---
The gates of Astraea Academy loomed before Kaito and Yumi, flanked by towering stone pillars etched with runes that pulsed faintly under the afternoon sun. Groups of students in freshly pressed uniforms gathered in the sprawling courtyard, their voices a mix of excitement, nerves, and gossip.
Kaito adjusted the strap of his bag, his gaze calm as it swept across the crowd. His sharp eyes cataloged every detail: the nervous fidgeting of first-years, the confident postures of older students, and the pointed stares from some who already seemed to have formed opinions about him. Beside him, Yumi shifted uneasily, her discomfort growing the closer they drew to the academy.
“You’ve got that look again,” Kaito said quietly.
“What look?” Yumi asked, glancing at him.
“The one where you’re trying to blend in but failing miserably.”
Yumi sighed, shaking her head. “Let’s just get through this.”
---
Entrance Procedure and Murmurs
At the main gate, a line of students stretched toward a crystalline artifact floating above a pedestal. Instructors, clad in navy robes adorned with silver trim, stood by the artifact, overseeing the process. As each student placed their hand on the crystal, it emitted a glow that varied in intensity and color. The glow signified their magical attributes, mana reserves, and overall potential, all while a robed attendant recorded the results.
“Next!” an instructor called out.
Yumi stepped forward, her hand trembling slightly as she placed it on the crystal. A soft hum resonated as the artifact glowed a steady blue that shifted to white, casting shimmering reflections across her face.
“Water, ice, and wind attributes. Proficient mana control. Potential: Above average,” the instructor announced, his voice impassive.
Whispers spread through the crowd, some louder than others.
“Wait... is that Yumi Fuyukawa?”
“She actually came back? After what happened?”
“Brave or foolish. Everyone knows what she did—or didn’t do.”
“She doesn’t even use her family name anymore. Guess they disowned her for good.”
“Poor girl... But then again, maybe she deserved it.”
Yumi’s hands clenched as the murmurs reached her ears, but she kept her expression neutral, her gaze fixed straight ahead.
Kaito, who had been watching her closely, noticed the slight tension in her shoulders. His gaze flickered toward the crowd, his sharp eyes locking onto a group of upperclassmen smirking in the corner.
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“Next!”
Kaito stepped forward, placing his hand on the crystal without hesitation. For a moment, nothing happened. Then the crystal flickered erratically, its light dancing between every color of the spectrum before dimming into a faint, indistinct glow.
The instructor’s brow furrowed as murmurs erupted again.
“What the hell was that?”
“Did it just show all attributes?”
“You don’t see that every day.”
“Yeah, but look at his mana levels—practically non-existent. What’s the point of being compatible with everything if you can’t even use it?”
“Probably some trick. He doesn’t look like much anyway.”
The instructor cleared his throat. “Proficient in all attributes,” he announced, though his tone betrayed his confusion. “Mana reserves: minimal. Potential... inconclusive.”
Kaito withdrew his hand, his expression unreadable. He stepped aside, ignoring the stares and whispers that followed him.
“Interesting,” a voice murmured from the crowd.
Kaito’s gaze shifted subtly, catching sight of a tall boy with silver hair and a calculating expression. Their eyes met briefly before the boy turned away, whispering something to a companion.
---
First Impressions and Yumi’s Reaction
As Kaito walked past the line of students, the whispers grew louder.
“What kind of training gives you all attributes but no mana?” one boy sneered, his arms crossed.
“Maybe it’s some backwater technique,” another girl said, flipping her hair dismissively.
“Or maybe he’s just a freak,” a taller student said, his sharp eyes narrowing at Kaito. His uniform was marked with a gold crest indicating nobility. “Inconclusive potential? Sounds useless to me.”
Kaito ignored the comments, his attention instead on Yumi, who had grown quieter by the minute.
Her name flitted through the crowd like a poisoned dart.
“She has some nerve showing her face here.”
“Bet she’s just trying to latch onto someone powerful again. Typical.”
“Yumi Fuyukawa... a disgrace to the academy.”
Yumi’s breath hitched, but she forced herself to walk on, her head held high. Kaito’s eyes narrowed as he took in the hostility directed at her.
“Why do you let them talk like that?” he asked quietly as they moved further into the academy.
Yumi’s smile was faint and brittle. “Because fighting them would mean proving them right.”
Kaito’s gaze shifted toward the academy buildings. “We’re not here to fight anyone. We’re here to survive.”
---
Inside the Academy
The academy’s interior was a masterpiece of magical architecture. Enchanted chandeliers floated overhead, casting soft golden light across halls lined with ornate mosaics and enchanted glass windows. The air buzzed with activity as students moved through the corridors, their excitement palpable.
Kaito walked silently beside Yumi, observing everything. The disparity between the nobles, who strode confidently through the halls, and the commoners, who kept their heads down, was glaringly obvious.
“It’s not much different from the rest of the world,” Kaito muttered.
Yumi glanced at him. “What do you mean?”
“Power and privilege dominate here too,” Kaito said simply.
Yumi nodded, her gaze dropping. “You’re not wrong.”
---
Shared Dormitory
When they reached the dormitory wing, an attendant presented them with several options: standard single rooms, shared rooms for pairs, and premium suites reserved for nobles. After a brief exchange, Kaito opted for a shared room, using the money he had earned from crafting and selling weapons to secure a more comfortable space.
As the attendant finalized their assignment, Yumi hesitated. “Are you sure about this? Sharing a room?”
“It’s practical,” Kaito replied without looking at her.
“But...” Yumi’s voice faltered. “Would you mind if I... stayed with you? I mean, in the same room.”
Kaito turned to her, his expression neutral. “Why?”
Yumi avoided his gaze, her hands fidgeting. “I don’t feel comfortable being alone here. Too many people. Too many memories.”
He studied her for a moment, then gave a curt nod. “Fine. Do what you want.”
Relief washed over her face. “Thank you, Kaito.”
---
Orientation Trials Announcement
Later that evening, a magical projection illuminated the sky above the academy:
“Attention, new students. Orientation Trials will commence tomorrow morning. These trials will assess your magical and physical capabilities to determine your initial rankings within the academy. Prepare accordingly.”
Yumi stiffened at the announcement, her hands gripping the edge of the desk. “Orientation Trials,” she murmured. “I’d almost forgotten how brutal they can be.”
Kaito glanced at her. “What do they test?”
“Everything,” she said grimly. “Your magic, your combat skills, your endurance. It’s designed to push you to your limits.”
Kaito smirked faintly. “Good. That’ll give me a chance to see where I stand.”
“You’re not worried?” Yumi asked, her tone tinged with concern.
“Worrying doesn’t change anything,” Kaito replied. “But strategy does.”
---
Closing Scene
As the academy quieted for the night, Kaito sat by the window, sharpening a small blade he had crafted during his travels. The rhythmic scrape of the whetstone against metal filled the silence.
Yumi watched him from across the room, her thoughts a mix of apprehension and gratitude. “Do you think we’ll be okay here?” she asked softly.
Kaito paused, his gaze fixed on the blade. “That depends on what you mean by ‘okay.’”
“You know what I mean,” Yumi said, a faint smile playing on her lips.
He glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “We’ll manage. We always do.”
For the first time since they arrived, Yumi felt a small spark of hope.
---
End of Chapter 7: Part I