Miss Manata spoke in her usual quiet voice, barely louder than a whisper:
– "Yes, students... she truly belongs to the Monster lineage."
A heavy silence, thick with shock and anticipation, settled over the classroom. Then, Ken suddenly shot up, shattering the stillness with a sharp voice dripping with fury:
– "I will not tolerate a monster in my class!"
But before he could finish his words, a commanding, icy voice rang out, demanding silence and attention.
The Director herself had entered the room, slicing through the charged atmosphere with steady strides and a gaze sharp as a polished dagger. Her long red hair swayed with every step, enhancing her formidable presence, and her crimson eyes gleamed like two sparks of contained flame.
She wore a dark, formal suit that radiated absolute power: a long black coat that fell below her knees, accented by dark red trim on the collar and cuffs. Underneath, a crisp white shirt and matching tie, paired with tight black trousers and high, knee-length leather boots.
She stopped, facing the students, and spoke in a low voice that nonetheless resonated deep within their chests:
– "And who told you that you have the right to object to my decisions?"
In a flash, she vanished from her spot and reappeared in front of Ken, her sword touching his neck with deadly coldness. His body froze; a cold bead of sweat slid down his cheek as he swallowed hard, terror-stricken.
She leaned closer and whispered in a voice colder than ice:
– "If you don't like it... I can expel you right now."
Ken backed away, trembling, and slumped into his seat, imprisoned by absolute silence.
The Director straightened, facing the class with irresistible authority, and announced:
– "I am Dalia Storm Crest, Touka's direct supervisor. She has been approved by the Supreme Council of Kenimar Island, and any objection from any of you... is completely void."
Her eyes lingered on Rion for a moment, a cryptic gaze as if concealing an ancient secret a look potent enough to stir questions in his heart. She then turned to Touka, a faint smile playing on her lips, though it didn't reach her eyes, and said:
– "This is your class now, Touka. If you face any trouble... come directly to me."
Then she left, abandoning a heavy silence to settle over the room. Touka sat down quietly, and Miss Manata resumed the lesson as if nothing of consequence had occurred.
Later, in the training hall under the supervision of Coach Toby Kiron, Misaki walked in confidently, dressed in tight, comfortable black athletic wear. She stopped abruptly when she saw Touka effortlessly lifting weights, and gasped in pure astonishment:
– "Impossible!"
Touka smiled bashfully, adjusting her grey sports uniform with a small emblem on the chest and thigh, and replied with a light smile:
– "That's... thanks to my Monster genes."
Misaki eagerly approached, curiosity alight in her eyes:
– "What's the maximum you can lift?"
Touka answered, lowering the barbell:
– "About seventy kilograms."
Misaki laughed joyfully:
– "Amazing! That means I'm still only slightly weaker than you!"
In another corner of the hall, Kairen whispered to Rion, observing the scene:
– "It seems you have some competition, Rion..."
Rion lifted his weights with focused intensity, replying in a quiet, yet concerned tone:
– "I feel like something is strange."
Kairen looked at him in surprise:
– "Is it because she's a Monster? Or is there another reason?"
Rion mused:
– "No... it's the Director's look. It was strange, as if she knows something about my secret."
Kairen responded with a faint smile:
– "Perhaps, but if she really knew something dangerous... she would have already acted. It seems she isn't against you."
Rion nodded:
– "Perhaps... in any case, even if she knows, I'm ready."
Kairen chuckled softly and said:
– "My dear Rion, don't pressure yourself. Let's focus on training."
At that moment, a booming voice echoed through the hall. Coach Toby stood among the students, his appearance like that of a legendary hero. His massive body was bulging with muscles, and his violet eyes burned with resolve and authority. He wore a black sleeveless jacket, practical grey trousers, and black combat boots.
He spoke in his strong voice:
– "Students, we will begin today's training. I want one of you to attack me and try to take me down."
Rion muttered sarcastically, raising an eyebrow:
– "Is he serious? If he were sent to Valdoris, he'd free it alone..."
Kairen looked at him, puzzled:
– "Rion, is this normal?"
He smirked:
– "And where is the normal part, in your opinion?"
She laughed lightly and said:
– "Right... it seems excessive. Does this mean he's incredibly strong?"
Rion answered seriously:
– "Not necessarily. Strength here isn't measured by body size... but by the amount of Mana latent within you."
Touka raised her hand and said confidently:
– "Me, Master!"
Toby smiled:
– "Alright, come forward."
Touka dashed towards him with incredible speed and punched him in the stomach... but it had no noticeable effect. He looked at her calmly and said:
– "You are weak despite being of the Monster lineage. You must work on improving your strength more."
Her face flushed, and she replied sheepishly:
– "Yes, Master." She then took a step back.
Toby asked:
– "Does anyone else want to try?"
Kairen looked at Rion:
– "Don't you want to try?"
He said quickly and definitively:
– "No, thank you."
Toby smiled, folding his arms:
– "Well, I think that's enough for today. You may stay if you want extra training. See you tomorrow."
After he left, Ken approached Rion with a proud smile:
– "What do you think of my abilities, Rion?"
Rion answered in a quiet tone:
– "Good. You did well."
Ken said enthusiastically:
– "Yes! I started daily training three months ago!"
Rion nodded admiringly:
– "You seem truly serious about getting stronger."@
Then, Trangen interrupted them with an energetic voice, lifting an empty bar with her hands:
– "Rion! Look at me, I'm lifting weights!"
Rion smiled and said with a joking look of surprise:
– "Well done, Trangen! You're very strong!"
Trangen breathed heavily but lifted her head proudly:
– "Yes... I am strong... I am strong!"
After training ended, the cafeteria was buzzing with talk and laughter. Rion sat alone, wearing a black, high-collared, zip-up jacket over a simple white shirt, with tight black trousers and high leather boots. He was lost in thought, staring into his coffee cup, until Kairen suddenly appeared, slapping the table with her palm, a cheerful smile on her face.
– "What is it, Rion? You look like you're lost in another world."
He slowly raised his head and said in a low voice:
– "I was... thinking about Touka."
Kairen nodded, her laughter fading, replaced by a rare serious look:
– "Me too. Do you think they tested her before accepting her into the Academy?"
He shrugged with feigned indifference:
– "Maybe... it's not unlikely."
Misaki arrived at that moment, put her tray on the table, and sat across from them.
– "What are you whispering about?"
They both replied at once:
– "Nothing important."
Kairen smiled lightly and said, getting up:
– "Well, I have some work to do. See you both later." She then left quickly, leaving Rion and Misaki alone.
A brief silence fell between them, broken by Misaki's faint voice:
– "Rion... can I ask you something?"
– "Go ahead."
– "Why are men... such despicable creatures?"
Rion froze at the question, replying in hushed surprise:
– "What do you mean?"
Her eyes flared with suppressed anger as she said:
– "All you care about is hurting girls or fulfilling your desires. You see nothing but ugliness."
Rion remained silent for a few moments, so she continued, her voice trembling with bitterness:
– "See? You can't answer, because you know I'm right."
Rion lowered his head, his voice rough and carrying a hidden grief:
– "Let me ask you something... why would a person sacrifice his life so that another person can live?"
Misaki looked at him in astonishment:
– "What does that have to do with my question?"
– "I don't know... but I want to understand. Why would someone choose death for the sake of another?"
– "Simply... because they love them."
– "And then what? If the one I loved died... what's the point of living alone after them?"
His voice trembled as he whispered:
– "I never wanted to be here in the first place... All I wanted was to die."
Misaki yelled with sharp anger:
– "The one who sacrificed his life for you did it so you would live in his place, not die after him!"
Rion lowered his gaze and said in a broken voice:
– "I know... I've heard those words before."
She got up to leave, but his voice stopped her:
– "Misaki... why do you see all men as lustful monsters?"
She sat down again, staring at the floor, her voice trembling as if fighting a painful memory:
– "When I was young, at the Heaven Orphanage... I was subjected to harassment in all its forms. Since then, I've seen nothing but filth in men."
Rion's gaze softened, and he spoke with deep calm:
– "So you judged all men because of a few pieces of dirt?"
– "Yes. And I don't care what you say... I'll never believe there's a different kind of man."
Rion smiled sadly and said:
– "You were at the Assessment School before this Academy, weren't you?"
– "Yes."
– "And you experienced the same thing there?"
Her gaze darkened, then she nodded:
– "It was the worst period of my life... but I'm not weak anymore. I won't let anyone touch me again."
A moment of silence passed, before she said hesitantly:
– "But... there was always someone who helped me. I never knew who it was."
Rion breathed slowly and said:
– "It was me... I was the one who helped you."
Misaki laughed with a sarcasm that masked her confusion:
– "And I'm supposed to believe that?"
– "If you don't believe me, ask Kairen yourself."
He then got up and said:
– "Not all men are good, and not all of them are bad... but remember, your path is yours, and you are the one who chooses the good or the bad in your life."
He left, leaving Misaki alone, caught between doubt... and a small spark beginning to ignite in her heart.
Meanwhile, Kairen arrived at the Director's office and knocked lightly. The firm voice from inside called:
– "Enter."
She opened the door with steady steps, then bowed respectfully and said:
– "I apologize for the disturbance, Madam Director... I have a question regarding the new student."
Dalia raised an eyebrow, her cold eyes fixed on her with penetrating steadiness:
– "Are you objecting to her presence?"
Kairen quickly shook her head:
– "No, not an objection... I was just wondering if you tested her in the way I'm thinking."
A cryptic smile formed on Dalia's lips, and she said in a low voice:
– "Ah... I understand your meaning. No, we merely determined her type, nothing more."
Kairen sighed in slight relief:
– "Thank you, that reassures me."
But just as she turned to leave, the Director's voice stopped her again:
– "Wait, Kairen... come here for a moment."
Dalia walked around her desk until she stood before her, approaching with slow, deliberate steps. She leaned in towards Kairen and whispered a few cryptic words, a strange smile hovering on her lips. Kairen's eyes widened in profound shock, and the color drained from her face for a moment.
That night, Rion was lying on his bed, exhausted, the fatigue eating at his body like a slow fire. His phone vibrated with an urgent notification:
– "Tomorrow, Class (C) will face Class (B) in the promotion battle. Decision issued by Director Dalia Storm Crest."
He slowly sat up, holding his head in his hand, and muttered in a tired voice:
– "Why now? What's the real reason behind this battle?"
A light knock sounded on the door. He got up and opened it, finding Touka standing there, a cryptic glint in her grey eyes.
He asked in surprise:
– "Touka? What is it?"
Her voice was faint, carrying a tone somewhere between joking and serious:
– "I just came to tell you... I know your secret."
He frowned in surprise:
– "My secret? What secret?"
She smiled faintly, slyly, and whispered:
– "You're a monster too, Rion."
He froze in place, his eyes wide with shock. But before he could utter a word, Touka had turned and quietly left, leaving behind a silence that weighed heavily in the air.
On the other side of the Academy, Ken stood face-to-face with his brother, Kim. Kim was lithe and athletic, with spiky blond hair that shone under the light, and green eyes that seemed to pierce the silence.
Kim spoke in a calm tone:
– "Brother... I was always sure you'd survive. I believed in your strength from the start."
But Ken's voice was sharp, dripping with anger:
– "Shut up! You never cared about me. You were always the best, the fastest, the genius... And me? I was nothing!"
– "But..."
– "I said SHUT UP!"
Ken yelled and stormed off angrily. Kim reached out to him, his voice full of pleading:
– "Brother... please, just listen to me..."
But the echo of his words faded in the corridor, leaving behind a desolate silence like darkness swallowing the light.
The following day, the great hall was filled with students, their voices rising in a mixture of excitement, tension, and curiosity. Director Dalia raised her hand high, and her resonant voice rang out:
– "First Battle Rion Grein versus Max Mitra!"
The two advanced to the fighting arena, breaths held tight.
Max entered with confident strides, wearing a tight-sleeved, solid red shirt that highlighted his bulging muscles. His olive cargo pants were slightly loose, with hanging side pockets, and his grey athletic shoes looked custom-made for combat. His short dark hair was neatly styled, and his strong features suggested sternness. Max was powerfully built and muscular, radiating strength, his stance declaring unshakeable confidence.
He gave a mocking smile and said:
– "Finally, Rion... I've been waiting for this day for a long time."
Rion didn't reply, offering only a fleeting glance toward the stands, where Kairen sat lost in thought, before fixing his gaze ahead.
The Director made a decisive gesture, and her voice thundered through the hall:
– "Begin the fight!"
Max surged forward first, a red magical energy bursting around his arms, forming an incomplete shield. His fists swelled, and he unleashed a relentless barrage of blows upon Rion, like a beast unshackled.
Rion crashed into the wall, blood trickling from his mouth and forehead, but he slowly rose. His breathing was ragged, yet his eyes burned like live, unquenchable embers.
Max smiled scornfully and said:
– "What do you think now, Rion? Do you feel humiliated in front of your admirers, you ladies' man? Today, you'll learn a real lesson!"
Rion wiped the blood from his mouth with a twisted smile and said in a mocking tone:
"You're... just a jealous idiot."
Max's face hardened with rage, and he lunged at him again, but this time...
Rion steadily raised his hand and stopped Max's punch mid-air with a single hand.
Max froze in shock, unable to move even an inch. In the next moment, Rion's fist plunged into his stomach with a devastating force that sent him staggering back, painfully gasping for air.
Before Max could regain his balance, Rion was already behind him, showering him with a hail of fast, sharp blows until Max collapsed to the ground, unable to get up.
Max panted, his voice hoarse:
– "Damn... you..."
Rion approached him with steady steps, his voice quiet yet brimming with power:
– "I didn't come here to play, Max... I came for only one goal."
Max raised his head with difficulty, his eyes wide:
– "And what is that?"
Rion answered with utter calm and certainty:
– "To free Valdoris from the grip of the Monsters."
Max froze, stunned:
– "What?! Do you... intend to become one of the Emissaries?"
Rion put his hand in his pocket with a slight smile:
– "Yes. And judging by your look, you want the same thing."
Max said, adjusting his posture on the ground, his voice boiling with anger:
– "Yes... I want that, because I want to kill those cursed monsters... by any means necessary."
Rion smiled and said with profound calm:
– "Then... it seems we are on the same path, Max."
Director Dalia's voice rang out clearly in the hall:
– "The victory goes to Rion Grein! Max Mitra is unable to continue!"
Rion said, preparing to leave:
– "See you later... Max."
The hall then erupted in cheers, and applause rose from all sides. As Rion slowly walked away from the fighting arena, his path crossed Kairen's at the gate. She stopped in front of him, her gaze cryptic, and her voice came out a soft whisper:
– "Something will happen... tomorrow."
Rion froze in place, watching her as she walked away, her words echoing in his mind like an alarm bell before an impending storm.
Second Battle: Kairen Shiro vs. Meow Bell.
Kairen and Meow entered the arena with steady steps, amidst a tense and expectant silence. Kairen stood tall, her eyes sparkling with unshakeable resolve, while Meow looked calm, as if she knew what was about to happen.
Meow had long, flowing hair of a bright blue color, with golden streaks at the tips, and her azure eyes widened with a gentle smile that reflected no concern. Her skin was fair, and her features were closer to cool beauty than warmth. She wore a short red jacket with rolled-up sleeves, and beneath it, a dark purple crop top that revealed a part of her slender waist. Her tight black trousers and combat boots with purple laces gave her a confident, agile look. She stood upright, her left hand in her pocket, her eyes fixed forward in complete calm.
As for Kairen, her face showed sheer determination, as if she carried a promise only she knew.
Director Dalia raised her hand, and her voice echoed through the hall:
– "Begin the fight!"
Kairen instantly dashed toward the wall and jumped with astonishing agility. Mid-air, the glowing symbol on her left hand shimmered the Wind Sword was summoned. Her body transformed into a moving cyclone, howling with swift speed toward her opponent.
But Meow didn't move. She raised her twin Mana Sword, which radiated a sky-blue glow, and blocked the first strike with surprising confidence.
The blows followed like flashes of lightning, each more powerful than the last, yet Meow remained unyielding, parrying every attack with a provoking coolness, as if she could read Kairen's moves before she made them.
Kairen retreated, gasping, then extended her right hand forward. In an instant, fire ignited around her, and a blazing, crimson Fire Sword appeared.
She said in a strong voice, brimming with challenge:
– "Now you'll see the real difference!"
She launched forward like an arrow, leaving a trail of flame. The heat in the arena rose until the air itself seemed to burn.
Meow narrowed her eyes, raised her glowing sword, and her voice came out calm despite the intensity:
– "Your strength suddenly increased..."
Kairen smiled confidently, advancing with fiery steps:
– "That's because I'm using the Fire Sword!"
The two powers clashed in the center of the arena, and light exploded between them in a massive, deafening blast. The ground shook beneath the spectators' feet, and sparks scattered in the air.
They activated their magical shields. Meow's shield was sky-blue with dark, intricate lines, while Kairen's was dark brown laced with golden lines that shone with immense power. The Wind Sword and the Fire Sword merged, making Kairen's movements a blend of pure speed and destructive force.
The battle became a tableau of beauty and danger; of wind and fire, of determination and lethal tranquility.
After many long minutes, their breaths grew heavy, and fatigue crept into their bodies. They finally paused, breathing hard, each looking at the other with silent respect.
Meow raised her head and said with her usual calm smile:
– "You fought well, Kairen... I withdraw."
Kairen's eyes widened in surprise:
– "What? Why are you giving up?"
Meow answered, lowering her sword as its glow gradually faded:
– "The result doesn't matter... And honestly? You deserve the win."
Director Dalia's voice boomed in the hall:
– "The winner—Kairen Shiro!"
Kairen froze for a moment, then a faint smile played on her lips, mixing pride with serenity. As for Meow, she left the arena with calm steps, as if what had happened was nothing more than a passing breeze on a long day.
Third Battle: Misaki Maosi vs. Vodo Kaba.
A sense of anticipation filled the great hall as the two competitors entered the fighting arena. Misaki held her heavy hammer, her eyes unwavering. Vodo entered with confident steps, his calm smile concealing a hint of mystery.
He had dark skin that shone under the lights, short hair of a deep purple color, neatly styled in a modern cut. His pale yellow eyes gleamed like an electric spark before a storm. He wore a black leather biker-style jacket, adorned with metal zippers, and beneath it, a dark grey V-neck shirt, paired with tight black trousers and lightweight combat boots. His metallic gloves glittered with every movement of his strong arms.
He extended his hand toward her with a friendly smile and said in a gentle tone:
– "Good luck, Misaki."
But she didn't reply. She didn't even spare him a glance; only a deadly focus on the fighting arena.
Director Dalia raised her hand, signaling the start of the match:
– "Begin the fight!"
In the next moment, Misaki rushed forward, her hammer blazing with Mana light, and brought it down on Vodo with all her might. He raised his arms at the last second, forming an electrical Mana shield that absorbed the blow, but the force of the impact pushed him backward.
He landed on the ground with a slight skid, then placed his palm on the surface. In a flash, glowing Mana circles spread around him, and a huge lightning bolt shot out, slicing across the arena and striking Misaki directly.
Her body convulsed violently, and she fell to her knees, smoke rising from her fractured magical shield. But she held firm, gripping the handle of her hammer, her eyes burning with unbreakable stubbornness.
Vodo quickly approached her, his right arm glowing with deadly sparks. He moved to deliver the finishing blow, but...
Misaki suddenly roared, a scream from the depths of her soul, forcing her exhausted body to rise. A torrent of Mana surged from beneath her feet, and her hammer rose as she yelled:
– "I won't fall yet!"
Her hammer collided with Vodo's chest in a violent blow that shook the entire arena. He staggered two meters backward, in pain, trying to regain his balance.
Misaki began to reform her magical shield, but it was battered and cracked at the edges. Nevertheless, she advanced without thought, without hesitation only striking. Each blow left a deeper mark, and the sound of iron on electricity echoed in the hall like thunder.
Before she could deliver the final strike, Director Dalia raised her hand high, her voice decisively cutting through the noise:
– "The match is over! The winner—Misaki Maosi!"
Misaki froze in place, her breaths ragged. As for Vodo, he dropped to one knee, breathing heavily. Then he raised his head with a faint smile and said:
– "You're very strong... thank you for the fight."
Misaki looked at him with complete coldness, her eyes devoid of any emotion, and said calmly and definitively:
– "You're welcome."
She then turned her back and left the arena with slow, steady steps. Vodo remained seated for a moment, his gaze following her in sad silence before he, too, left, as if something inside him had broken with the sound of that hammer.
Director Dalia Storm Crest was seated on her observation platform, with Iris beside her, watching the fight with keen eyes. Dalia calmly leaned toward her and asked:
– "What do you think of the fighting, Iris?"
Iris smiled and said:
– "Marvelous, Dalia. It seems we have a student with unusual abilities."
Dalia contemplated the arena with sharp eyes and said in a questioning tone:
– "Kairen... I'm surprised you're using an ability with two elements, and in swords, no less. What are you hiding, I wonder?"
Fourth Battle: Ken vs. Bern Shiron.
Bern entered the fighting arena with steady, confident steps. She was a young woman with short, slightly messy black hair, bright green eyes, and a confident smile that never left her lips. She wore a dark grey, tight-fitting combat suit, accented by sky-blue lines that shimmered with the light, highlighting her slender, athletic figure.
Facing her, Ken wore a dark-colored suit, crossed by neon-orange lines that glowed faintly on his chest and arms, as if illuminating the pathways of his magical energy. The two stood opposite each other, circling one another in tense silence.
Bern smiled lightly and said:
– "Don't hold back, Ken... but remember, I won't show you any mercy."
She activated the Mana shield on her body and surged toward him with astonishing speed. Ken, focusing Mana into his legs, moved with near-invisible agility, dodging her blows with astonishing grace.
Suddenly, Ken seized her wrist, and a harsh coldness invaded her arm, as if frost were devouring her bones. Bern screamed, trembling:
– "Ken... are you hurting a girl like this? Is this normal for you?!"
Ken froze, shocked, and quickly and awkwardly let go of her hand:
– "I... I didn't mean to..."
But Bern didn't give him a chance to explain; she regained her balance and leaped toward him again, unleashing a barrage of swift blows. Ken tried to block them, but her strength was overwhelming. In a moment of desperation, he used his Prediction ability, grabbed her again, and struck her face with a strong blow that sent her staggering backward.
Ken backed away, trembling, and said with honest concern:
– "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to hurt you!"
Bern slowly rose, her eyes burning with anger:
– "Don't apologize! Fight me seriously!"
She launched forward again like a storm, sending quick kicks that forced Ken to retreat constantly. But suddenly, his body stopped moving... his Mana had completely run out.
Bern stopped in her tracks and asked him in a surprised tone:
– "Why did you stop?"
Ken gave a faint, sarcastic smile and said:
– "I ran out of Mana..."
Bern approached him with slow steps and touched his forehead with her finger, saying with a small smile:
– "Now we're even. That's for the strike you hit me with."
Ken's face flushed as he self-consciously touched the spot where her finger had been, while Bern turned toward the Director and said confidently:
– "I declare my withdrawal."
The Director stood up and announced in a firm voice:
– "The winner—Ken!"
Bern laughed lightly as she left the arena, her smile bright as the sun. Ken remained in his place, stunned, his thoughts racing:
(Is it possible that she... loves me? No, no, I must be imagining things...)
The Director's voice resonated through the large hall, carrying a tone of solemn calm:
– "The battles are concluded. The promotion results will be announced tomorrow. Good luck to all."
She added:
– "Detailed reports will also be sent to all Class C students tomorrow morning."
Rion sat in his usual silence, his eyes gleaming with deep thought. Misaki turned to him, saying with slight concern:
– "What about Touka... and Trangen?"
Trangen leaned forward, her features filled with sadness:
– "Rion... are you really going to Class B without me? I swore I'd stay by your side no matter what..."
Rion smiled lightly and said gently:
– "I don't know, Trangen... but even if we're not in the same class, we're in the same Academy. The bond between us won't disappear."
Trangen replied, tears glistening in her eyes:
– "I don't want this..."
Misaki raised her eyebrows and said:
– "What about Touka?"
Touka lifted her head and said in a quiet, confident tone:
– "Don't worry about me... I'll be fine."
Rion observed her in silent contemplation:
(Was Touka sent here to test something? Do they want to find out if there's a monster among us?)
That night, Rion returned to his room. He threw himself onto his bed with a sigh:
(Too many strange things are happening... Kairen, Touka, the battles... I feel like something bigger is approaching.)
A light knock interrupted his thoughts. He opened the door to find Trangen standing there with a shy smile.
– "Rion... can I come in?"
He said calmly:
– "Of course."
She sat before him, clearly nervous, fiddling with her fingers.
– "I just wanted to know... do you have a girlfriend?"
He raised an eyebrow in slight surprise:
– "No, I don't."
She smiled shyly:
– "Then... would you mind if I stayed here tonight?"
His eyes widened:
– "What?! Why would you ask such a thing?"
She said with a quiet sadness:
– "I don't know... I just want to be close to you, as much as possible."
He turned his face away and said seriously:
– "No. I refuse."
She smiled sadly:
– "I understand... I won't pressure you."
She then stood by the door, turned to him, and whispered in a soft, sincere voice:
– "I love you, Rion."
She left the room with quiet steps. Rion remained standing in place, hand on his head, sighing:
(She loves me... me? Just because I helped her. I don't understand girls' minds...)
The following morning, Rion woke up to a notification on his phone:
– "Rion Grein has been promoted to Class B."
He sat for a moment, then rose and took a deep breath, heading toward his new class. He entered the hall, seeing both familiar and new faces. Trangen waved to him enthusiastically from her seat, so he smiled and sat beside her.
Teacher Iris entered with a calm smile and said:
– "Good morning, students. Our class has become stronger today and we have a surprise. A new student will be joining us."
Rion's heart stopped for a moment:
(A new student? Again? Is this a joke?)
The door opened, and in walked a girl with short pink hair and eyes of the same color, radiating innocence and curiosity. She wore a loose pink sweater with the word PINK on it, a short red skirt, and simple white shoes.
She walked with graceful steps toward the front of the class, her warm smile filling the room with light. Rion's eyes widened in astonishment as he stared, unable to believe what he saw.
The girl said in a delicate, sweet voice:
– "Hello everyone... My name is Mira. I'm pleased to meet you all."
To be continued...