THE TRIAL BEGINS

Class D had finally arrived.

A boy with spiky auburn hair stepped in first. His sharp brown eyes locked onto mine the moment he entered. He smiled, not warmly, but like someone already convinced of his victory.

I didn’t like the vibe he gave off.

The two students flanking him moved with purpose, almost like bodyguards. The girl, with long purple hair and piercing violet eyes, barely gave off a presence at all — an assassin type, no doubt. The boy beside her was massive, built like a wall of stone. His messy yellow hair hung around a blindfold that hid his eyes. Defense type. Obvious.

My class, on the other hand… they still looked like they weren’t even sure why they were here. If I hadn’t overheard them talking about their abilities, I wouldn’t have known either. And I was sure Class E was thinking the same.

“I don’t like the presence those three give off,” Sakura whispered, her eyes fixed on the auburn-haired boy.

“Same,” Mikio traced out with his fire.

Everyone seemed to feel the same about them.

Before I could say anything, the trio walked straight toward us.

“Hello, I’m Renji Arata,” the boy introduced, that smug smile glued to his face.

Just hearing his name irritated me.

“This is Aya Itsukawa,” he gestured at the purple-haired girl.

Aya glared at us — especially at Sakura.

Of course Sakura noticed. “What are you looking at?” she snapped.

Why do I even try with this girl? She can’t keep her mouth shut. Aya ignored her.

“And this is Daigo Moriyama.”

“Nice to meet you all,” the tall boy said, his tone polite, but flat. It didn’t sound like he meant it.

Before tensions rose further, Miss Clarissa and Class E’s instructor signaled for everyone to gather. We lined up in our teams.

“Welcome, students,” Miss Clarissa announced. “Today marks the beginning of your competition. The winners will earn the right to face Emo-Tech and, potentially, the other international schools.”

Class E’s instructor stepped forward. “The first trial is the Rescue Test. Your task: rescue thirteen civilians trapped in an earthquake disaster zone.”

Fuji tilted his head. “What earthquake—”

The ground trembled violently. The gym shook as the floor split and transformed into a ruined miniature city — collapsed buildings, rubble, fire hydrants spewing water.

“…That earthquake area,” Miss Clarissa finished calmly.

The amounts of details on these tests were crazy.

“Points will be awarded based on the number and importance of the civilians rescued,” Class E’s instructor added. “Only one team from each class will participate. The choice is yours. The instructors won’t interfere. At Aether Academy, students must learn independence.”

So that’s why Miss Clarissa didn’t mention this. Class E already looked composed, like they’d expected it. My class, however…

They looked like a group of grade schoolers suddenly dropped into a university lecture.

That’s when I noticed Sakura staring straight at me.

“What should we do, Hira-kun?” she asked — loudly.

Every eye turned toward me.

Annoying.

“I don’t know,” I muttered.

She puffed her cheeks. “When we were kids, you could tell someone’s strengths just by looking at them. You knew people better than they knew themselves.”

…She wasn’t wrong. It’s a skill that comes with being ignored. And I still had it. But there’s no way I’d admit that to her.

“That was when we were children,” I deflected.

“I know you. That’s not a skill you’d just lose,” she pressed, unwavering.

Why does she know me so well? It’s uncomfortable. I wanted to crush this school’s expectations quietly, later, not in the first week. But Sakura wasn’t going to let go.

“...Fine,” I gave in.

“What did you say?”

This girl.

“I said fine.”

“Could you repeat that?”

“I know you heard me. I’m not saying it again.”

She grinned. “I know. I’m just proud of you!”

She lunged for a hug. I shoved her away before she could.

“Now tell us what to do,” Suki spoke up.

“Alright…” I took a breath.

Team Zero — Sakura, Mikio, and me — were built for combat, with Mikio doubling as a scout. Team New Moon — Suki, Yuki, and Jackson — specialized in stealth and intelligence. Jackson could make traps with his blood, but only ever used it offensively.

That left Cloud Nine: Fuji, Mikasa, and Talia. The problem was that team was… shaky. Mikasa had Spirit Eyes, perfect for scouting, but she was painfully shy. Fuji was loud and reckless, though his wings gave him excellent mobility and lifting strength. Talia’s fire was powerful but unstable.

Still… they were the only ones suited for rescue. Wings meant mobility. Spirit Eyes meant finding victims faster. Fuji’s charisma could comfort survivors. Even his shouting might help rally people in chaos.

“They’re our best shot,” I decided aloud. “Cloud Nine should handle this.”

“Why us?” Fuji asked.

“Because you’re the closest thing to a rescue team we’ve got. Your wings and Mikasa’s Spirit Eyes are perfect for finding people. You’re strong enough to lift debris and keep people safe. Most of us are fighters. You’re not. That’s exactly why you fit this test. I can explain more, if you want.”

The class stared at me in shock, like they’d just discovered I wasn’t useless after all.

“No need,” Fuji said firmly.

“Then it’s settled. Cloud Nine will represent us!” Sakura announced proudly.

Miss Clarissa nodded. “Class D, your choice is Cloud Nine. Class E, who will you send?”

“Iron Vow,” Class E’s instructor said.

Three students stepped forward.

“I am Kaito Arisaki, team captain,” the boy in front declared. His sturdy build screamed defense.

“I’m Ryo Minamoto,” the second boy said, smirking with a cocky air.

“Ayane Tachibana,” the quiet girl introduced herself softly. Something about her felt… dangerous.

Cloud Nine stepped forward next.

“I’m Fuji Kane, team leader!” Fuji bellowed.

“I am Talia Hoshino,” Talia said, steady but brief.

“I-I’m Mikasa Aori…” Mikasa stammered, clutching her skirt.

My confidence in them wavered the moment I heard her voice.

Holograms flickered into existence — twelve civilians projected in front of us.

“Wait… only twelve?” Sakura asked.

“The thirteenth must be found without assistance,” Class E’s instructor explained.

Of course. Always a catch.

Would it kill them to make a test simple for once?

The two teams were transported to separate entry points in the disaster zone.

The instructors raised their hands.

“Begin.”