The murmur of students filled the vast auditorium of Arkanum Academy, an imposing space with high ceilings and walls adorned with flags and symbols of the institution. Anticipation hung in the air as the first-year students whispered among themselves about what awaited them. Some gazed in admiration at the stage, where a podium stood flanked by golden flags.
Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice cut through the murmurs.
—Good morning, everyone.
Silence fell immediately as the imposing figure of the director stepped onto the podium. A man of impressive stature with dark brown hair, he radiated authority with his mere presence. His gaze swept across the auditorium before he spoke.
—My name is Tenioenai Osuushi, and I am the director of this academy —he announced solemnly—. It is my pleasure to welcome the new first-year students.
Applause erupted, echoing against the walls of the auditorium. From the stands, Sukasa and Hino listened attentively, their eyes shining with excitement and curiosity.
—I know the path you took to get here was not easy —the director continued, his voice grave but warm—, but I assure you, we will make you the best soldiers this country has ever seen.
Another round of applause filled the room, increasing the energy of the place. The director waited for the noise to die down before continuing, this time with an even more solemn tone.
—Now, it is my pleasure to introduce one of our finest Reikens, who in the three years he has been here has demonstrated great strength and leadership. He is Igurū Shirokuma, one of the Kings of Arkanum!
The applause thundered again, but among the crowd, Hino furrowed her brow.
—Why did he say "Kings" in plural? —she whispered, intrigued.
Sukasa shrugged, though she also noticed the detail.
—He probably got carried away by the excitement.
On stage, Igurū stepped up to the podium with his characteristic calm demeanor. His sharp gaze swept across the crowd before he spoke.
—Good morning, everyone.
The silence was absolute, as if the air itself had frozen.
—I want to welcome the new students. If you are here, it is because you earned it. Starting tomorrow, you will begin a new stage in your training as soldiers. Strength is important, but the ability to push beyond your limits is what will truly make you the best.
The applause was immediate, and some students even stood up to give him a standing ovation.
—Additionally, the registration for the selection of new Sentinels is now open. Those interested in helping maintain order in the academy, do not hesitate to sign up. Thank you very much.
A murmur ran through the stands as the students discussed among themselves.
—I hope I get chosen as a Sentinel this year —one student said excitedly—. Only the best can make it.
Near the stage, Kuro leaned toward Igurū with a mocking smile.
—You did great.
Remy nodded, her purple hair shimmering under the auditorium lights.
—Yes, it was a great speech.
For the first time, Igurū showed a slight smile of relief.
—Thanks. Honestly, I was a little nervous...
Kuro let out a laugh, though he tried to keep it quiet.
—Nervous?! You didn't show it at all! With that cold face of yours...
But then, the director interrupted from the podium, his voice thundering.
—And now, the next to give his speech… is also one of our finest students… the second King of Arkanum, Kuro Akemi!
A heavy silence fell over the auditorium before murmurs broke out.
—Second King? So there are two Kings in Arkanum?
From the stands, Sukasa's jaw dropped.
—Did he just say "second King"?
Hino nodded slowly, her eyes shining with intrigue.
—That's why he used the plural when he mentioned Igurū...
Meanwhile, on stage, Kuro's smile froze.
—Did he just… say my name? —he murmured, paling.
Igurū barely managed to hold back a laugh, though his expression remained stoic.
—It was to be expected. As one of the Kings of Arkanum, you also have to give a speech.
Kuro looked at him in disbelief, his eyes filled with panic.
—You idiot! That's why you dragged me here!
Igurū calmly brushed his hands, as if dusting off his uniform.
—Hey, you're going to wrinkle my uniform.
Kuro panicked, his hands trembling.
—What do I do?! I don't have anything prepared!
Igurū gave him a reassuring pat on the back, though his tone was slightly sarcastic.
—Relax. Just be yourself.
—That's the problem! If I'm myself, I'll definitely end up saying something stupid!
Kuro walked shakily toward the podium. Each step felt like a death sentence.
—It's too late to escape… all I can do now is give this damn speech. I just hope I don't stutter… —he thought, taking a deep breath to calm himself.
When he stood in front of the microphone, his voice came out trembling.
—G-good morning, everyone… I'll introduce myself, my name is Kuro Akemi, and I'm one of the Kings of Arkanum…
An awkward silence spread through the auditorium.
Meanwhile, among the crowd, Sukasa froze.
—Wait… I know him! —she thought, a shiver running down her spine. In her mind, the image from that morning became vivid—. It's that pervert from this morning!
Beside her, Hino noticed her reaction.
—Is something wrong, Sukasa?
Sukasa hurried to hide her nervousness with a laugh.
—No, no, nothing's wrong… Everything's fine, hahaha!
But Hino wasn't buying it. She looked at her suspiciously, narrowing her eyes.
—Something definitely happened… —she thought, turning her gaze to Kuro—. No way! It's the same guy who got thrown out the window! If he's one of the Kings, Sukasa's in big trouble…
On stage, Kuro felt every gaze piercing him. Sweat dripped down his forehead as he forced a smile.
—And… I'm honored to be here with you today… —his voice was still trembling—. I also want to welcome the new students and… ask you to give it your all…
The silence in the room grew even heavier.
—Well… that's all. Thank you very much.
He gave an awkward bow and quickly descended from the stage, not looking back. The applause sounded, but it was timid compared to Igurū's.
As he returned to his seat, murmurs among the students, especially the first-years, quickly spread.
—You could tell it was improvised, but… even so, it's clear the upperclassmen respect him a lot.
—Yeah… it's impressive, even if he doesn't seem like it.
Kuro slumped into his seat with a look of total defeat.
—I want to die… —he murmured, covering his face with his hands.
Igurū gave him a pat on the back with his usual calm.
—You did better than I expected.
Kuro shot him an annoyed look.
—Shut up. This is all your fault. I had to go through this humiliation because of you.
Igurū shrugged.
—Relax. At least no one booed you. Though… they did notice it was improvised.
Kuro sighed heavily.
—Someone please kill me…
Before he could continue lamenting, the director's voice rang out again, silencing the murmurs.
—I also want to inform you that the academy has started a new program —Osuushi announced firmly—. Starting tomorrow, students will be required to remain on campus for the entire school year. Leaving the premises will not be allowed, except in emergencies.
An uneasy murmur spread through the room.
—What's he talking about? We can't leave at all?
—That's ridiculous!
Kuro frowned and glanced at Igurū.
—Did you know about this?
Igurū nodded slowly.
—There were rumors. Lately, there have been sightings of Akumas in the area… and demons too.
The atmosphere grew tense with those words.
Remy, who was beside him, interjected with a serious tone.
—That explains the new program. They want to protect the students, especially the first-years.
Kuro crossed his arms, thoughtful.
—Makes sense… Not everyone is ready to face an Akuma.
But Igurū kept his eyes on the director.
—Still, I wonder what this program will entail exactly…
As if reading his thoughts, Osuushi continued:
—To ensure your safety, the academy has prepared dormitories where students will reside. We've divided everyone into pairs, assigned randomly. You might end up with someone from another grade. I ask that you get along and remember that the Sentinels will be monitoring to maintain order. You'll receive your room assignments in your institutional emails. Thank you very much.
As soon as he finished speaking, the students' phones began to vibrate.
The murmurs grew immediately.
—I hope we got paired together!
—Did he say "random"? I could end up with a girl!
—I doubt it… I don't think they'd be that careless.
—I hope I get paired with Igurū…
Igurū checked his phone calmly.
—So it's random… I expected as much.
Remy, who seemed a bit nervous, asked quietly:
—Which room did you get, Igurū?
Igurū checked his message.
—Room number 20. It doesn't say who my roommate will be. And you?
Remy sighed.
—Number 19…
Igurū smiled slightly.
—Looks like we'll be neighbors.
Kuro burst out laughing, feeling lucky.
—Hahaha! I got room 21. See? It's destiny!
Igurū shook his head.
—I wouldn't call it destiny. It's more logical that they placed the Kings, Queen, and Jotas in the same area, so we can act quickly if something happens.
Remy nodded.
—That makes sense. It makes communication easier… —Then she looked at Kuro—. Though with you, it's always complicated. You almost always have your phone turned off.
Kuro laughed nervously, scratching the back of his neck.
—Well… yeah. I sometimes forget to charge it… hahaha.
But in his mind, the worry lingered.
—"I wonder who my roommate will be…"
Sukasa was also checking her phone with curiosity.
—"I hope my roommate is someone quiet…" —she thought, opening the message.
Beside her, Hino Tora watched her expectantly.
—Hey, Sukasa, which room did you get? —she asked excitedly.
Sukasa frowned slightly as she read the message.
—Room number 21…