Chapter 26: The Classroom of Elites
The morning sun bathed Aether Academy in golden light, signaling the start of a new era.
Rei Kurogane adjusted his uniform, staring at himself in the dorm mirror.
Yesterday, they were candidates.Today, they were students.
The real test was only beginning.
Souta (grinning, stretching): "Alright, boys and girls, first day! Let's see what this school's got for us."
Akari (calmly fixing her gloves): "Try not to cause a scene in class."
Souta (laughing): "Me? Never."
Rei simply grabbed his bag and holo-tablet.
Rei (thinking): Aether Academy isn't just about getting in. It's about proving we belong.
Aether Academy – Class 1-A
As they walked through the grand hallways, it became clear—this was no ordinary classroom.
The corridors were lined with high-tech security scanners.Training fields stretched outside, filled with upperclassmen sparring at insane speeds.The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension.
Everyone here was a top-tier talent.
And then—they arrived.
📜 Class 1-A – The Elite Freshmen of Aether Academy
The door slid open.
Inside, students were already seated, waiting.
And Rei immediately recognized them.
Meeting the Best of the Best
As they stepped inside, whispers erupted.
Student 1 (whispering): "That's them… the ones who placed second in the entrance exam."
Student 2: "They actually survived against Kozuki's team?"
Rei ignored the noise.
But his eyes scanned the room—memorizing every face.
And there they were—the students who had joined Aether Academy through status and strength.
🔹 Elias Krow – The Iron Tower
The massive tank of a man, sitting in the back row, arms crossed.
Elias (calmly): "Second place? You should've done better."
Souta rolled his eyes.
Souta: "Oh great, the human brick wall speaks."
Elias ignored him.
🔹 Mika Fujiwara – The Tactical Archer
A girl with sharp, calculating eyes, sitting with perfect posture.
Mika (coldly): "A strategist without strength is useless. I hope you prove me wrong, Kurogane."
Rei didn't respond.
🔹 Daigo Shiranui – The Silent Blade
The swordsman who barely spoke sat at the window, his fingers tapping his hilt.
He glanced at Rei for only a second… then looked away.
Rei (thinking): He doesn't consider me worth acknowledging yet.
🔹 Lina Veras – The Untouchable Phantom
Lina leaned against her desk, arms crossed, watching them enter.
Lina (grinning): "Hope you're ready, 'cause this year's gonna be brutal."
Souta grinned back.
Souta: "Oh, I was born ready."
And finally—
At the front of the room, calmly seated, eyes closed…
🔹 Kozuki Renjou – The Absolute King
Even without speaking, he commanded the room.
His presence alone was enough to remind everyone who stood at the top.
Rei sat down—directly across from Kozuki.
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then—
Kozuki (eyes opening slightly): "Try not to waste my time this year, Kurogane."
Rei smirked slightly.
Rei (calmly): "I won't."
And with that—the first class at Aether Academy began.