Chapter IX: The Announcement
The sun rises on another day at the Special Power and Defense Class, where anticipation mingles with the whispers of students ready for new challenges. Hajime, their ever-present guide, steps into the room with a gleam in his eye and an announcement that stirs the spirits of the constellations.
"Good morning, everyone! I hope you're all ready for some exciting news. We're gearing up for the Starlight Festival for the university and it will now hosts again its Stella Alignare, a grand event that only graces us every 12 years!" Hajime announces.
"Sir, what is the Starlight Festival about?", Arita asks.
"Well, I'm so glad you asked. The Starlight Festival is the foundation day for the university where our 12 founders, have founded this institution. When the 12 founders have founded this university, it was still a small dojo, until it was supported by the government and funded by international sponsors in the following years. With its 100th Year Celebration, it was named Starlight Festival in order to celebrate our constellation powers and of course by stars. This would go on for almost a week that would give rest to students, a showcase of talents, sports, skills, and abilities. Stella Alignare is like a year end like when after December, it goes back to January, something like that. Since, the host of the Festival are rotated by the horoscopic period. So each year, the host passes on to the other constellation. For instance, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. Then the next year we would be back at Aries again. Stella Alignare is a grand event commemorating a Do-decade or 12 years of hosting. That would be by each department since each of our departments are named after the constellations as well.", Hajime explains in full detail.
An electric buzz sweeps through the classroom as students exchange excited glances and anticipatory murmurs. The revelation sparks a collective cacophony among the students, each one eager to learn more about this rare and celebrated occasion. The allure of an event shrouded in rarity hangs thick in the air, and Hajime's words have set their imaginations ablaze.
"It's a momentous occasion, and I'm sure you'll find it worth the wait. Now, I'll leave you to prepare for your next class, and by the way, we should start to elect your class officers soon." Hajime adds.
As Hajime exits the room, the students erupt into a cacophony of chatter. Plans, ideas, and musings about the upcoming festival fill every corner of the Special Powers and Defense Class. Inoshiro, caught up in the fervor, intends to ask Hajime for advice.
"Guys, what should we do for the festival? Any suggestions?" Inoshiro begins, only to be interrupted by an unexpected and stern presence.
"I beg your pardon, young man?" comes a stern voice.
A sudden hush falls over the class as Dr. Denji Aoshima, their research teacher, stands before them with an air of authority. Inoshiro, caught off guard, tries to comprehend the sudden shift from the usual atmosphere.
"I am Dr. Denji Aoshima, your preliminary research teacher. I am also your Integrated Tactics and Defense Mechanisms, and I observed on how you fight in combat during your training a few days ago. Now, kindly pay attention, and no more interrupting," Dr. Aoshima instructs.
The students exchange curious glances, bracing for what seems to be a stern lecture.
"Alright people, we are going to discuss what is science. Science is the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation, experimentation, and the testing of theories against the evidence obtained. With your abilities, do you think it is science? Apparently precisely. Your powers are embedded within your anatomy, and much more directly in your bloodstream. Since the blood travels throughout the body, your blood is affected on the period of the constellation. The stars have an effect on your bloodstream with an amino acid named Stellanine. Stellanine is the source of your powers and abilities. In this class, is a specialized and advanced class for you, and chosen to defend the country and your own community. That is why, we need to understand the nature of your defense. Do I make myself clear?", Dr. Aoshima explains.
Everyone nods as he asked them.
However, Dr. Aoshima surprises them by revealing a playful side, even attempting to share a joke. The lightheartedness dissipates when Inoshiro unintentionally makes light of her jest.
"Oh, you think that's funny, do you? We'll see about that," Dr. Aoshima responds.
After continuing the discussion, and after a paper and pen activity, Dr. Aoshima's class is done.
The tension lingers briefly but gives way to the excitement of the Starlight Festival once again. Shinse, the music teacher, joins the conversation with infectious enthusiasm.
"Ain't that music to my ears!" Shinse exclaims.
His vibrant presence adds a musical note to the atmosphere, setting the stage for discussions about their role in the festival. They are tasked with singing patriotic songs as the opening for the 72th Starlight Festival. Shinse takes charge, guiding them through the lyrics, melody, and rhythm with meticulous care, ensuring they are well-prepared for their upcoming performance.
As the class absorbs the musical instructions, break time approaches, prompting Ryujin, Hageshi, and Haruto to venture to the cafeteria. Passing by festival stalls along the way, the enticing aroma of Yakisoba noodles draws them in. Their collective decision to indulge in a Yakisoba break leads them to a crowded stall.
"Yakisoba for break sounds perfect, doesn't it?" Haruto says.
The Yakisoba stall proves to be a challenge to navigate, surrounded by a sea of festival-goers eager for a taste. Hageshi and Haruto manage to secure their portions, but poor Ryujin finds himself engulfed in the crowd.
"You fools, get back here, don't leave me!" Ryujin calls out.
"Hah! That's what you get when you are a rock," Hageshi jokes.
"Damn it, guys! This is not funny!" Ryujin retorts.
"You'll get used to it," Haruto adds.
"Up tight!" both Hageshi and Haruto say as they both uptight.
After a struggle, Ryujin triumphantly emerges with his Yakisoba noodles, savoring the victory on his way back to the classroom.
Returning to his friends, Ryujin settles in with Hageshi, Haruto, and Inoshiro. Their conversation meanders into the realm of games, a shared interest that deepens their camaraderie.
From a distance, Miran engages in animated conversation with Saki, Kitsune, and Rikiyo. Yet, a mishap unfolds when Haruto, in a moment of distraction, mistakenly uses his bow stylus instead of his phone stylus.
"Ouch! What just hit me?" Miran exclaims.
"Damn, he sounds like the Tom and Jerry scream", a nearby teacher comments.
The unexpected arrow incident leaves Miran startled, his reaction akin to having seen a ghost. As the bell rings, Shinse takes over to practice vocals for the festival.
"Ok then, class, let's try that chorus again, everyone," Shinse instructs.
The students, despite a few stumbling over the rhythm, showcase incredible vocal talents during the practice. After the session, they are dismissed early due a program of high school instructors.