Itozawa flipped through the booklet in his hands and noticed that many of the supernatural abilities listed in it had question marks beside their names, or were simply left blank.
Just as he was wondering about it, the principal's voice slowly rang out through the gymnasium.
"The first principal of our school was not only its founder, but also a revered Spirit Ability User."
The principal's eyes shone with deep reverence for the past. "He was the father of our current chairman, a true leader and a towering figure in the supernatural world."
The principal continued, his voice full of reminiscence. "His strength lay not only in his ability, but also in his wisdom and foresight. With the support of Lord Onijima, he founded this school, providing a place where all children with supernatural abilities could learn and grow."
"His original purpose in founding the school was to cultivate a new generation of Ability Users, teaching them to use their powers properly and contribute to society." The principal's eyes revealed his firm conviction. "He hoped this school would become a beacon for Ability Users, lighting the way forward."
"And this book is his work."
The students were captivated by the principal's words. Their eyes focused on the elderly man as they waited for him to continue.
"This principal possessed extraordinarily powerful Mental Power—powerful enough to draw upon the divine and communicate with the spirits of the gods." The principal's voice grew more mysterious, as if he were unveiling a long-buried secret. "Many of the world's mysteries were gradually gleaned from the gods by him."
In his explorations, he gradually became aware of a grave problem: the incompleteness of supernatural abilities.
He realized that, without a comprehensive and thorough understanding of these abilities, so-called supernatural ability instruction could not be conducted systematically.
This presented him with an unprecedented challenge.
If he could not grasp the nature of supernatural abilities, his students would never be able to reach their true potential.
So he ventured into forbidden knowledge and asked the gods about everything related to supernatural abilities. The gods generously revealed all their secrets to him.
But the price was the burning of his life force.
As the knowledge poured into him, he felt his life force rapidly ebbing away. His skin grew pale, and the light in his eyes gradually dimmed.
Despite this, he persisted in recording the knowledge imparted by the gods until his final moment. He documented the core principles and most important aspects of supernatural abilities, laying the foundation for the instruction that followed.
In the end, after recording this precious knowledge, the principal passed away.
"And that is where this booklet came from—and why it is incomplete."
"He left us not only knowledge of supernatural abilities, but also the courage to explore the unknown and the pursuit of knowledge." The principal's gaze swept over every student, and his voice grew firmer.
"Every student at Kouiku should have the courage to give their life for knowledge, and the resolve to devote themselves to humanity."
As the principal's story came to an end, thunderous applause rang through the gymnasium.
The students were deeply moved by the story. Their eyes shone with anticipation for the future and curiosity about the Supernatural World.
Watching the enthusiastic applause below the stage, the principal seemed to remember something. A wistful light flashed in his eyes, and he left the gymnasium with a sigh.
After the principal departed with a sigh, the First-Year Freshman Representative was about to take the stage. It was an annual tradition at the entrance ceremony, intended to give the new students a chance to speak.
Itozawa wasn't surprised when Sakayanagi Arisu's name was announced.
Though she leaned on a cane, she still walked resolutely up to the podium. Her figure was delicate, yet she exuded a strength that could not be ignored.
Itozawa understood. Sakayanagi Arisu was not only a student in Class A, but also the daughter of the school's chairman. Her status made her the obvious choice for freshman representative.
Standing at the podium, Sakayanagi Arisu looked over every new student below. She knew that many of these young faces did not yet fully understand how the life they were about to face differed from that of an ordinary high school.
"Hello, everyone. I'm Sakayanagi Arisu from First-Year Class A." She began her speech.
"As your freshman representative, I want to emphasize that our lives here will be entirely different from those at an ordinary high school. We're not just here to study. We also bear the responsibility of improving our supernatural abilities."
Her voice echoed through the gymnasium, every word clear and forceful. "Every effort we make and every challenge we face here is about discovering and strengthening our inner potential. Our abilities set us apart, and they will be our companions on the path to growth."
Sakayanagi Arisu continued, "We were chosen to come here because we have the potential to become strong. But potential isn't the same as reality. We must uncover it, develop it, and hone it."
Her eyes shone with anticipation for the future. "Our task is not only to learn how to use our abilities, but, more importantly, to learn how to control them and make them part of our strength."
"Here, we'll face many challenges that will test our courage, wisdom, and resolve." Sakayanagi Arisu's voice grew more impassioned. "But remember, every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Our goal is not merely to become excellent students, but to become strong enough to control our own destinies."
When she finished speaking, enthusiastic applause filled the gymnasium.
The new students were encouraged by her words. Their eyes shone with anticipation for the challenges ahead and a desire to improve their supernatural abilities.
Itozawa frowned slightly. It was all useless drivel. Anyone could have said those things; there was no need for Sakayanagi to struggle up to the stage just to spout a load of pointless nonsense.
It seemed Chairman Sakayanagi's plan wasn't merely to give his daughter a chance to appear before everyone. He also wanted the students to naturally associate her with the chairman when they learned her surname in the future, thereby protecting her without drawing attention and sparing her needless bullying.
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