The announcement of the upcoming challenge stirred chaos throughout the academy. Conversations buzzed in hallways, classrooms, and even during meal times. Rumors swirled about what the test would entail. As always, speculation only added fuel to the fire, making it harder to discern truth from fiction. For me, this was an opportunity.
By mid-afternoon, I had already begun observing potential candidates. People often revealed their fears and desires when pressured—or when they thought no one was watching.
Daichi, oblivious to my scrutiny, leaned against the edge of my desk during study hour. "You've heard the latest, right? The top ten ranks have a guaranteed safety net for the challenge. No eliminations."
"That's expected," I replied, pretending to be engrossed in my notes. "The academy thrives on hierarchy. Privileges for the elites, scraps for the rest."
Daichi frowned. "You're oddly calm about this. Most people are panicking."
I glanced at him, letting a faint smile tug at the corners of my mouth. "Panic accomplishes nothing. What matters is preparation."
His frown deepened, but he didn't push further. That was one of Daichi's strengths—loyalty, even when he didn't fully understand.
Later that evening, I found myself in the library, reviewing the academy's archive on previous challenges. The academy had left breadcrumbs of its methodology for those clever enough to look. A pattern emerged: each test rewarded strategy over brute force and punished those who failed to adapt.
The creak of a chair across from me broke my concentration. I looked up to see Yuna sitting down, her arms crossed and her expression guarded.
"Kurogane," she began, her tone clipped. "We need to talk."
I closed the book, leaning back. "By all means."
"I know you're planning something," she said bluntly. "You always are. So, let's cut the pretense. What's your angle?"
I raised an eyebrow. Yuna's directness was refreshing, though it made her harder to manipulate. "Planning? That's a bold assumption."
Her eyes narrowed. "You're not like the others. You don't just sit back and hope for the best. If you have a plan, I want in."
"And why would I share it with you?"
She smirked, leaning forward. "Because you'll need allies. The next challenge won't be something you can handle alone, no matter how smart you think you are. And unlike some of the idiots here, I can pull my weight."
Her confidence was intriguing, but I couldn't afford to trust her blindly. Trust was a currency I rarely spent. "What's your offer?"
Yuna's smirk faltered for a moment before returning. "My strengths. Observation, adaptability, and the ability to read people. I know who's desperate and who's bluffing. That's information you can use."
I pretended to consider her words, though my decision was already forming. Yuna could be useful, but only if I controlled the terms.
"Fine," I said at last. "But this isn't an alliance. It's an arrangement. You provide me with valuable intel, and I'll ensure you're not left behind. Deal?"
She hesitated, then nodded. "Deal."
As midnight approached, I sent Daichi on an errand to the southern dorms—a pretext to get him out of the way. His loyalty was valuable, but subtlety wasn't his strong suit.
Instead, I met with a third-year named Haruto, rank twelve. He had a reputation for ruthlessness, but his recent slump in rank suggested a vulnerability. Exploiting it would be my test.
Haruto leaned against a lamppost near the gym, his posture casual but his eyes sharp. "Kurogane," he greeted. "What brings a newbie like you to my neck of the woods?"
"Opportunity," I replied smoothly. "You've fallen from rank six to twelve in just three weeks. That's not the trajectory of someone in control."
His expression darkened, but he said nothing.
I pressed on. "The next challenge is going to be cutthroat. You and I both know the academy loves targeting those who stumble. But I can help."
"Help?" Haruto scoffed. "And what could you possibly offer me?"
"A partnership," I said. "Your rank gives you access to resources I don't have. My analysis and strategy can compensate for your… recent missteps. Together, we could rise."
He studied me, suspicion evident. "And what's in it for you?"
"A mutually beneficial arrangement. Your success secures my position. And perhaps a favor or two down the line."
Haruto's lips twitched into a half-smile. "You've got guts, I'll give you that. Fine. We'll see how this 'partnership' works out. But don't think for a second I'll go easy on you."
I smiled faintly. "Wouldn't expect anything less."
As I walked back to my dorm, the pieces of my plan began to take shape. Haruto, Yuna, Daichi—each had a role to play, whether they realized it or not. The challenge ahead would demand more than strength or intellect. It would require control.
And control was something I excelled at.