Chapter V: The First Day
The first day at Ryujin's new school is a mosaic of excitement and trepidation. Just a step, into a mosaic of excellent artistic splendor and grandeur, well literally since most hall floor tiles in the university are mostly of mosaics. Cracks pieced together, an enigmatic yet beautiful and elegant piece of such creativity, it's just like how people show creativity and talent into art. Eager to make a positive impression, he arrives early, only to find a bustling sea of students already filling the halls. Determined, he embarks on a journey through the labyrinthine corridors, navigating his way to the elusive Special Power and Defense Class.
"Oh wait, where does this go again?", he gets confused.
Glad he reaches a corner and sees an evacuation map.
"Nice, it's a good thing they have these evacuation maps. Some schools don't have it. It's very useful for new students. Freshmen rather."
Luckily, he bumps into Aoto Abe, a familiar face from elementary school who has also successfully navigated the selection exam.
"Hey Aoto, it's been a while." (Ryujin)
"Hey man, how's it going?" (Aoto)
"Not much, you?" (Ryujin)
"Not much either. Say, have you heard about Yuki?" (Aoto)
"Nah, what about her?" (Ryujin)
"Well, she didn't passed the exam." (Aoto)
"Aww, too bad." (Ryujin)
"Yeah, she'll be in the regular class." (Aoto)
Together, they make their way into the classroom. Later, they go outside the classroom to join the throng of students gathering for the flag ceremony at the quadrangle. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, and a sea of faces, each representing a unique constellation, paints the courtyard.
As the national anthem echoes through the air, followed by patriotic songs, the principal, Fukushu Kimura, delivers an inspiring speech, setting the tone for the academic year.
"Good Morning, my dear students. This is a very brand new start of our academic year. Unison at its greatness, and smell of books and projectors will fill our classroom atmospheres again. But this year, is something special. Why do you ask? Is it because of the newly installed vending machines in the high school cafeteria? No! Is it the new paintings on the second floor of the galleria building? Technically yes, but NO! This year, we are now opening first ever, the pioneer batch of the Special Power and Defense Class. Why? This institution have a lot to offer. Some regular schools have special science and special math class. However, in our university, with the initiative of Dr. Denji Aoshima, it has now begun. But, don't let this be a discouragement my dear students. You know why? Not because there is already a special class, doesn't mean that all of you will be lazy to go here, or lazy enough to do school works. Nonetheless, thrive within your high school years. Academics might be tiring, but if the mind is curious to absorb knowledge and wisdom, let it be, because learning something, is a stepping stone towards your future. Have a great first day of school everyone! Sidera semper sequere!"
The students, in unison, absorb the words of encouragement and promise. With the ceremony concluded, they file back into their respective classrooms.
In their Special Power and Defense Class, the class adviser, Hajime Senshi, introduces himself and begins the orientation.
"Good Morning my students. I'm your adviser, Hajime Senshi. Now, expect that maybe not all your teachers are present today or will not meet you. Yet, since it's my subject, I will just let you all get to know each other. But make sure none of you are late. Ok then, so that we could get started with our orientation, let's introduce ourselves. Just stand at your desk, starting at the front."
Each of them, even Ryujin introduce themselves.
"Ok then, I think that is all of you-"
Miran Suzuki, a latecomer, rushes in just in time to introduce himself to the class.
"Oy-Vey, ok mister, please introduce yourself."
The camaraderie among students begins to blossom as names and personalities merge. Hajime-sensei then hands out the schedules, outlining the academic journey that awaits them.
"Ok Class, settle down so that I will discuss your subjects. Ok, your subjects will be Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji by Marielle Shikaku. MAPEH or Music, Arts, Physical Education, and Health by Shinse Kusakaze. English by Dr. Shimoda Ruma. Defense and Nature, To be announced. Preliminary Research by Dr. Denji Aoshima. Integrated Tactics and Defense Mechanisms by Dr. Denji Aoshima again. Technology, Livelihood, and Economy by Rika Kantano. History by Daijiro Pyuriro. Mathematics by Akio Ryoma. And Spiritualism and Philosophy, to be announced.
Following the orientation, the music teacher enters, introducing himself and leaving a harmonious melody lingering in the air. It's Shinse Kusakaze. After their class, it will be another subject but no teacher yet.
"Ok class, I'm Shinse Kusakaze, your MAPEH Teacher. Yet, since this subject is divided into four, lets put it by section, and yes the subject we'll tackle this first quarter is your music. Harmony at its best, straighten into a staff and put it on notes, sounds melodious to each ear can hear."
Hajime-sensei returns to gauge the class's dynamics, ensuring a smooth start. Ryujin finds himself engaged in conversation with Aoto, and soon, they extend their circle to include Hageshi Hamasaki and Samero Uozumi. Samero, hailing from the same village as Ryujin, fosters an instant connection between the two.
"Hey nice to meet you. I'm Hageshi Hamasaki, at your service. I'm from Saitama Prefecture." (Hageshi)
"Hi, nice to meet you too mate. The name's Ryujin Furukawa, from Todoroki Valley, south of Tokyo." (Ryujin)
"Hey, you're also from Todoroki Valley?" (Samero)
"Yep, why?" (Ryujin)
"I'm also from Todoroki Valley too. Samero Uozumi from the Uozumi clan of the southern part of Todoroki Valley." (Samero)
"Oh, nice, nice to meet you." (Ryujin)
During the break, the students seize the opportunity to get to know each other better. Laughter echoes through the classrooms, and friendships are forged under the watchful eyes of the observing teachers. The bell signaling the end of the break rings, and the class reconvenes, prepared to delve into the academic challenges that await them.
As the afternoon progresses, Hajime-sensei reminds the students to have their combat suits ready for the upcoming prelim examination. The prospect of showcasing their constellation abilities adds an electrifying anticipation to the air, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead.
"I almost forgot my dear students. You will also have your own preliminary examination coming up soon. Please, practice combat skills because, we'll monitor y'all. Yet tomorrow, y'all be having a training."
The school day concludes, and Ryujin, along with his newfound friends Hageshi and Samero, make their way to the dike to wait for a taxi. They plan to stop at the terminal first, as Hageshi lives in a town nestled in the mountains, a considerable distance away. Conversations flow effortlessly among them, a testament to the budding camaraderie that has quickly taken root.
Upon reaching the dike, a silhouette catches Ryujin's attention. A figure, obscured by the fading sunlight, is seen laughing. A sudden flashback to Ryujin and the mysterious ring grips Ryujin's thoughts. The figure, after the flashback, mutters to himself,
"At last, it's here."
A sense of foreboding lingers, leaving Ryujin pondering the enigmatic connection between his own journey and the cryptic events unfolding around him.