The new school year had begun, and many fresh-faced students eagerly prepared to enter their new schools. One of them was Meruya Selatan High School, located in West Jakarta.
"A new school year, is it? Who cares! …Wait, could this actually be an opportunity for me? Hahaha!"
A voice echoed through a dimly lit room, its owner concealed in shadows, laughter reverberating against the walls.
Excited new students stepped through the school gates, brimming with enthusiasm, eager to embark on a fresh start with newfound confidence.
Yet, that confidence was shattered the moment they set foot inside.
Their once-bright expressions dulled, their heads lowered as an unsettling atmosphere loomed over them. The reason? It was painfully obvious.
Like many others, this school was ruled by delinquents.
Upperclassmen loitered about, eyeing the newcomers as though they were fresh prey. Not only that, but they also seemed to take great pleasure in stirring up conflict among the weaker ones, treating them as mere playthings.
Don't blame the world—it is simply fulfilling its duty. The real mistake lies in being born weak.
---
The crackle of a microphone filled the air.
"Attention, all new students. Please gather at the multipurpose hall. I repeat, all new students, please proceed to the multipurpose hall. Supervisors will guide you, so just follow them. Thank you."
The first-years hurried towards the hall.
Just then, an upperclassman suddenly grabbed one of them.
"P-please… I-I've done nothing wrong! I'm sorry, I really am!" The boy stammered, his voice shaking with fear.
Seeing this, the other new students panicked. Their faces paled as they rushed towards the hall, pushing and shoving in a desperate attempt to get inside as quickly as possible. Fear, anxiety, and helplessness filled the air.
---
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
"Look at them, trembling with fear! Hahaha! Perfect. Just as planned. Let's go."
The shadowy figure, surrounded by a group of women, smirked before stepping forward.
---
[ Inside the Multipurpose Hall ]
A stout man in a black suit stepped onto the stage, teachers standing behind him.
"Ahem… Welcome, new students! I am the headmaster of this school."
"So, what do you think of your first impression of Meruya Selatan High? Exciting, isn't it? Of course it is! From now on, you will all become my mo— I mean, new students at this school! Give yourselves an A+!"
The entire hall erupted into applause and cheers.
"Oh, come on, don't flatter me too much. Anyway, congratulations on becoming students here! That's all from me. I shall be taking my leave now."
With that, the headmaster strolled off the stage.
Suddenly, a loud voice rang from the back.
"Make way for the boss!!"
A group of upperclassmen pushed through the crowd. The new students quickly stepped aside as a hulking figure made his way forward.
This so-called boss was massive—no, perhaps even obese—casually smoking a cigarette as he climbed onto the stage.
He tapped the microphone. "Testing, testing… Tch, this mic is rubbish, you idiots! Get me a new one!"
The teachers visibly flinched at his words. A staff member quickly handed him a new microphone.
"Now, this is more like it. Right then, you bunch of weaklings!"
"My name is King Yudan, and I run this school."
"I'll keep it simple—starting tomorrow, each of you will pay me 1.50 dollars every day. That's all."
---
Meanwhile, outside the school…
A lone figure stood before the gates.
"So, this is Meruya Selatan High… My new school, huh?"
Inside, a group of upperclassmen noticed him.
"Oi, who's that? He's been standing there for ages."
"Weird… Wait, isn't he wearing our school uniform? But I've never seen him before. Is he a new student?"
Just as they were talking, the boy began walking towards the entrance.
In an instant, the upperclassmen surrounded him.
"Yo, you a new student, mate?"
"Yeah, Uncle."
"Uncle?! You trying to get yourself killed, brat?!" The upperclassman flared up in anger.
"Huh? Oh, you're not? My bad. I just assumed, y'know… 'cause your face looks ancient." The boy grinned.
"You little—!!" The upperclassman swung his fist at him.
Whoosh! BAM!
Shock filled his eyes.
The boy had effortlessly blocked the punch—with his foot.
"Sorry, but I'm already late. If I don't hurry, I might get scolded."
The other upperclassmen wasted no time.
"GET HIM!!"
---
Five Minutes Later
A figure emerged from an alley in front of the school.
He had silver-grey hair, his clothes stained with blood. In his hand, he dragged an unconscious body—evidence of a one-sided fight that had just taken place.
After dropping the body onto the ground, he stepped into the school gates… only to freeze in surprise.
"What the hell? Eighty people… down?"
TO BE CONTINUED…