A Start

          Adrion Engel, soon to be 15, is strolling on the sidewalk. The morning air is fresh and cool despite how hot yesterday was. Adrion has his school uniform, which looks like he rapidly put on without a care. He stops at the end of the street and looks in both directions before stepping onto the crosswalk. As he moves his right foot forward, an arm wraps around the back of his neck to his shoulder. "Hey! How's this lovely morning treating ya?" says the person sneaking up from behind. Adrion turns his head and see's one of his friends walking beside him.

          His friend is of average height, so shorter than Adrion. He wears minimal clothing as much as possible due to his powers, or he could overheat. Adrion turns his head back and replies quietly, "no different from yesterday." His friend, Kazuo Akiyama, seems to be displeased with Adrion's response. Before Kazuo could say anything more, they get interrupted by someone yelling from down the street on their right. The yelling belongs to their friend Ringo Hayashi.

          "What's up guys!" he shouts as he runs to catch up with the rest. Ringo is wearing his full uniform like Adrion, though he has it on properly. He is about the same height as Kazuo but a little heftier.

          "Hey Ringo. How's it going?" Kazuo waves over at Ringo.

          "Pretty good. I gotta show you guys something sweet after school!" Ringo says with excitement.

          Kazuo replies, "Ohh yeah? What is it?"

          "It's a secret until later," Ringo responds.

          Adrion proceeds to cross the street, "sorry, I can't go after school."

          "Eh, why not?" Ringo says, disappointed.

          "I have my entrance exam for Cacumen," Adrion says as the other two follow him crossing the street.

          "What? You're actually applying? Why don't you stay in high school with us?" Ringo goes off.

          "Well, Adrion actually has a fair chance of getting in if he tries, so I can see why he'd do it," Kazuo says, holding his chin.

          Adrion continues, "If I want to get stronger, I must make it to the most elite school there is."

          "Man, if only we had as much of a chance as you to get in Cacumen," Ringo adds.

          Cacumen Academy is the best high school for students who want to make a splendid career utilizing their powers. Such as being able to join special forces, working as security for the rich, mercenary work, beast hunting, and everyone's favorite, hero work. The alumni of this academy practically have celebrity status for being exceptional. It is not a traditional high school as it only has 10th - 12th grade. Students must attend a different school for their 9th grade and transfer over at the end of the school year if they pass the entrance exam. It is the most rigorous school in the country to graduate out of. If a hundred students join in their first year, 90 of them are sure to be expelled by their third year.

          Adrion and the other two enter the gates to their school. They only have a couple of weeks left of 9th grade. The students around them discuss things like summer plans, the entrance exam for Cacumen, and various other things. Those who plan on taking the entrance exam seem to be the most stressed. Adrion couldn't be any different from the rest, always carrying the same neural face that says he couldn't care less. It is one of the reasons why he is difficult to approach as a person. However, the main reason is his peers growing up being told by their parents to stay away from Adrion. Most parents remember the events from 7 years ago since they helped with the search.

          The day goes by slowly. It felt like every minute dragged on forever. The bell rings at 2:45 pm, and everyone springs up from their chairs. Everyone rushes for the door, with a good majority heading for the school's field. Adrion keeps his usual pace as he approaches the exit. When he opens the door, he squints his eyes from the sunlight. Once his eyes adjust, he resumes his walk. You can see a large mob of students gather around the training field. It's not just students from the local high school but also from neighboring towns.

          To take the entrance exam, you must check in first. There are three tables with lines of students coming out of them. Adrion walks up to the shortest line and takes his place. Since he is one of the last, few people showed up after him. Bit by bit, the line shortens. There are only six students ahead of Adrion now. "Would you look at that!" a familiar voice says from behind.

          "Now that's a lot of 9th graders," follows a different familiar voice. Adrion turns around to see both of his friends lining up behind him.

          Adrion smiles slightly, "I thought you guys said you wouldn't stand a chance in the exam."

          Ringo points at his chest using his thumb and with a giant smile, "I said I have to show you something awesome this morning, didn't I?"

          Kazuo laughs out loud, "This big oaf convinced me that we should at least give an attempt."

          At the check-in table, a Cacumen student is seated. He appears taller than Adrion and has a similar build to him. He has long black hair, which he has tied behind his head. You can tell he is a 2nd-year student judging from the Phoenix symbol on his school badge.

          A Griffon symbolizes a 1st-year student. A Phoenix symbolizes a 2nd-year, and a Dragon symbolizes a 3rd-year. The fact that this student will soon be a 3rd-year earns him respect. Though Adrion has seen people walk away from the line once they get to the table, causing him concern. Adrion approaches the table, ready to fill out the paperwork. "Your shirt is not fully buttoned, and your tie is not on correctly. On top of that, what's with that half-assed facial expression? You fail. Get out of here," says the arrogant Cacumen student. Adrion looks up from the paper and stares him in the eye.

          "Last I checked, my appearance has nothing to do with me taking part in the exam. I'm not here to please your delusional fantasies. I'm here to pass the exam," Adrion speaks out.

          Ringo and Kazuo's eyes widen in shock. "Hey man, should you be saying that to an upperclassman like him?" Kazuo whispers into Adrion's ear with concern.

          "Yeah, that's the 2nd-year Shun Endo, also known as the Supercharged Bullet of Cacumen!" Ringo tries to whisper.

          "I don't care who he is. He has a superiority complex and is biased based on his preference. Perhaps I should put him in his place," Adrion says. He is usually not one to try and start a fight or act like this, but Adrion is curious to test his current strength on a 2nd-year Cacumen student.

          "What did you say, brat!" Shun says scornfully as he gets up from his seat. Veins pop out on his forehead, indicating he is pissed off. His legs begin to glow, and you can hear a sharp audible sound building up as his legs grow brighter. Adrion raises his guard, ready for an attack. He sends his power down to his arm, which no one can see due to his uniform. Just as Shun is about to attack, he cancels his attack.

          There is a sudden shift in the air. At first, Adrion thinks it is Shun but quickly realizes that is not the case. Another 2nd-year Cacumen student approaches the table with a powerful and elegant presence. His hair is as white as snow and well kept. His violet eyes make his gaze intimidating. He has a confident expression, fitting for his royal background. Adrion immediately recognizes him as the eldest son of the Leoh family, who watches over this region of the country.

          "Shun, how many times do I have to tell you to stop chasing away the people you judge and dislike," says Uriah Leoh.

          "Tsk," Shun turns his head, avoiding eye contact, then responds, "I'm just trying to keep potential trash off our campus."

          Uriah closes his eyes, and after a pause, he opens them, focusing on Adrion, "and that is why the exam was established. Should he fail, he won't step foot on campus." Uriah walks up to Adrion and extends his arm out. "It's not every day that someone trying to get into Cacumen Academy tries to pick a fight with one of the students. Though I can tell you weren't trying to be malicious," Uriah tells him. Adrion shakes his hand firmly and realizes from Uriah's presence that he is nowhere near as strong as Uriah. The two put their hand down, and Uriah continues. "Don't let me down by failing right away," Uriah says as he walks away. In awe of Uriah's strength, Adrion feels defeated. He proceeds to fill out the paperwork and join the rest of the students. Adrion now understands what it takes to stand among the top at Cacumen.