"Power without limits is the beginning of all wars."
A soft voice echoed through the vast auditorium of Arcane Academy. The young teacher's tone was strict, yet tinged with melancholy. Before her sat rows upon rows of students clad in blazers of different colors, enduring the academy's opening ceremony.
"Two centuries ago, humanity ignored this truth and pushed the world to the brink in its pursuit of power. This led the gods to intervene, sparing mankind from certain doom. But divine intervention did not come without consequences."
A subtle murmur spread across the hall before fading.
"The vast continents were shattered, leaving behind a single great island and a handful of smaller ones — the rest becoming a seemingly endless expanse of water. Yet not all was lost. The gods chose coexistence. Their presence filled the world with a surging energy woven into the very air itself. From that moment on, new generations learned to harness that energy into what we now call magic."
The first-year students listened with shining eyes. Older students whispered among themselves, unimpressed. The teacher ignored the quiet chatter and continued.
"The gods maintained their former pantheon divisions, shaping new societies around them. We stand now on the central island, half of which belongs to the gods of the Greek pantheon and the nation of New Olympia. You, students who have demonstrated exceptional control over energy manipulation, have been accepted into Arcane Academy — the nation's institution for gifted youth."
She gestured toward the sea of colors.
"Each of you has received a blazer corresponding to your assigned House, chosen directly by the presiding deity of that House. White for House Zeus. Blue for Poseidon. Red for Ares. Pink for Aphrodite. Among others. Their banners hang proudly throughout this campus."
A hand rose.
A black blazer with red accents lay over the back of the student's chair.
Without waiting for permission, he spoke.
"What about House Cronos?" A faint smirk curved his lips. "I don't see that flag anywhere."
A few students shifted uncomfortably.
"Yes, yes, Taren. House Cronos exists as well." The teacher exhaled before continuing. "It has no banner. And no god."
Silence fell heavier than before.
"It is named after the Titan who rebelled against his own father. House Cronos is not assigned by default. It is reserved for students who have… strayed. Their dormitories and classrooms stand on the outskirts of the campus, away from the central grounds, to prevent unnecessary interaction with regular students."
A nervous first-year raised her voice.
"So they're like… those legends? Like New Order?"
The teacher stiffened. Only for a second.
"Not at all. Cronos students are misguided — nothing more. They can return to the proper path. New Order, however…" She paused. "New Order were extremists who sought to disturb the balance of this world."
She straightened her notes.
"But that is merely an urban legend. Now, let us proceed."
The ceremony concluded soon after. Students dispersed toward their dormitories, but glances lingered on any black blazers in sight. Security personnel escorted Cronos students separately toward the outer grounds, ensuring no words were exchanged along the way.
Meanwhile, inside the central police headquarters, the door to the chief's office opened.
A high-ranking officer stepped inside and placed a file on the desk. The chief turned in his chair, picked it up, and skimmed the contents. His expression darkened before he dropped it back onto the polished surface with a sigh.
The folder fell open.
"Masayoshi, Risu."
"Too much text," the chief muttered. "Give me the summary."
"The transfer of Apprentice Risu to Arcane Academy has been completed," the officer replied. "There is one complication. The school requires an in-person evaluation so the gods may determine her House. Until then… she will be temporarily assigned to House Cronos."
The chief leaned back slowly.
"That may work in our favor. Those troublemakers tend to produce valuable information." A faint smile appeared. "Send her in."
The door opened again.
A young teen stepped inside, posture rigid, hand raised in salute. Her uniform was immaculate; her badge gleamed as if newly polished. The afternoon light illuminated her orange ponytail, matching the sharp glow in her eyes.
After a brief debriefing, arrangements were finalized. She would report to the academy the following day.
On the way to the hotel, the officer broke the silence.
"Risu. You're one of the best cadets we have. But don't forget — talent doesn't make you immortal. Stick to the mission. Observe. Learn."
She smiled.
"I understand. It's just part of the process before I officially join the force. But it's also a chance to investigate the recent rise in criminal activity involving students and mages."
The officer nodded once.
"If you sense danger… run."
The car stopped at the hotel entrance. Risu stepped out, waving once before disappearing inside.
That same night, on the roof of the Cronos dormitories, Taren Mizaki stood beneath the cold wind.
His gaze lingered on the moon.
Then—
From the corner of his eye, a flash of long blonde hair passed behind him.
He turned sharply.
Nothing.
His voice barely carried in the night air.
"Akari…?"