The first-year clique rushed back to the dormitory after enjoying the delicacies of the Drunken Badger, barely making it before lights out. After taking quick showers and changing into comfortable clothes, they gathered in the common room. Sitting on the small sofa, they discussed everything from their favorite soul master techniques to their expectations for the upcoming classes. It was exactly how young men passed the early nighttime when making new friends, and by the time they headed to bed, the bond between the five roommates felt solid.
The next morning, the reality of Tenrei Academy hit them hard. Their very first lesson of the semester was a practical combat class held in the reinforced indoor training arena. The instructor was Professor Genda, a man notorious across the campus for his brutality and absolute shamelessness when dealing with students.
Professor Genda stood at the center of the arena, his arms crossed over his chest, looking at the one hundred freshmen like they were dirt on his boots.
"I don't care what your corporate families or clan elders think of you," Genda bellowed, his voice echoing off the metallic walls. "To me, you're all just raw materials. Today, I want to confirm if you are even worth my time and effort. We are doing a random sparring session right now. Show me what you've got, or pack your bags."
The automated system on the wall monitor randomized the pairings. Hayato watched the names flicker until his own name stopped next to a gloomy-looking guy with freckles and thick, round-framed glasses.
It was Asuka Rei, the student ranked 7th on the admission list.
From his outer appearance, Rei looked like a deep-cut nerd with absolutely no redeeming physical qualities. His posture was slightly slouched, and he fidgeted with the cuffs of his uniform as they stepped into the designated sparring ring. However, Hayato knew better. Anyone ranked in the top ten of Tenrei Academy was a hidden monster.
Hayato's main goal was to take it easy and ensure he revealed no flaws or secrets. If he utilized his true Rank 5 Ascension Phase strength, let alone his three soul forms, it would completely blow his cover. According to his own logic, since his opponent was ranked 7th and he was supposed to be a regular Rank 5 tucked safely at the 14th spot, the best outcome was a believable loss.
"Match start!" Professor Genda barked.
Rei moved first, his movements surprisingly swift for someone who looked so uncoordinated. A faint, precise aura of spiritual soul power coated his palms. Hayato met him head-on, purposely dampening his own azure soul energy to match the level of a standard Rank 3 or 4 master. They exchanged a rapid flurry of blows, the sound of their colliding forces snapping through the ring.
Hayato fought well, showcasing sharp reflexes and solid form. He parried a heavy strike and countered with a swift kick, but he purposefully left a minute opening in his defensive stance as Rei swept back in. Seizing the calculated gap, Rei drove a palm strike directly into Hayato's shoulder, sending him sliding backward across the boundary line.
"Winner, Asuka Rei," the system announced.
Hayato stood up, dusting off his uniform with a calm expression. To the rest of the students watching from the benches, the match held no real weight. It was just a standard battle where the higher-ranked student naturally defeated the lower-ranked one. However, standing at the center of the arena, Professor Genda glared directly at Hayato. Knowing the confidential situation and the true nature of the Saito heir's power, Genda had to use every ounce of his professional willpower not to smack Hayato right then and there for his terrible acting skills.
After the grueling sparring session concluded, Professor Genda dismissed the class for a forty-minute break before their next lecture. The students dispersed to rest and clean up.
Hayato walked into the nearby restroom to wash the sweat off his face. The room was empty, save for the sound of running water. As he pulled a paper towel to dry his hands, the door swung open, and Asuka Rei walked in.
The gloomy boy stopped a few paces away. The timid, awkward demeanor he had shown in front of the class vanished, replaced by a calm, calculating gaze. Before Hayato could say anything, Rei closed the distance, adjusted his thick glasses, and delivered a polite, formal bow.
"Thank you for taking it easy on me in the ring, Saito Hayato," Rei said, his voice entirely steady. He straightened up, looking directly into Hayato's eyes. "But I really am not qualified to carry the black pot for beating you up. Your control over your residual power is incredible, but your eyes didn't track my movements like a loser's would."
Hayato froze slightly, realizing the nerd ranked 7th had completely seen through his secret.