Prologue

It was graduation day, and I couldn't believe it was here.

The entire hall was packed with students occupying rows of seats, dressed in our standard ceremonial uniforms—a navy blue getup with silver buttons. After three years of non-stop physicals, written tests and exams, and practicals meant to simulate live police drills, it was finally all over. We had completed all of our courses and training with flying colors, and it was now time to move into the real world.

Across from us on the podium, a man stood on a small stage as he delivered the closing remarks to our hearing, as well as a few words of advice to all of us, Tokyo's newest junior officers.

"The world of magic policing is a very dangerous place," he said. "It is not for the faint of heart, as you will encounter numerous types of situations during your missions, some of which even the academy wouldn't have prepared you for. Monsters, curses, corruption. Our duty isn't just to protect people from magic; it's to also protect magic from people."

His ceremonial getup was a white naval uniform, and his name was Commander Kenjiro Matsumoto. He was also the head of M-SERT, the Magical Specialized Emergency Response Team, a branch of the Japanese government tasked with handling all magical-related incidents across the country.

"But after witnessing your performance throughout these three years, your courage in the face of danger, your determination to get the job done, and your bravery to never back down from a challenge, no matter how difficult it might be..." The commander suddenly trailed off as he took a brief pause of silence to glance across the room, his eyes sweeping over each and every one of us in proud recognition. Then, satisfied with what he was seeing, he continued talking.

"I believe you all are the best and brightest our academy has cultivated so far, and I have no doubt you will produce excellent results as officers, captains, and detectives. Now go out there and make the world a safer place, for magic, and from it."

I was so excited, it felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest at any moment. I had always wanted to be an M-SERT officer ever since I was a kid, and I still couldn't believe this was actually happening.

The entire hall rose to its feet and gave a round of applause, escorting the commander out of the building. He gave a final wave before stepping out of the venue, and as we stopped our clapping to sit back down, I caught sight of someone who had been sitting in the front row the entire time.

Kaori Katsuragi. AKA, a girl I had a huge crush on. Actually, every boy at the academy had a crush on her. That's how popular she was.

Long red hair, clear blue eyes. She was the very definition of brains and beauty. Her focus and determination in class were unmatched. Even among the best of us, she still managed to come out on top in every practical and written exam. She was the no-nonsense, career-driven kind of gal. Most guys who asked her out were immediately shut down. Her replies were always brutally direct and a little cold.

When she realized I was staring, she shot a glare in my direction, and I quickly looked away from nervousness, pretending I hadn't just been caught in the act. And as soon as she returned her gaze to the front, I snuck another quick glance at her and made myself a promise.

One day, I will find the courage to face you and confess my feelings, Kaori Katsuragi. It may not be today, but someday very soon.

"You are all to report to HQ by next week." One of our academy instructors had taken the stage and was now issuing directives to us. "There, you will receive your badges, as well as your primary place of posting. As graduating captains, you will also be given the chance to select your team from the squads of available field agents. So if you wish to be paired up with hardworking, competent teammates, I suggest you avoid tardiness at all costs. With that said, congratulations once again for successfully completing the academy. Good luck. You are dismissed."

As we got out of our seats and made our way towards the exit, I couldn't help but picture the whole thing as some kind of dream. I was finally an M-SERT officer. Not only that, but as a captain, I was going to be given my own squad.

I just hope I get paired up with competent teammates who are able to get the job done in any situation that might arise. A crew that was fierce, dedicated, extremely hardworking, and by-the-books efficient. That was my dream team.

Unfortunately however, little did I know that said dream team would be the biggest disaster I have ever seen.