Students scramble to find their assigned groups while I move through the dispersing crowd, weaving between students as they eagerly seek out their designated group locations. The urgency in their movements contrasts with my composed demeanour.

Yuka Nanami walks beside me, her innocent eyes scanning the surroundings excitedly. “This is so thrilling. I wonder who’ll be in our group!”

“Our group?”

“You’re in Cognitive-Dynamic Affinity, Group Three, right?”

“I am in Dynamic Affinity, Group Six.”

“Oooohh… Right.”

Yuka’s disappointment is palpable, though she attempts to mask it with a forced cheerfulness.

“I heard Reiko got to choose whatever group she wanted to be in.”

Of course, Reiko Yami, the exceptional anomaly, would have such privileges. It is not surprising; the rules seem to bend for those at the top. Possibly to motivate people to try aiming for first place.

As we approach the designated location for Dynamic Affinity, Group Six, Yuka Nanami’s genuine curiosity spills out.

“Who is in your group? Do you know them?”

“I don’t concern myself with unnecessary details. We will interact with them during evaluations.”

“Oh okay. I’m going to head to my group now. I’ll see you soon!”

“Wait a second.”

I say, halting Yuka Nanami before she can skip off to her assigned group.

“Oh, is there something else?”

“I need you to do something for me.”

Yuka’s willingness to assist is evident, her innocence shining through.

“For you? Sure, what is it?”

“Keep an eye on your group members. Observe their actions and note their reactions. Report back to me with any notable information.”

Yuka nods, her eyes reflecting understanding.

“Alright, I’ll do my best. But, um, why do you want to know about them?”

“I suppose I am just eager to know them better? Having more friends around could make the journey here a bit more interesting.”

“Absolutely! Friends are, like, wonderful! Don’t you worry; I’ll keep you posted on all their actions and reactions. It’ll be so much fun!”

“Oh! Wait! What do I call you?”

I look Yuka Nanami in the eye.

“Call me Kage.”“Alright! Kage. See you soon!”

Yuka walks away, her excitement undiminished despite the slight letdown of not being in my group.

It is interesting how her disappointment is quickly overshadowed by her eagerness to help. A useful trait.

I continue towards Group Six, taking a glance around the area as I approach. The groups are arranged according to a numerical system, meaning each group contains five students. The groups are also assigned to an area in a classroom based on a number.

I find and open the door to Class Six. Inside the classroom, four students sit around a small table, looking up as I enter.

Three girls and two boys gaze at me as I enter. The three girls sit across from the two boys, who are seated next to each other. The girls look to be in a similar age range, perhaps a year or two younger than myself. They have their hair cut short, with bangs swept to the side, and are wearing identical uniforms to mine.

I go sit with the three girls, and they all introduce themselves.

The girl sitting closest to me on the left introduces herself as Koyama Hoshizaki. She has a slender, athletic build, and her dark hair is cut in a bob.

The girl sitting furthest away on the left is named Aoi Takahashi. She has long, curly, blonde hair that flows down her back and is slightly taller than Koyama Hoshizaki; her facial features are more delicate and pronounced.

And the small girl closest to me on the right introduces herself confidently as Chigusa Tanaka. She has platinum blonde hair that ends at her chest, with a fringe covering the left side of her face, which is half hidden behind her shoulder.

The two boys sitting in front of us seem irrelevant, so analysing them will not be necessary. They also seem to be staring at my body with lustful eyes. I can only assume they are not used to seeing women in their class and have never had a proper interaction with one.

Breaking the tranquil silence that envelops us, Aoi Takahashi is the first to speak.

“Hey, do you think our group instructor will arrive soon? I’m kinda itching to get things rolling.”

“Who knows, but we’re not supposed to start yet anyway, so I guess it’s fine.”

Koyama Hoshizaki chimes in with a nonchalant yet practical response.

Aoi and Koyama continue their idle chatter as the small girl, Chigusa, leans in towards me.

“Those boys look cute but seem so dull. They’re also looking at our boobs. You think they’ve never seen boobs before?”

“That is unlikely. If I had to guess, it would probably be their first time seeing girls who are their age.”

Chigusa shrugs with a mischievous smile.

I am intrigued by her straightforward nature and her sudden openness about her thoughts on the boys in the class.

Chigusa, still leaning into me, begins whispering.

“It seems like we are going to be together for a long time, so we should get to know each other better. What are your interests?”

Her bluntness is endearing in its simplicity, yet also somewhat amusing. She could be useful.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“I enjoy learning and researching. I suppose if I had a hobby, it would be that. It is something that I take a great deal of joy in. It helps me expand my mind.”

“I have an interest in you. But what about the boys? Do you have an interest in them?”

She is straightforward with her desires; she does not appear to hold back or censor herself.

“They are okay.”

“That’s it?”

“I am not interested in them.”

Chigusa gives an exaggerated wink at the two boys across the room. She continues in a low tone.

“Reeeaaaally?”

“This conversation is irrelevant. You do not want to know what I think; you want to know what I like.”

“Ahaha, yeah. But you still didn’t answer truthfully.”

I am beginning to suspect this may be a test. To see what information she can extract from me. She must have a goal.

I take a moment to consider before I speak again.

“I am not interested in romantic relationships. And that is all.”

She raises an eyebrow but says nothing, turning back to the group.

The four of them continue to talk, but I keep silent. The others seem to notice that I am not talking, and Aoi Takahashi looks back at me.

“Is there a problem?”

Aoi looks genuinely concerned, and Chigusa looks confused. Koyama Hoshizaki stares at me with a slight smile on her face, but there is no amusement in her expression.

“Are we just supposed to sit here and get along, or is there something we have to do?”

Chigusa shrugs and smiles at me.

“I don’t know. Don’t you?”

“I am the last to come in, and I do not know anything.”

“Then you should introduce yourself.”

Aoi nods enthusiastically, agreeing with Chigusa, as Koyama smiles.

“That’s right.”

She is very persuasive. I think she can make friends with anyone if she wants. She could probably get someone to help her, but I have a feeling she is more the type to manipulate. Someone like her is very useful.

I sit there, looking around at the others, and after a couple of minutes, someone finally approaches us. A man in his mid-20s enters the room, his hair cropped close to his head.

He introduces himself as the group instructor and asks each of us to introduce ourselves and what power we possess.

Chigusa Tanaka, being the first one in our group to be introduced, confidently walks up and tells us what power she has.

“I can transform myself into anything I want to be. Regardless of whether it is real or not.”

Koyama Hoshizaki goes next, introducing herself and her power.

“I can set strength values to things, moulding them to my desires. Not just limited to inanimate objects, you see. I can manipulate the force within me and control how potent it becomes. And, if I fancy, I can extend that control to others.”

She has a powerful ability. She could increase her strength to an unimaginable degree, but her body would probably break down, and she could die. That would be a difficult choice to make.

“I can inject an object with any power I want, making it whatever I want. I can also combine multiple objects and give them different powers.”

Aoi Takahashi has an interesting power. She could combine an object with any power she wanted, and that would allow her to manipulate the world around her. Can she give herself power, however?

The instructor nods, looking pleased with all the introductions. He looks over at the two boys, motioning for them to come up and introduce themselves.

The boys stand up and approach us, standing side by side as they tell us what power they possess.

Both are too irrelevant to describe.

The instructor tells us that we will be training together for the foreseeable future and that we should get to know each other better.

I should learn more about them and get them to trust me.

Chigusa Tanaka skips over to the boys and asks them what their names are. To determine each boy’s type, she makes flirtatious moves towards them both. Her voice, a velvet purr, delves into their preferences with a knowing grin.

“What qualities do you find irresistible in a woman?”

She asks, already foreseeing their clichéd responses. As expected, they fumble out the expected answers: big breasts and juicy asses.

“I happen to possess both in abundance. Maybe I’ll give you a closer look later.”

With a deliberate, tantalising motion, she slowly reveals a glimpse of her cleavage and provocatively lifts her skirt, leaving just enough to the imagination.

The boys, caught in the throes of her calculated tease, blush and stammer, uncertain how to respond to the allure she exudes.

Chigusa’s eyes twinkle with satisfaction. Their confusion and hesitation are precisely the reactions she aimed to provoke.

She needs to be controlled.

The boys blush and stammer, unsure how to respond. That is precisely what she wants.

Koyama Hoshizaki keeps her distance, watching Chigusa Tanaka and the two boys interact. She seems amused and revolted by their interactions.

I turn my gaze away from the instructor, who seems to be charmed by Chigusa as well.

Are humans really that vulnerable?

“Hey, you, what’s your name?”

Aoi Takahashi’s voice pierced the ambient chatter, a persistent tug on my arm accompanying her words.

“Hey! I’m talking to you.”

“Kiyorakana Kage. Keep it concise; Kiyorakana will suffice.”

“Oh. Okay, Kiyorakana!”

Aoi Takahashi, the enthusiastic one, lacks subtlety. Her directness could be advantageous if harnessed correctly.

She seeks acknowledgement, evident in her insistence on my attention. This desire for recognition could be exploited for mutual benefit.

Her expressive nature indicates a willingness to form connections. Utilising this, I could subtly influence her decisions to align with my objectives.

Aoi Takahashi’s openness might offer valuable insights into the group dynamics, helping me navigate potential conflicts or alliances.

Offering occasional encouragement and acknowledgement could create a sense of loyalty. Understanding her motivations will be crucial—whether it is recognition, achievement, or simply fitting in.

“Kiyorakana.”

Koyama Hoshizaki’s voice takes on a more commanding tone, laced with subtle allure.

“Aoi’s enthusiasm is charming, isn’t it? But let’s cut to the chase. I’m Koyama. You can call me Koyo if you prefer.”

She leans back on the chair, eyeing me with a playful glint.

“I’m into sports, you know—anything that gets the blood pumping. If you ever fancy a little one-on-one action, count me in. I promise it’s a workout you won’t forget.”

“I will pass; thank you for the offer, however.”

“Okay, Group Six! We’ve wasted too much time speaking!”

The instructor’s abrupt announcement jolts our attention, dispersing the casual chatter that had filled the room.

“Now that introductions are done, let’s delve into your schedule for this year. Remember, the more you understand each other, the stronger your group becomes.”

Group Six listens attentively as the instructor begins explaining their daily schedules.

“Every Wednesday and Friday, you will have a group evaluation. These evaluations will test your teamwork, coordination, and individual skills. The group evaluations will also show your instructors and teachers your progress. Your performance will affect your grades.”

“You will also have regular lessons. Every other day of the week, you will have Dynamic Affinity Theory and Practicals.”

The rest of the explanation is unnecessary; it is just a description of what we would be accomplishing in our groups. Dynamic Affinity tests. That is it.

“Today, Group Six will have a Dynamic Affinity test. As your first test, this day will violate the consistency of the training days. Follow me.”

The instructor motions for us to follow him, leading us out of the classroom and down a hallway.

As we walk, Aoi Takahashi and Koyama Hoshizaki engage Chigusa Tanaka and the irrelevant boys in friendly banter.