April 2, 2424.

The sound of the auditorium doors opening echoed softly through the vast space as a wave of students entered, some chatting excitedly, others more reserved. Ren followed Saki to one of the front rows, trying to remain as inconspicuous as possible. The atmosphere was charged with energy but also with tension, as if something could change drastically at any moment.

It was the first official day of classes, and the feeling of being watched by so many eyes wasn’t helping. Even with the disguise of "Yuki," the sensation of being in a place where he didn’t belong never truly faded. Most of the curious gazes came from the female students, but Ren knew that survival here required more than just blending in.

At the back of the auditorium, a small group of boys sat in isolated rows. They were there, yet they felt like shadows at the margins, almost invisible to the rest of the students. Ren couldn’t help but notice the disguised contempt in some glances, especially from the girls gathered in tight-knit groups up front. The discrimination was subtle, yet undeniable. But what could be worse than that? Only the fact that Ren was one of those few boys, but diferent from them hiding his own gender.

Saki sat beside Ren, visibly excited for the day ahead. It was easy to see that she felt far more comfortable in this environment. But for Ren, the pressure grew heavier by the second.

Soon, silence took over the auditorium, and all eyes turned to the stage. The academy’s director, Sayuri Takahashi, an austere woman with an impeccable appearance, stood there, accompanied by the physical training instructor, Mika Fukunaga, looked serious too. Sayuri opened the ceremony with an authoritative voice.

"Welcome to another year at Reijō Academy," the director said, her voice clear and firm. "This is where the world's greatest warriors are forged. And this year, we have a very special announcement."

Professor Mika stepped forward, her sharp gaze scanning the audience.

"As you all know, the position of student council president is one of great responsibility. It is not just a symbol of academic leadership, but of strength and character." She paused, letting the anticipation build. "This year, we are honored to announce that the new student council president of Reijō Academy is one of the most respected students from one of the most prestigious lineages in the world...!"

A murmur of excitement spread through the students surrounding Ren. Some girls exchanged jealous glances, while others showed pure admiration. Ren could feel something significant about to happen. And before he could fully process it, an imposing figure stepped onto the stage.

It was Akane Kagutsuchi, the new student council president.

The moment she appeared, the air in the room seemed to grow heavier. With fiery red hair and golden eyes, Akane radiated overwhelming confidence. It was impossible not to feel the sheer power emanating from her. She was one of the academy’s most formidable students, and everyone knew it.

"It’s her... from the other day...!"

Her presence dominated the room. She wore a badge with the symbol "S"—an unmistakable mark of her rank. As she took the microphone, her voice was both smooth and commanding, setting the room ablaze.

"Welcome to Reijō Academy," she began, her tone gentle yet unyielding. "Here, we are more than ordinary women. We are warriors. Each of you has the power to achieve greatness. But remember this: weakness is not tolerated here."

The words carried the weight of a warning. Yuki felt a tightness in his chest. The tension in the auditorium was palpable.

Akane’s gaze swept across the room, pausing momentarily on the group of boys at the back. They sat apart, distant, as if separated by an invisible barrier from the rest of the students. Ren couldn't look away. A sinking feeling settled in his stomach, fear creeping in at the thought of being discovered.

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Then Akane spoke again, her voice turning colder.

"The boys," she said, her tone laced with indifference. "Are a minority here. Even if some of you have awakened Nexis, your power will never match that of true warriors."

"!"

Silence fell like a crushing weight. Ren felt Akane’s gaze linger on them like a judgment. The discrimination was undeniable, no longer hidden behind polite pretense. Everyone knew the boys were here as exceptions, not equals.

Akane seemed completely unfazed by the reactions. She remained composed, glancing once more at the boys. Ren felt their face flush with heat, shame rising quickly, but forced themselves to stay composed. They couldn’t afford to let the truth slip.

"Remember, competition here is fierce," Akane continued, her words reverberating through the hall. "Only the strongest will survive. Those who fail to adapt... will be left behind."

And with that, she exited the stage with the same commanding grace with which she had arrived, leaving behind a heavy atmosphere.

Ren couldn’t think clearly. Every word that woman had spoken echoed in their mind, a grim reminder of an inescapable truth: he didn’t belong here. And if they find out about his true identity, his time at the academy would end in disaster.

The students began to stir, girls forming small groups, exchanging knowing looks and hushed whispers. The boys remained where they were—silent, ignored, as always.

Saki turned to Ren, still buzzing with excitement.

"Excited for training tomorrow?" she asked, oblivious to the storm of emotions swirling in Yuki’s head.

Ren nodded absentmindedly, lacking conviction. The truth was, he could barely focus on Saki’s words. His mind was elsewhere, caught in the looming threat of discovery. And deep down, Ren feared that he were nothing more than a shadow in this place, a boy disguised in a world where women ruled. If he is not careful, they wouldn’t just ignore. He gonna be exposed.

As the voices in the auditorium grew louder and students began filing out, Ren quickly stood and followed Saki into the hallway. Ren tried not to look back at the boys, but he couldn’t help it. They were still there, watching in silence, the weight of their presence suffocating.

"...."

Saki chatted animatedly with a few friends, while Ren quietly slipped away, needing a moment alone. He sat on a bench beneath a sakura tree, watching the petals drift gently in the breeze. The serene scene starkly contrasted with the turmoil inside them. He felt lost in a world where even the smallest mistake could lead to exposure.

As "Yuki" watched the falling blossoms, a small figure caught their eye.

A little girl, with raven-black hair and deep violet eyes, skipping from one student to another, chatting effortlessly. But something about her movements felt... unnatural. Too smooth, too in sync, like she was attuned to something beyond the ordinary.

Then, their eyes met.

The girl’s lips curled into a mischievous, almost predatory smile. She knew.

Without hesitation, she approached. Her violet eyes gleamed with unsettling intensity.

"Hello, angel!" the girl chirped, her voice sweet but laced with an eerie playfulness. "I saw you from afar, and I just knew... you’re special, aren’t you? I’m Yurei, first year. It’s not every day you find a flower like you."

A shiver ran down Ren’s spine. Something about that girl felt... dangerous.

Yurei sat beside him as if they were old friends, or perhaps as if she were studying his face.

Leaning in, her violet eyes burned into Ren’s.

"You know... people like you are rare here. Almost... irresistible. You won’t be able to stay hidden for long."

She smiled, but something about it felt... hungry.

"And I love secrets."

Ren forced a nervous smile, every instinct screaming to be on guard. Something was about to happen. Something he couldn’t control.

Then, just as abruptly, Yurei stood, giggling softly as she drifted away.

"I’ll be back, angel. Don’t worry. I always come back... to see if the flowers wilt...~ or bloom."

And with a graceful twirl, she vanished into the crowd, leaving Ren rattled, his heart pounding with unease. He didn’t know what to think about the girl, but it definitely wasn’t the best first impression…

Deciding to move away from the sakura tree, Ren walked slowly through the school corridors, his heart still unsettled by the encounter with Yurei. The skirted uniform, though comfortable, felt increasingly strange with each step. He could feel the gentle breeze coming through the open windows, and for a brief moment, the wind lifted the hem slightly.

Ren immediately blushed, gripping the fabric to pull it back down. Though fleeting, that moment made her face burn even more. He hated feeling this way.

As Ren turned the corner, something caught her attention. A large poster was pinned to the wall, its bold letters standing out. Ren stopped in front of it, reading the words while trying to calm the lingering heat on his face.

[First-Year Rank Assessment Test – 16:39. All students must proceed to their assigned classrooms for evaluation.]

Ren furrowed her brows, a tightness forming in his chest as he realized the test was approaching. The words etched themselves into his mind as he continued walking, now more aware of everything around her.

The future felt more uncertain with every passing moment.