“Finally… I did it!” Giyo said, his heart nearly bursting from his chest.

  After the selection day, the results had been posted on the large board near the main gate. A crowd pressed tightly around the list. Some shouted in joy; others lowered their heads, defeated by their own limitations.

  Giyo’s eyes scanned the names anxiously—until they found his.

  Finally… I’m getting closer and closer to proving to my father that I can be strong! he thought, warmth rising in his chest.

  Suddenly, a light tap on his back made him turn around.

  “So, looks like you made it too, huh?” Pan said with a confident smile.

  “Pan, Asuna… yeah, I passed,” Giyo replied, still brimming with excitement. “My training brought me this far. I have to thank my teacher… but what are you two doing together?”

  “Well, this girl here wanted to know more about you,” Pan said, jerking her thumb toward the blonde beside her. “So she started following me around.”

  “T-that’s not it!” Asuna said, her cheeks flushing. “I was just curious to see if you passed too. We took the selection together… and you’re the only ones I’m somewhat close to so far.”

  Giyo smiled, amused by their exchange.

  Before he could respond, the murmur of voices was silenced by an imposing presence. The principal had arrived, and the atmosphere instantly grew tense.

  “New students, I have the honor of welcoming you to H.I.R.O Academy,” Hiro announced in a firm voice. “You will be divided into classes according to the results posted on the board.”

  He continued,

  “Class A: the strongest students, those who scored at or near the top.

  Class B: those with average scores.

  Class C: those with lower scores, yet still qualified for admission.”

  The students began organizing themselves. To Giyo’s surprise, his name was listed under Class A.

  His eyes widened.

  Everyone he had met so far was there as well.

  Shortly after, an elegant woman entered the classroom assigned to Class A.

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you all. My name is Paola Astren, and I’ll be the instructor in charge of this new class,” she said with a charismatic smile.

  Her presence felt light and infectious.

  Already seated, Asuna, Pan, Kirio, and Petra chose desks near Giyo, which made him quietly nervous.

  “I see you’re already getting along,” Paola said with a smile. “How about we start by choosing a class representative?”

  The room filled with confused murmurs.

  “The class representative will act as your leader—the one responsible for helping improve each of your weaknesses. As you know, this academy is strict not only academically but also in matters of strength. Every year we hold a tournament where all classes compete against one another. Last year, we didn’t win… but THIS YEAR, we will be victorious!”

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  Excitement spread through the room.

  “I’d like to run!” Pan declared, raising her hand, her eyes shining.

  “We have our first candidate. Anyone else?” Paola asked.

  Silence.

  “I’m running too!” Asuna announced, lifting her hand firmly.

  “Well, well, Asuna Vermilio,” Pan said with a teasing smile. “Running for representative requires intelligence.”

  “Hahaha, sweetheart,” Asuna replied, placing a hand over her chest. “I’m very strong—something you’ll never be. Intelligence isn’t the only thing that defines strength.”

  “Very well,” Paola said, clearly entertained by their rivalry. “Cast your votes for the candidate you believe is most qualified.”

  The voting began.

  The result was decisive: nineteen votes for Pan.

  “Fufu… looks like I’ve been elected class representative. Better luck next time, sweetheart,” Pan said with a playful, taunting laugh.

  Asuna sat down, her face burning red with frustration.

  “I’d just like to know who voted for me…” she muttered.

  “Hey,” Giyo whispered, gently touching her shoulder. “I voted for you. Next time, we’ll win.”

  He… he voted for me? How could that cute little face be so considerate? Maybe… maybe I should… Asuna thought.

  “Hmph… it’s not like I asked you to vote for me or anything…” she said, looking away. “But… thank you.”

  Paola clapped her hands, drawing the class’s attention.

  “Excellent. After class, introduce yourselves to the representative. Now then… does anyone know the history of our world?”

  Silence.

  “I-I do…” Petra said shyly, raising her hand. “Our world is divided into three dimensions: divine, mortal, and demonic. We live in the mortal dimension.”

  “Exactly,” Paola confirmed. “That’s the version told by the Church. They say the gods never set foot here due to sacred laws… but does anyone know the true history?”

  The students exchanged curious glances.

  Paola pulled an old book from beneath her desk.

  “Many years ago, there were other nations. Different races coexisted—elves, giants… but then a monster appeared.”

  She placed both hands on the desk.

  “That monster was human. He wielded one of humanity’s most legendary swords and commanded an extraordinarily powerful crew. His name was Rex Dex—the man who defied the gods and sat upon the throne of the World Governor.”

  Shock rippled through the classroom.

  “Who was he?”

  “What were his goals?”

  Paola tapped the desk lightly.

  “Unfortunately, I cannot answer those questions. Rex was a man of incomprehensible will. But his courage and audacity in challenging both the world and the gods shaped the reality we live in today.”

  She took a slow breath.

  “The battle lasted for days and nights. Islands, kingdoms, entire nations were destroyed in the bloody war between that human and the gods. In the end… our country became the only one left drifting across the vast ocean.”

  “But, Professor!” Pan said. “What about the captains’ mission to explore the world? Does that mean there’s nothing out there?!”

  “That is the accepted version,” Paola replied, crossing her arms. “But I believe there is something beyond. A piece of land… a living being… something yet to be discovered.”

  The bell rang.

  The students left for lunch—everyone except Giyo and his four companions.

  “Hm? Aren’t you going to eat?” Paola asked.

  “I was going to… but why are you all following me?” Giyo asked.

  “You’re the only one I feel close to,” Asuna said. “The others are afraid of me because of my clan.”

  “I prefer observing my surroundings,” Pan said. “But staying with you seems more interesting.”

  “I refuse to make friends simply because someone is the principal’s son,” Kirio said. “Besides, I owe you.”

  “Y-you all seem interesting…” Petra said shyly. “I just wanted to see how this would turn out.”

  Paola watched the scene with a proud smile.

  “You are the strongest students in this class,” she said. “When the tournament comes, I will select each of you.”

  They looked at one another in surprise.

  “Don’t worry. You still have much to learn and room to grow. But for now… enjoy your youth.”

  Soon after, the classroom emptied.

  Paola returned to her desk and opened the old book.

  I wonder… will these students one day uncover the true history of this world? she thought with a gentle smile. I can’t wait to see how they grow.