chapter 1

The day began with strange news. Across every major channel, anchors reported unusual solar activity. Scientists observed massive solar flares erupting from the sun’s surface. While such events weren’t entirely uncommon, this time there was something different.

the satellite captured something no one could explain.

Among the violent flares, a shadow moved—a black silhouette etched against the blazing inferno. It lingered, growing sharper with every frame, its outline jagged and unmistakably unnatural. For a brief moment, it resembled a dragon with wings spread wide, as if it were challenging the sun itself.

“Reports confirm there’s no immediate danger,” the anchor assured with a practiced smile. “However, this is an unprecedented phenomenon.”

The news moved on to other topics, but the image of the dragon-shaped shadow burned itself into the minds of those who saw it.

At Ashikawa High School, life carried on as usual. The morning was bustling with the chatter of students, but for Iryoku Taiyou, it was just another boring day.

Near the school gym, he sat sprawled against a wall, his arms crossed and head tilted back. His school uniform was as messy as ever, his tie undone and his shirt rumpled. Iryoku had found the perfect spot in the shade, away from prying eyes, where he could enjoy a nap undisturbed—or so he thought.

Alessandra Mamoru, a mixed beuty in her usual sporty outfit—a snug white tank top and black shorts—was busy rounding up students who tried to skip class. Her sharp voice echoed across the courtyard as she sent them running back to their classrooms.

Spotting Iryoku lounging near the gym, her eye twitched in annoyance. Marching over, she placed her hands on her hips, her figure casting a shadow over his resting form.

“Oi, delinquent! What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in class?”

Iryoku cracked one eye open lazily, giving her a defiant look. “Yeah, yeah, I’ll go… after I finish my business.” He leaned back and shut his eyes again, clearly dismissing her.

Alessandra patience snapped. She leaned down, grabbing his arm. Her ponytail swayed with the motion, and her tank top shifted, revealing just a hint of her cleavage—not that Iryoku noticed in his half-asleep state.

“Get up, now!” she barked, tugging his arm.

He grumbled but didn’t resist too much, standing up with exaggerated slowness. “You’re relentless, you know that?”

“And you’re insufferable,” she shot back. “Get to class or—” She paused, narrowing her eyes. Alessandra’s fists clenched. She took a step forward, her instinct screaming at her to kick him awake. But she stopped herself, letting out a frustrated sigh instead.

“Fine. Have it your way,” she said, spinning on her heel. “I’ll let the prefect deal with you. Don’t be surprised when your parents get a call!”

Iryoku smirked but said nothing.

Unbeknownst to them, yumi chiisai had been watching the entire exchange from the classroom window. Her lips pursed into a tight frown.

“What a shameless jerk,” she muttered under her breath, glaring at Iryoku as he reclined lazily in the courtyard. How dare he act so disrespectful to Mamorou sensei? She felt her blood boil, Iryoku’s blatant disrespect toward her dear sensei, who always stood up for others, Still, she didn’t step out. Iryoku’s reputation loomed over her like a shadow, the rumors of his violent past flashing through her mind. Her nervous fingers adjusted her glasses as she turned and walked away. The feelings she held for her sensei were something she didn’t fully understand, and the way her heart raced whenever she saw her only added to her inner turmoil.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

In another part of the school,Reika Rizumu  sat in her classroom, quietly reading a novel. Her elegant posture and serene expression drew admiring glances from the other students. The way her long black hair shimmered under the sunlight streaming through the window made her look like a painting come to life.

“She’s so perfect,” one girl whispered to her friend.

“Do you think she ever gets mad? Like, ever?”

Reika, oblivious to the whispers, turned another page of her book. She hid a small smile behind her hand. The story was about a mage who defied her noble lineage to pursue adventure—a life Reika secretly envied. Though she appeared content, there was a flicker of longing in her eyes.

The school gym buzzed with energy as Alessandra organized a volleyball match between the girls from Yumi’s class and Reika’s class. The two teams lined up, some students eager to show off, others just trying to survive the game.

Yumi, in her PE uniform—a snug white t-shirt and blue bloomers—stood awkwardly at the back of her team. Her face was already red, partly from exertion and partly from self-consciousness. The tight bloomers didn’t leave much to the imagination, and she couldn’t help but feel exposed.

“Yumi, focus!” Alessandra’s voice cut through the noise, making her jump.

“Y-Yes!” Yumi stammered, adjusting her glasses as the ball came hurtling her way. She flailed her arms but missed, the ball bouncing past her.

On the other side of the court, Reika moved gracefully, her movements precise and controlled. She jumped for the ball, her bloomers riding up slightly as she spiked it over the net, earning a point for her team. Her classmates cheered, and she gave a polite smile, brushing a strand of her hime-cut hair behind her ear.

“Good job, Reika,” Alessandra said with a nod.

When the match ended, the girls filed into the changing room, chatting and laughing as they peeled off their sweat-drenched uniforms. The air was thick with the mingling scents of body spray and shampoo.

Yumi tried to change as quickly as possible, her face burning as she avoided looking at the other girls. Her large chest made her shirt difficult to pull off, and she struggled for a moment, feeling utterly mortified.

Reika, on the other hand, took her time. She folded her clothes neatly, her movements calm and deliberate. Her pale skin and slender figure drew a few admiring glances, but she paid them no mind, focused on tying her hair back into a neat ponytail.

“Alright, girls, hurry up! You’ll be late for your next class!” Alessandra called out from outside.

The students hurriedly finished dressing and left, leaving only yumi and Reika behind.

Yumi fumbled with her socks, her fingers trembling as she tried to pull them on. Reika adjusted her uniform one last time, ensuring every detail was perfect.

Alessandra stepped inside, her presence filling the room. “What’s taking you two so long?” she asked, crossing her arms.

Before they could answer, the ground beneath them began to shake violently.

“What the—?!” Alessandra staggered, grabbing onto a locker for support.

Yumi let out a small scream, clutching onto a bench as the tremors intensified. Reika’s composed expression faltered, her hands gripping the edge of a locker.

“It’s an earthquake!” Yumi cried.

“No... this is different,” Reika said, her voice trembling for the first time.

The room filled with a strange energy. Sparks of light flickered in the air, and an unnatural hum grew louder. Lockers rattled, their metal doors swinging open as clothes and belongings spilled onto the floor.

“What is happening?!” Alessandra shouted, her eyes wide as the air around them seemed to distort.

Suddenly, a loud, glass-shattering sound echoed through the room. The very fabric of reality seemed to crack, and a blinding flash of light engulfed them.

When the light faded, they found themselves in a vast, dark hall, the air cold and thick with an ominous presence. The scattered remains of the changing room—lockers, benches, and even clothes—were strewn around them.

Yumi clung to Alessandra’s arm, her body trembling. “W-Where are we?!”

Alessandra stepped forward cautiously, her gaze darting around the hall. Shadows moved in the corners, their grotesque forms barely visible in the dim light, her protective instincts kicking in. “Stay behind me,” she said, stepping in front of the two girls.

Amid the chaos, they spotted something—or rather, someone—lying on the floor a few meters away.

It was a girl dressed in white, her long blonde hair sprawled around her like a halo. Blood seeped from a wound on her arm, staining her delicate gown. She was trying to push herself up, her lips moving as if to speak.

Teacher took a cautious step forward, motioning for the girls to stay back.

The girl in white raised her head, her beautiful, elven-like features pale but determined. She raised a trembling hand, pointing toward the shadows. “They’re… coming…”

And then the growls grew louder.