Yuki had always sensed his uniqueness. The other kids on the farm made that abundantly clear. From the time he took his first steps, he had been like a specter among them—the pale boy with white hair and striking blue eyes. They labeled him as cursed, a demon cloaked in human form, something to be feared, mocked, or simply overlooked.
He had quickly learned to remain silent unless addressed. He understood that food was a reward for hard work, that warmth was a rare gift, and that kindness was a luxury he would never experience. Yet, beneath the icy glares and hushed jeers, Yuki harbored a secret they could not fathom—he was anticipating something far more significant.
Now, as he stood at the threshold of Seishin Academy, surrounded by boys his age, he felt that familiar burden of being different settle upon him once again.
The academy's grand gates loomed above, intricately carved with ancient kanji and embellished with metal dragons entwined around cherry blossom trees. The aroma of burning incense mingled with the crisp mountain air, and beyond the gates, the rooftops of the academy glimmered softly under the gentle light of the lanterns.
Yuki tightened his grip on the strap of the small bag hanging from his shoulder, the few belongings inside clinking softly—a change of clothes, a small knife, and a wooden flute he had crafted himself. In contrast, the other boys around him were well-equipped, brandishing polished weapons and wearing garments adorned with family emblems. They clustered in groups, whispering and exchanging anxious glances, while Yuki remained solitary.
Suddenly, silence enveloped the crowd as the gates creaked open. A figure clad in a crimson robe emerged, exuding an aura that demanded attention. He was tall and slender, with a sharp, inscrutable face and black hair streaked with silver.
"Welcome to Seishin Academy," he declared. "You have been selected to train here because you possess a rare gift—a power that transcends the ordinary. However, let me be clear: not all of you will make it through. This is not a refuge for the faint-hearted; it is a domain for warriors."
Yuki felt his heart race. The statement was not merely a warning; it was a promise. The academy was no safe haven; it was a battleground where only the strongest would prevail.
The man continued, his tone steady. "Over the next seven years, you will master swordsmanship, strategy, and magic. You will learn discipline, endure hardship, and face death. Those who falter will be expelled. Those who excel will ascend."
A wave of murmurs swept through the assembly. Some boys straightened their posture, their pride ignited by the prospect of glory, while others gulped nervously, uncertainty flickering in their eyes.
"Step forward when your name is called," the man instructed. "You will receive your quarters and rank."
One by one, names echoed in the air. Boys advanced, their destinies assessed by the instructors who examined them with icy scrutiny. Yuki stood still, gripping the strap of his bag tighter.
"Yuki."
His name sliced through the atmosphere, more piercing than any weapon. He stepped forward, acutely aware of the many gazes fixed upon him. Whispers buzzed among the students.
"An albino?"
"He seems frail."
"What's he doing here?"
Yuki brushed off their comments. He had faced worse over the years. With determination, he raised his chin and met the instructor's gaze. The man scrutinized him for a moment before giving a slight nod.
"You will join the Black Lotus division," he announced. "Dormitory Three."
Black Lotus meant little to Yuki, but the reactions from his peers spoke volumes. Some appeared impressed, others cautious. A few even took a step back, as if his presence posed a threat.
Yuki turned and made his way toward the group of Black Lotus students. His heart raced, yet his expression remained composed. He had passed the initial test. Now, the true challenge awaited.
From the shadows, a pair of dark eyes tracked his movements. Jyuto, tall and sharply featured, with long black hair flowing past his shoulders, watched Yuki with keen interest.
A smirk curled at the corners of his mouth.
"Fascinating," he whispered.
The new students were guided across the academy's vast grounds, their way lit by lanterns that danced softly in the evening breeze. The air was rich with the aroma of pine and faint incense, while the distant sound of clashing swords resonated from deep within the compound, a reminder that even at this hour, warriors were honing their skills.
Yuki maintained a steady pace, his breathing calm. He could sense the weight of his fellow students' gazes on him, but he was determined not to show any hint of vulnerability.
Suddenly, a sharp voice broke through his concentration. "Pick up the pace. The academy has no patience for the slow."
The speaker was another instructor, a stern man clad in deep blue robes. His hair was tightly tied back, and his stormy gray eyes scrutinized the new recruits with intensity.
They were led through a courtyard dominated by a magnificent sakura tree, its delicate pink blossoms glowing in the light of the flickering torches that lined the paths. Beneath the tree, a stone tablet commemorated the names of warriors who had perished in battle, their legacies etched into history.
The instructor halted in front of a towering wooden building. "This is your dormitory," he announced bluntly. "Here, you will live, train, and prepare for combat."
Yuki entered the room, instantly enveloped by the rich aroma of aged wood and parchment. The space was large yet minimalistic, with tatami mats covering the floor and a small candle casting a flickering light on a low wooden table. This was to be his new home for the foreseeable future.
Suddenly, a voice shattered the stillness. "You don't belong here, albino."
Yuki turned to see a boy in the doorway, taller and broad-shouldered, clad in a striking red uniform adorned with a golden crest. His dark eyes sparkled with a sense of superiority.
Next to him stood another boy, slender with sharp features and long black hair. "You won't last a week."
Yuki held their stares without flinching. "We'll see about that."
A heavy silence settled between them until the taller boy scoffed and turned away. "Be careful."
As the door slid closed, Yuki took a deep breath. The academy was already revealing itself to be as merciless as the world he had left behind. But this time, he was determined not to flee.
This time, he would stand and fight.