Chapter 4:
The towering gates of Aether Academy stood open, welcoming the newest batch of students. The academy's grand courtyard stretched before them, lined with towering banners displaying the insignia of various divisions—Martial Arts, Strategy, Athletics, and Combat Sciences.
A massive holographic screen hovered above the stage, displaying the names of the incoming students. Among them, one name stood out in red at the very bottom: Rei Kurogane.
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, tension thick in the air as hundreds of top-ranked students gathered. Some chatted eagerly, others stood silent, sizing up the competition.
Inside the Ceremony Hall
Rows of ornate seats filled the grand hall as the new students took their places. At the front, the strongest students of the previous year sat in a special section, wearing uniforms adorned with golden insignias—the Top Ten Rankers.
Among them was Kazuki Renjou, Rank #1, a towering martial artist with sharp, calculating eyes. He leaned toward the student beside him, a girl with silver hair and a cold gaze.
Kazuki smirked. "Look at them. They think they belong here."
The girl, Saya Hoshigaki, Rank #3, barely spared a glance at the new students. "They won't last a week."
At the far back of the hall, Rei Kurogane sat alone. Unlike the others, he wasn't overwhelmed. His golden-blue eyes scanned everything.
He memorized the hall's layout.He noted which students were already forming alliances.He observed how the instructors assessed the newcomers.
But most of all, he studied the stage.
Because standing at the center was the man everyone feared and respected—Headmaster Renjiro Saionji.
The Headmaster's Speech
The murmuring crowd fell silent as Renjiro Saionji stepped forward.
The man was a legend—a former world-class martial artist, known for his ruthless training methods. He was dressed in a long black coat with silver accents, his presence alone enough to make even the strongest students tense up.
His piercing gaze swept over the crowd. When he spoke, his voice was like thunder in a storm.
"Welcome to Aether Academy."
A hush fell over the hall.
"You are here because you are the best."**"But that is not enough."
His gaze hardened.
"In this academy, only those who prove their worth will remain."
A large holographic countdown appeared above the stage.
[72 HOURS UNTIL THE EXAM BEGINS]
Gasps spread through the crowd.
"What? We have an exam already?" someone whispered.
Renjiro continued.
"In three days, you will take part in the Entrance Examination. Fail, and you will be expelled."
Rei's fingers tightened slightly.
"This academy does not believe in mercy."
A sudden BOOM echoed through the hall as the doors slammed shut behind them.
Renjiro's final words sent a chill through every student.
"Prepare yourselves. The real challenge begins now."