Today, I woke up earlier than usual.
I took a bath, dressed neatly, and tied my black hair into a ponytail
Wearing my white shirt and blue uniform skirt, I looked at myself once more in the mirror.
On normal days, we wore blue blazers with the school emblem on the collar, but today was special — the welcoming ceremony for the new school year.
We wore the school's blue almamater jacket, stitched with a golden emblem on the left chest.
The emblem had three diamonds — the middle one taller than the others — with a pair of wings completing the shape between them.
The three diamonds symbolized the three Guardian Schools in each nation, and the wings represented the bond between humans and guardians — two beings who needed each other.
"Are you done, Ren?"
Fyna's voice came from behind me as she finished tidying up her bed.
She was my roommate and childhood friend — Fyna Rivanya.
She was beautiful, smart, and well-liked at school, with long blonde hair, ocean-blue eyes, and an elegant posture that made her look almost perfect in everyone's eyes.
To me, she was unique. Just last year, Fyna had turned down two seniors who confessed to her.
"I'm done. Let's go," I said, grabbing my bag.
We locked our room and walked together toward school.
As we walked, I could already see the grand, castle-like building painted in deep blue — stretching wide enough to fill almost the entire hill.
The golden carvings on its tall front gate shimmered under the sunlight.
Above the entrance, the same golden emblem as on our jackets shone proudly.
This was our school — the Guardian Academy.
The Guardian Academy was a continuation of the public school system.
All students who reached the age of sixteen and graduated from public school would come here next.
This academy was also home to young guardians who had yet to perform their "Soul Union" with a human.
In the public schools, children aged six to fifteen studied basic subjects — reading, writing, and general human knowledge.
But here, everything was different.
Here, we learned about bonds between souls.
"Good morning!" someone shouted cheerfully from behind.
Fyna and I turned around to see a boy with chestnut-black hair waving at us — Vyne Zovan.
Behind him came Efan Silfender and Resa Fanessa.
"Morning," said Efan with his usual calm voice.
"Good morning, Fyna. Good morning, Rene," Resa greeted with a polite smile.
They were our friends since the first year at Guardian Academy — though they were from different towns, we'd grown close.
"It's time," Efan said.
We looked up toward the tall tower at the left side of the main building.
A guardian rang the great bell — signaling it was time to gather in the main hall.
The hall was vast and magnificent, decorated with golden floral carvings.
On the wide stage in front, the school's emblem gleamed proudly at the center of the wall.
We took seats in the middle rows while the other students settled in.
Once everyone was seated, a teacher stepped onto the stage.
"Good morning, students. The ceremony will begin shortly, so please remain quiet and attentive."
After ensuring silence, he continued, "As you know, all of you here have reached the age of seventeen this year. That means there will be several important announcements today. Now, please welcome the Headmaster."
A man wearing a blue robe with white linings rose from his seat.
His black hair had a streak of blue on the right side — the mark of the Southern Headmaster.
He walked with calm authority toward the stage.
Headmasters were chosen in a unique way — they were determined from birth.
If a boy was born without a guardian, that child was destined to become a future Headmaster.
Because of this, their education and purpose differed greatly from others.
"Good morning," he began.
"Before I begin, I would like to congratulate you all for entering a new academic year. Especially for those of you who have turned seventeen — this is an important age."
He paused briefly as applause filled the hall.
"At seventeen, you are recognized as young adults.
And this is the age when you are finally allowed to perform the Soul Union with your guardians."
Excited whispers filled the room.
"However," his tone grew firm, "I must remind you of a few rules.
First — you all know the academy's regulations.
From this year onward, any student who breaks the rules will face a more serious consequence: suspension for two weeks and a delay of your Soul Union until next year.
I expect you all to uphold our discipline and represent this academy with pride."
He paused again, his gaze sweeping the hall.
"Second — your health.
If your body is unwell during the day of your Soul Union, you will not be allowed to proceed until the following year.
A strong and healthy body is required for a perfect union."
He smiled faintly.
"That is all for today. The rest of the details will be given by your respective teachers.
On behalf of the Guardian Academy, I wish you all a blessed new year."
Applause echoed again as the Headmaster stepped down from the stage.
"Thank you, Headmaster," said the teacher, resuming the ceremony.
"Next, we'll begin the class division."
After the classes were assigned, everyone was free to return to their dorms and rest for tomorrow's lessons.
"Looks like we're in different classes this year," Vyne sighed to Efan.
"I hope next year we'll be together again," I said softly, glancing at Efan and Resa.
There were only 127 students total, and they divided into five classes.
Fyna, Vyne, and I ended up in the same class, while Efan and Resa were separated.
"Hey, why don't we eat first before heading back to the dorms?" Fyna suggested.
"T–Totally! I'd love that!" Vyne said, almost too quickly.
Efan just nodded, and Resa smiled shyly.
I couldn't help but smile too.
Being with them always made me happy.
They each had their quirks, but together, they felt like home.
Fyna — perfect in everyone's eyes, but secretly clumsy when she panicked.
Vyne — cheerful and caring, though often too slow to catch on to things.
Efan — brilliant, quiet, and distant, yet observant of everyone around him.
Resa — gentle and reserved, but always ready to help others.
They weren't perfect.
None of us were.
But they were my precious friends.
I hoped our friendship would never end — even if someday we had to part ways.
"Ren!" Fyna shouted from ahead.
They were already a few meters away, waiting for me.
I smiled and ran toward them.
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✨ End of Chapter 1