Once the bell rings, the students walk out of the class and into the hallways. Except for a small group consisting of a red-haired female, a blond boy, and a black-haired boy.

I have a feeling the female will be a problem.

It also seems like the lone individual has left as well, so I guess I will too.

Outside the classroom and in the hallway, a rule and a job board lie.

I read the rules. Some of them are as the instructor mentioned. There are some rules and punishments, like:

“Use common sense.”

“Any unsupervised damage to the school results in immediate expulsion.”

“Getting fired from a job will result in a suspension of up to three days.”

And one that stands out to me like pure light in a pitch-black room: “These rules only apply if you are caught.”

That is interesting.

I then skim the jobs. The options range from the mundane to the grandiose, from cashier to training instructor, just like the instructor mentioned. There are even research positions, presumably related to Dissonance Affinity.

[Jobs]

[1. Dissonance Affinity Researcher: 10,680 Twilight Shards a month]

[2. Training Instructor: 1,170 Twilight Shards a month]

[3. Cashier: 480 Twilight Shards a Month]

[…And more…]

All these jobs sound fine, though they are not necessary for me. However, acquiring one to seem like a normal person seems like the best option.

I continue scrolling through the list of jobs, weighing the pros and cons of each position. The idea of being a cashier does not particularly excite me, but it seems like a simple enough job to blend in with society. Plus, the pay is decent enough.

As my eyes sweep across the job board, I employ not only my visual acuity but also leverage the ambient sounds enveloping me to conduct a rapid yet precise analysis of the individuals engaged in conversation. This auditory scrutiny affords me an immediate and astute understanding of their character.

The crisp, articulate tones of a well-educated individual stand out amidst the cacophony of everyday chatter.

As I observe and listen, I mentally categorise each person I encounter, effortlessly deciphering their social status, confidence level, and even their emotional state.

I contemplate for a while, and I finally decide that taking up a cashier position might be the most inconspicuous way to blend in.

It aligns with the notion of a typical student, reducing the chances of drawing unnecessary attention.

The pay is reasonable, and it will not interfere significantly with my primary goal.

Upon reaching the application area, I find myself in a line of students, each awaiting their turn to express interest in various positions.

As I wait, I observe the interactions around me, noting the different attitudes and expressions displayed by my fellow students.

Some seem genuinely excited about the prospect of a job, while others appear indifferent, perhaps considering it more of a necessity than a choice.

When it is finally my turn, I attempt to express my interest in the cashier position, maintaining a composed demeanour.

The administrator takes note of my choice, providing me with the necessary information and forms to fill out. I complete the process efficiently, keeping my responses concise and to the point.

I have made my decision, and I navigate the bustling halls towards the designated area to apply for the cashier position.

As I walk, I continue my subtle analysis of the students around me.

I note this as I pass through the diverse crowd, mentally cataloguing the characteristics of those I encounter.

Walking through the labyrinthine hallways, I encounter the same girl with long, spiky red hair. Our eyes lock for a moment—narrow gazes meeting with implied intensity.

Without uttering a word, I continue on my way, maintaining my indifferent façade. I can sense her looking back at me, perhaps out of curiosity.

Who was that individual? They exuded great power. It did not feel like Dissonance Affinity. It was something else.

…

I guess I am curious too.

I step out of the imposing school building, my silent footsteps echoing in the empty corridors. The night air greets me as I ascend to the roof, a solitary figure against the backdrop of the constantly darkened sky.

The school, with its sprawling campus, seems to lose its imposing nature when viewed from this elevated perspective.

This ‘Earth’ planet is more appealing than I imagined. The darkness, far from oppressive, carries a serene beauty of its own.

The faint shimmer of distant stars and the occasional passing of celestial bodies create a celestial dance that captivates even my indifferent gaze.

The serenity of the night is abruptly halted by a sudden thud behind me. I turn, my expression unchanged, as the door swings open, breaking the stillness with a metallic groan.

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A figure emerges into the moonlit night, their footsteps resonating on the rooftop. It is a fellow student, oblivious to my silent presence.

It is the green-haired boy from earlier, Sora Mitsuru.

He steps onto the roof, his eyes slightly widening in surprise as he notices me standing there. A smile plays on his lips, undeterred by the unexpected encounter.

“Ah, Kiyorakana! I wasn’t expecting you to be here.”

“Same for you. Why are you here?”

My voice, though cold and unemotional, conveys no hostility.

Sora Mitsuru walks towards me, a warm grin illuminating his face.

We stand next to each other, gazing out at the vast, expansive view before us.

“I’m just here to watch the amazing view.”

His voice is quiet, yet there is an underlying current of strength.

“I see.”

We stand there for a few moments, the silence comfortable.

“So, Kiyorakana, how are you liking the Twilight Institute so far?”

“It is fine.”

“I know it’s a lot to take in. But trust me, this place has a way of growing on you.”

“If that is what you say.”

“What about you? What brings you up here tonight?”

“I wanted to take fresh air.”

Sora Mitsuru looks back at the starlit sky, his gaze thoughtful.

“Fresh air, huh? This view is truly breathtaking.”

“Indeed.”

We stay quiet for a bit, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere; I, surprisingly, break the silence first.

“Sora Mitsuru. What Affinities have been granted to you?”

His smile falters slightly, replaced with a hint of wariness.

“Affinity? Kiyorakana, surely, we shouldn’t talk about—”

“Answer.”

He pauses, his emerald gaze fixed on mine.

“I have four… terrible ones.”

Four? I had expected him to have at most two. But four? A rarity I have never witnessed. He is not lying, either.

“And what are those four?”

I maintained my composure, concealing any surprise I may have felt. Sora Mitsuru shifts, his stance betraying a hint of discomfort. He hesitates.

“…I can induce horrifying nightmares onto an individual, I can even empower the intensity of the pain they experience… According to the D.A.R., I can also let out an explosion that immensely speeds up the decay of things, like plants, for example… and Void Implosion… I don’t know what ‘Void Implosion’ does… but it can’t be good.”

“Interesting.”

“I’m not sure how I’m ever going to be an icon of peace with such destructive Affinities.”

“It is the nature of Dissonance Affinity. I am sure you have realised that by now.”

“Yeah. It’s just frustrating sometimes.”

I remain silent.

Nightmare inducement and pain empowerment are standard, albeit rare. Void implosion and entropy explosion, on the other hand, could be considered very dangerous for Earth. Though underestimating Earth would be a foolish thing to do.

“You are a rarity. Four Affinities is a feat I have not, until now, seen achieved.”

“That makes me feel slightly more important… thanks.”

We remain on the rooftop; the silence is no longer ill-at-ease.

“Well, I better get going. It’s getting late, and Instructor Shinoda would kill us if she found us out here.”

Sora Mitsuru turns, his emerald gaze reflecting the stars above.

“Goodbye, Sora Mitsuru.”

“See you, Kiyorakana!”

He walks towards the door, pausing for a moment before turning the handle. His footsteps echo on the stairs.

“You can come out now.”

I hear a gasp from behind the door, followed by hesitant footsteps.

A petite, pink-haired girl emerges, her violet gaze filled with awe.

“H-how did you notice me, Kiyorakana?”

“You are weak at hiding your presence. It is not hard for anyone to discover you eavesdropping.”

She blushes, clearly embarrassed, and looks away.

“I’m sorry! I was just looking for Sora, and I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, a-and—”

“It is fine.”

She paused, taken aback by my indifferent response.

“O-oh. Alright, Kiyorakana.”

“Sora Mitsuru has left, so you can leave now.”

“Right! Bye Kiyorakana.”

Her embarrassment dissipates, replaced with a cheerful grin.

I remain on the rooftop, the stillness again broken.

I guess I should head back to my dorm.

As I make my way back, a tall, arrogant-looking blonde boy approaches, his gaze carrying a note of disdain.

The same one from the redhead’s group.

“Hey, purple-hair. You’re new, right?”

I maintain my indifferent façade, analysing him.

He is powerful, but not extraordinary.

“Yes, I am new. I am in your class.”

“That doesn’t matter; you look weak, and I can’t wait to destroy you tomorrow!”

“You are talking about the training day tomorrow, right? No one knows what it is going to be.”

He laughs mockingly.

“You have an excellent memory. But it won’t save you. Cause I’m gonna wipe the floor with you.”

I stay unconcerned, analysing him and ignoring his taunts.

Blondie strides confidently by me.

“I will hold you to that.”

Blondie boy returns his gaze, his pupils constricted. His eyes are filled with a cold, calculating intensity.

“Fine. Just don’t expect mercy.”

“Mercy is not needed.”

His smirk fades slightly as he realises I am not intimidated by his threats. I can see the doubt creeping into his eyes, but he quickly regains his composure.

I know that underestimating me will be his downfall, and I will love to see the look on his face when that happens.

Undaunted by his haughtiness, I continue on my way.

“Hey! Don’t walk away from me! Do you have any idea who I am?!”

I do not return his gaze. And I can feel his seething stare.

“An arrogant imbecile.”

I have dealt with countless arrogant individuals like him before, and they all end up the same: defeated and humbled.

He is desperate for a reaction. But I will not give him satisfaction. I have a task to complete, and this arrogant imbecile is just a minor obstacle in my path.