The sun shone brightly over the city, bathing the streets in a golden light. The sound of cars mixed with the voices of people, creating the usual hustle and bustle of an ordinary morning. However, something in the air felt different: groups of young people roamed the streets with contagious energy, all dressed in elegant school uniforms whose golden details sparkled under the sunlight.
Among the crowd, a girl with coral-colored hair walked with a firm step, though her expression betrayed a slight nervousness. She adjusted the strap of her backpack and took a deep breath, trying to calm the rapid beating of her heart. Today was no ordinary day. Today marked the beginning of her life at the Arkanum Military Academy.
Suddenly, a shout broke through the murmur of the crowd.
—Sukasa!
Before she could react, someone lunged at her from behind, sending her tumbling to the ground with a thud. A murmur of surprise rippled through the nearby students, but Sukasa didn't need to look to know who was responsible. With a sigh, she rubbed her head and glared exasperatedly at the red-haired girl now laughing uncontrollably beside her.
—Hino! —she exclaimed, frowning—. Why did you do that?
Hino, with a grin stretching from ear to ear, shrugged.
—Sorry! I'm just too excited. I couldn't help myself!
Noticing the curious glances from the other students, both girls quickly got to their feet and brushed the dust off their uniforms.
—You could at least try to control yourself… —murmured Sukasa, but seeing her friend's enthusiastic expression, she couldn't help but smile—. Though, honestly, I get it.
Hino nodded energetically, her eyes sparkling as if they were about to shoot out sparks.
—We're finally going to receive training from an elite Reiken! This is a dream come true!
Sukasa's gaze drifted toward the massive academy looming in the distance, its towering spires cutting into the sky. A shiver of excitement ran down her spine.
—Yeah… it's going to be amazing.
Brushing off the last traces of dust, Sukasa suddenly broke into a run.
—Come on, or we'll be late!
—Hey, wait! —Hino protested, running after her.
The Arkanum Academy
After several minutes of running, both girls came to a stop in front of a gigantic structure that seemed like it had been plucked straight out of a fairy tale. The Arkanum Academy wasn't just a building; it was an architectural masterpiece that commanded respect with its grandeur. Tall towers reached toward the sky, and a colossal arch guarded the main entrance. The white stone walls gleamed under the sun, while the intricate symbols carved into its doors emanated an aura of power and mystery.
Sukasa felt the air leave her lungs for a moment.
—Wow… —she whispered, unable to hide her awe.
—It's… huge! —Hino stared with her mouth slightly open, as if she were looking at a fantasy castle.
Both girls moved forward cautiously, trying to take in every detail of the imposing place.
—Are you sure we won't get lost? —Hino asked, looking around with a mix of admiration and worry.
Sukasa smiled confidently.
—I know some students here. In fact, they should have already arrived…
Just then, a familiar voice interrupted her.
—Sukasa!
Turning around, she saw a tall young man with messy red hair and a carefree smile approaching them.
—Kaiyō! —she exclaimed with relief.
Kaiyō arrived with his usual relaxed demeanor and gave her a light tap on the shoulder.
—It's been a while, Sukasa. How have you been?
—Good —she replied, noticing how Hino silently observed the scene—. It's good to see you.
Kaiyō smiled, but his attention quickly shifted to Hino, who seemed a little intimidated.
—Hey, Sukasa… who's this lovely lady?
Hino blinked, surprised, as a faint blush crept onto her face.
—I…
Before she could respond, Sukasa stepped in with her arms crossed.
—She's my best friend, Kaiyō. So don't even think about it.
Kaiyō raised his hands in surrender, though his smile didn't fade.
—Relax, relax. You know I'm not like that.
—Yeah, sure… —murmured Sukasa, though she couldn't help but smile.
Hino let out a small giggle, and Kaiyō quickly changed the subject.
—By the way, where's Igurū? —Sukasa asked, looking around.
Kaiyō made a face.
—Ah, Igurū's busy. He couldn't make it.
—Busy with what?
The young man smiled sideways, as if he knew something Sukasa didn't.
—Well, it's not easy being the Arkanum King, you know?
Hino's eyes widened.
—King?
Kaiyō nodded solemnly, though his tone remained light.
—Ah, right, you're new. You probably don't know how the hierarchy works here…
Sukasa tilted her head, intrigued.
—Hierarchy?
Kaiyō crossed his arms with a didactic air and adopted a solemn tone.
—To maintain order and prevent rebellious students from doing whatever they want, a hierarchical system was established in the academies a long time ago —he explained—. At the base are the common students, those who just focus on their studies.
He paused dramatically before continuing.
—Above them are the Sentinels, tasked with enforcing the rules.
Hino watched him with eyes sparkling with excitement.
—Wow! That sounds amazing!
Kaiyō smiled, pleased with her reaction.
—The Sentinels are divided into four groups, each led by a Jota. And above all of them is the Queen, who answers directly to the highest-ranking person in the academy: the King.
He proudly pointed to his elegant black coat.
—And not to brag, but… I'm one of the four Jotas of Arkanum.
Sukasa blinked, surprised.
—Wow, that's impressive.
Kaiyō puffed out his chest, clearly enjoying the recognition.
—And my brother is…
Before he could finish, a cold voice interrupted him.
—Kaiyō.
Kaiyō's face froze. He turned slowly, as if he knew exactly what was coming.
Standing before him was Igurū, his older brother. Tall, with white hair and icy blue eyes, his mere presence commanded respect.
—How many times have I told you not to flaunt your position to impress girls? —His tone was dry, devoid of emotion.
Kaiyō hurriedly bowed his head in a nervous gesture.
—Sorry, brother! I swear I was just explaining how the hierarchy works! I wasn't trying to impress anyone…
Sukasa and Hino exchanged glances, stifling their laughter.
Igurū sighed, as if he were used to these situations. Without another word, his gaze settled on Sukasa.
—It's been a long time, Sukasa.
His tone was impassive, but he examined her carefully before adding:
—You look… well.
Sukasa blinked, surprised by the comment.
—Likewise, Igurū —she replied with an awkward smile.
Her attention shifted to the woman standing beside him. A woman with purple hair and an elegant demeanor, who gave them a kind smile.
—And who is she? —Sukasa asked curiously.
Igurū barely turned his head.
—She's the Queen of Arkanum.
The words hit like a thunderclap. Sukasa and Hino's eyes widened.
—The Queen?! —they exclaimed in unison.
The woman chuckled and nodded.
—Nice to meet you, my name is Remy Hyō —she said in a serene voice, though her gaze reflected unexpected warmth.
Sukasa hurried to respond.
—Nice to meet you, I'm Sukasa Kaze, and this is my friend… —she gestured to Hino.
Hino, still intimidated, gave a slight bow.
—Nice to meet you, my name is Hino Tora.
Remy smiled more enthusiastically and, suddenly, her energy skyrocketed.
—Ah, so you're friends! Perfect! That means I can be your friend too, right?!
Sukasa blinked, bewildered by the sudden change in attitude.
—Uh… yeah, I guess that's fine, right, Hino?
Hino, still processing the situation, nodded slowly.
—Yeah, sure…
Remy clapped her hands excitedly and practically bounced in place.
—How wonderful!
Igurū, who had been watching the scene with visible exasperation, sighed.
—Remy, I think you're making them a little uncomfortable…
But the Queen quickly denied it and looked at Sukasa and Hino with shining eyes.
—That's not true! Right, friends?
Sukasa felt the pressure and quickly shook her head.
—Not at all! Everything's fine, right, Hino?
Hino laughed nervously.
—Yeah, yeah, everything's fine.
Igurū observed them silently before shrugging.
—Well, if you say so…
Sukasa glanced at him, remembering how cold and distant he had been when they were children. "Igurū hasn't changed at all," she thought.
Then, he broke the silence.
—Enough chit-chat. Since it's the first day, there won't be any school activities. I'm inviting you to the academy's welcome party.
Hino's eyes sparkled with excitement.
—Welcome party?
Kaiyō nodded with a smile.
—That's right. It's a tradition to welcome new students with a welcome party —he chuckled softly—. Though, it's more of a feast than a party. There's not even any music.
Remy chimed in with a dreamy expression.
—But at least there's an all-you-can-eat buffet. I recommend the chocolate cake; it's exquisite.
Igurū crossed his arms and looked at Kaiyō.
—Take them to the banquet and make sure they enjoy their first day.
Kaiyō gave an exaggerated bow.
—As you wish, brother.
Then, with a mischievous smile, he turned to Sukasa and Hino.
—Follow me, ladies.
As they walked away, Igurū watched them silently, deep in thought.
—Oh, and don't forget to sign up for the new Sentinel recruitment. I want to see what you're capable of.
The wind ruffled his hair as he gazed at the sky. Beside him, Remy maintained a relaxed expression.
—Did you really like them that much? —Igurū asked without looking away from the horizon.
Remy nodded with a smile.
—Yeah, they seem like good people.
Igurū thought for a moment before responding.
—Hmm… yeah, you're right.
His expression hardened slightly.
—By the way, have you seen Kuro today?
Remy blinked, thoughtful.
—Now that you mention it… I haven't seen him all day.
Igurū sighed, already guessing the answer.
—That idiot… I bet he overslept again.
He pulled out his phone and dialed a number with visible irritation.
Somewhere in the city…
The insistent ringing of a phone echoed through a room in complete chaos. From under a pile of clothes, a hand emerged, fumbling for the device disturbing its peace. Between yawns, a figure with messy black hair stirred in bed.
—Mmm… where is it…? —he mumbled in a sleepy voice as he groped the nightstand. After a few seconds of fruitless searching, he finally found it under a crumpled hoodie—. Ah, here it is.
Rubbing his eyes lazily, he swiped his finger across the screen and answered.
—Yep… what's up…?
On the other end of the line, Igurū's voice sounded with evident impatience.
—Where are you?
Kuro let his head fall back onto the pillow.
—In my room, resting… where else would I be?
Igurū exhaled a heavy sigh.
—You know classes start today, right?
There was a pause. Kuro blinked slowly, as if processing the information at a dangerously slow speed.
—Mmm… yeah, I guess… —he replied with complete indifference.
Igurū's tone hardened.
—Then why the hell aren't you here?!
—Hey, hey, calm down —Kuro replied unfazed—. Since there aren't any important activities today, I thought it wasn't necessary to go. What's wrong with that?
Igurū clenched his teeth, holding back the urge to yell at him.
—Technically, nothing… —he admitted reluctantly.
Kuro smiled with satisfaction.
—See? As always, I'm right.
Igurū, however, gave a sly smile.
—Yeah, yeah… but… —he paused briefly, making sure Kuro heard his next move—. Today, Mrs. Fukuko made her famous chocolate cake… and from what I hear, it's not going to last long.
On the other end of the line, there was a sudden thud, as if someone had jumped up and collided with something.
—Kuro? —Igurū asked—. Are you still there?
The only response he received was the beep of the call ending.
Remy, who had been watching the scene with curiosity, tilted her head.
—Will he come?
Igurū put his phone away calmly and gave a slight smile.
—Yeah… he's probably on his way now.
Somewhere in the city…
Kuro was running at full speed through the streets, dodging pedestrians and leaping over obstacles as if his life depended on it.
—I can miss a lot of things in life, but I'll never miss Mrs. Fukuko's chocolate cake! —he shouted, as his stomach growled in protest—. Just thinking about it makes me hungry… I have to get there before it's gone!
With every step, his determination grew. For him, this wasn't just a cake…
It was his destiny.