Chapter 1: The Last Day at Lumora High
The City of Light
Between two towering mountains lies the breathtaking city of Lumora, known as the City of Light. Unlike most urban landscapes, Lumora has achieved the perfect harmony between nature and development. As the capital of the Zephyria District, it is home to thousands who live in balance with the lush greenery that surrounds them.
Two colossal mountains stand as Lumora's natural guardians, with a river flowing from the right-side peak, dividing the city into two halves before merging into a vast lake at the city's edge. The left side is covered by a dense forest that stretches across the mountain slopes, while the right side hosts a blend of urban developments, residential areas, farmlands, and a hidden valley tucked behind the mountain.
A Normal Afternoon in Lumora
Among Lumora's many residents, a young boy named Arin strolls home from school, pushing his bicycle beside his best friend, Arana.
Arin stretches lazily, letting out a sigh. "I practically slept through the entire day in class today."
Arana's eyebrows twitch. "What?! You slept in class? I was sitting right next to you, and I didn't even notice!"
Arin smirks. "How could you notice if I was joking?"
Arana shoots him a glare. "You think this is the time for jokes? Our exams just ended, and you already forgot how they went?"
Arin shrugs, unfazed. "Just enjoy life, Arana. Besides, I know exactly how my exams went."
Arana folds her arms, sensing something suspicious. "Oh yeah? And why aren't you worried?"
Arin grins. "Because… I sat behind you during the exams."
Arana's jaw drops, and she swings a playful punch at him. "You absolute—!"
They reach home before she can finish her sentence, parking their bicycles outside. As soon as they step inside, they call out in unison, "We're back!"
Dropping their school bags on their study tables, they change into comfortable clothes before heading downstairs for lunch.
Arin's mother places a plate in front of them. "Nothing special today, just fried rice."
Arin's face lights up. "Wow! My favorite!"
Arana smirks. "Eat less, or you'll get more pimples. You already have that problem, remember?"
Arin pauses mid-bite and frowns. "Ruthless…"
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The Morning Routine
The next day, Arin wakes up at 3:00 AM, a habit he has followed for over a year. He heads straight to the kitchen for his pre-workout drink, while Arana, half-asleep, takes the same glass and drinks water before crawling back into bed.
Arin begins his daily 90-minute workout, cycling through:
Jumping jacks
Squats
Lunges
Push-ups & diamond push-ups
Triceps dips & floor triceps
Abdominal crunches
Planks (3 minutes)
Child's pose to finish
His routine is brutal but necessary—he has no intention of being average.
After cooling down, he takes a five-minute cold shower, gets dressed, and sits down to meditate for 15 minutes, followed by a 2-hour reading session—a habit he developed to sharpen his mind.
At 6:00 AM, he wakes up his mother and Arana, then spends 30 minutes gaming before heading out for a walk while listening to music.
By 7:00 AM, Arana joins him for a short morning walk into the forest, as they do every day. They collect firewood on their way back, a simple yet important part of their routine.
At 8:00 AM, they leave for school—today is their final day.
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A Special Day at School
On their way, they run into Vaito, Arin's best friend since 4th grade.
Vaito hops onto Arin's bicycle, grinning. "Just keep walking, Arin."
Arin shakes his head. "Vaito! After so many days, huh?"
Vaito shrugs. "Yeah, I heard today's the last day, so I figured I'd come."
Arana narrows her eyes. "So if today wasn't the last day, you wouldn't have come?"
Vaito smirks. "You're not wrong. The exams are over, the syllabus is done, yet the school still calls us in. That's just unfair."
Arin sighs. "You do have a point… but let's just leave it at that."
As they arrive, they are greeted by their close friends:
Juro
Haruto
Tatsuya
Miyu
Anaya
Sora
Today, instead of school uniforms, the management has allowed students to wear casual clothes.
Arin – White shirt, dark blue pants, white sneakers
Vaito – Yellow shirt, black pants, white shoes
Haruto – Blue T-shirt, light pants, dark shoes
Juro – Black shirt, dark gray formal pants, black shoes
Arana – Black crop top, light blue pants, pink-and-white sneakers
Miyu, Anaya, and Sora – Simple yet stylish casual outfits
As they walk through the hallways, all eyes are on them.
The boys admire Arana, Sora, Miyu, and Anaya, while the girls can't take their eyes off Arin, Vaito, Haruto, Juro, and Tatsuya.
Among them, Arin, Haruto, and Juro are the top male icons, while Arana and Sora hold the spotlight among the girls.
Their group confidently walks through the halls, completely unfazed by the stares.
At 16 years old, they were already mature beyond their years—standing out not just in appearance but in strength, intelligence, and presence.
Their Heights & Reputation:
Arin – 6'2" (Well-built physique, intelligent mind, natural leader)
Vaito – 6'6" (Tallest in school, second only to Arin in strength)
Juro – 6'1" (Strategic thinker, sharp observer)
Haruto – 5'9" (Balanced between brains and brawn)
Tatsuya – 6'0" (Silent but deadly type)
Arana – 5'8" (Fearless, independent, commands attention effortlessly)
Sora – 5'6" (Elegant but fierce in personality)
Miyu & Anaya – 5'6" (Sharp-witted and charming twins)
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The Final Day in Class
Their group occupies their usual backbench spots.
Arin & Vaito (Benchmates)
Haruto & Juro
Tatsuya (Solo)
Arana & Karina
Sora, Miyu & Anaya
The entire school gathers in the open ground for the farewell speeches.
Arin confidently delivers his speech without even looking at the paper, leaving a powerful impact. His voice is sharp, his words inspiring.
One by one, Vaito, Haruto, and Juro follow, delivering their speeches.
Then, the students move to the grand hall, where performances begin—dancing, singing, and dramatic acts.
After lunch, Arin and his friends slip away unnoticed, heading straight to Vaito's house.
But little did they know—trouble was waiting for them.ncing, singing, and dramatic acts.
After lunch, Arin and his friends slip away unnoticed, heading straight to Vaito's house.
But little did they know—trouble was waiting for them.