so different from everyone else I'd met so far.
---
By the end of the week, Cherry wasn't my only friend.
During combat training class, I got paired up with a boy named Kaito—though he insisted I call him Kai. He was a little shorter than me, with messy black hair and glowing red eyes that burned like embers. Despite his intimidating appearance, he was surprisingly kind.
"You've never had combat training before, have you?" he asked as we stood across from each other on the mat.
I shook my head, feeling embarrassed. "Not really."
"Don't worry," he said, flashing me a crooked smile. "I'll go easy on you."
True to his word, he walked me through the basic moves step by step, correcting my form and giving me tips. By the end of the class, I was actually starting to feel a little more confident.
"Thanks, Kai," I said as we walked off the mat.
"No problem," he said, his grin widening. "You're not half bad, you know."
Cherry joined us as we left the gym, and the three of us quickly became inseparable.
---
Of course, not everything was perfect.
There was one person who seemed to go out of his way to make my life miserable: Nathan.
Nathan was Kai's older brother, though you'd never guess it from the way they treated each other. While Kai was warm and friendly, Nathan was cold and cruel. His red eyes were like shards of glass, and his smirk always made my stomach churn.
"Look who it is," Nathan sneered one day as I passed him in the hallway. "The powerless princess."
I clenched my fists, ignoring him as I walked past.
"What's the matter?" he called after me. "Too weak to even talk back?"
Kai stepped in front of him, his red eyes blazing. "Knock it off, Nathan."
Nathan raised an eyebrow. "What are you, her guard dog now?"
"Just leave her alone," Kai said firmly.
Nathan smirked, leaning closer to Kai. "Whatever you say, little brother. But don't think you can protect her forever."
I hated that I couldn't stand up to Nathan myself. Every time he taunted me, it was like he was poking at my biggest insecurity—the fact that I didn't belong here.
But Cherry and Kai always had my back. And with them by my side, I started to feel like maybe I could find my place in this world after all.
---
Still, late at night, I couldn't stop thinking about the promise I made to Heesung. The bracelet on my wrist was a constant reminder of the path I had to take.
I would awaken. I had to.
And when I did, I'd prove to everyone—including myself—that I was more than just Itzuki Tsukumo's daughter.