The Entrance Ceremony and the Classroom

At the end of the massive underwater tunnel, the light suddenly brightened. The full view of Tokyo Koudo Ikusei High School, like a future fortress suspended above the blue sea, unfolded before all the new students in the clear morning light. The magnificent modernist buildings were arranged in a well-planned layout on the man-made island, glass facades reflecting the sky and sea, wide roads lined with greenery, and in the distance, the outlines of standardized sports fields and advanced gymnasiums were visible.

The air carried the distinctive salty tang of the sea breeze, mixed with the fresh scent of newly trimmed grass. The bus drove steadily across the giant bridge connecting the tunnel entrance to the island, finally stopping at the plaza in front of the imposing main school building.

The new students filed off the bus, their expressions ranging from awe to nervousness to ambition, merging into the bustling crowd. Shimiya Kuki moved quietly with the flow, his gaze calmly sweeping over this school that would carry him through the next three years. Its newness, its vastness, and its meticulous sense of order were completely different from any environment he had known before. The excitement and anticipation floating in the air were, to him, more like background noise to be observed and analyzed.

"Shimiya-kun!" A clear, pleasant voice full of warmth sounded beside him. Shimiya Kuki turned to see Kushida Kikyo hurrying up to him, a bright, sunny smile on her face, a smile that seemed capable of dispelling the unfamiliarity of a new place. "What a huge school! It's even more impressive than in the photos!" she exclaimed sincerely, her bright eyes sparkling with curiosity and anticipation for the new environment.

"Mm," Shimiya Kuki replied simply. The two naturally fell into step as they walked toward the imposing main gate. The massive gate had a simple yet powerful design, with the school emblem and name prominently displayed above.

"We're going to be living here for three years now. I don't know what it'll be like, but please take care of me!" Kushida Kikyo said as they walked, her tone sincere and friendly, without any hint of forced flattery. "I really owe you one from back on the bus, Shimiya-kun. I wouldn't have known what to do otherwise." Her words flowed like a warm stream, natural and effortless.

"It was nothing," Shimiya Kuki replied calmly. He glanced at the brown-haired girl beside him. Her social skills were indeed as penetrating as the smile she showed. In just a few minutes, she had already nodded and smiled at several unfamiliar classmates passing by, as if she had known them for a long time.

The crowd converged at the school gate, where new students needed to head to different assembly points according to their class signs. The notice board was already crowded, with class rosters posted on it.

"Ah, the class lists are over there!" Kushida Kikyo pointed toward the notice board. "Let's go take a look, Shimiya-kun!"

The two moved closer with the crowd. Shimiya Kuki's gaze swept calmly over the list, quickly finding his name in Class B. At the same time, he heard Kushida Kikyo let out a light "Ah" beside him. "Found it! I'm in First Year Class D." Her voice was still bright, but her eyes lingered for a moment on the name of Class B where Shimiya Kuki was, a faint hint of disappointment flashing through them before being quickly replaced by her signature warm smile.

"What a shame, Shimiya-kun, we're not in the same class!" She turned to him, speaking sincerely, her smile still radiant. "Then we'll part ways here. I need to head to the Class D assembly point. See you after the entrance ceremony!" She waved at Shimiya Kuki, her movements natural and full of energy, then turned and, like a nimble fish, merged into the flow of students heading to the Class D assembly point. Soon, he saw her enthusiastically striking up a conversation with several girls also heading to Class D.

Shimiya Kuki watched her figure disappear into the crowd. Class D. He calmly withdrew his gaze and followed the signs to the Class B assembly area.

The entrance ceremony was held in the school's Central Auditorium. The auditorium was astonishing in scale, with a high, vaulted ceiling and stark, modern lines, full of a sense of technology. A giant electronic screen hung above the stage, playing the school's promotional video, showcasing its top-tier facilities, brilliant college and employment records, and the achievements of students in various competitions and activities. Soft, cool-toned lights illuminated the thousands of neatly arranged seats below.

The new students sat according to their class zones. Shimiya Kuki sat in the Class B area, surrounded by unfamiliar faces all wearing brand-new uniforms. He could feel a subtle tension in the air. His gaze swept over the Class D area, easily catching sight of Kushida Kikyo. She was smiling and chatting softly with a few girls next to her, her demeanor completely at ease.

The ceremony officially began. The principal stepped up to the podium. He was a middle-aged man of average build, with a stern face and sharp, hawk-like eyes, wearing a well-fitted dark suit. His voice, transmitted through the high-quality sound system to every corner of the auditorium, was steady and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority.

"Welcome, new students of Tokyo Koudo Ikusei High School."

The opening remarks were concise and direct.

"You are the cream of the crop, selected from countless competitors across the nation. The ticket you hold in your hands leads to Japan's—and the world's—top academic institutions and elite circles." His gaze slowly swept across the young faces below.

"But remember, Ikusei High School is not a comfortable cradle. What is practiced here is the absolute 'Survival of the Fittest'!"

The word "fittest" was deliberately emphasized, striking like a hammer on everyone's heart.

"You have been assigned to different classes. This is merely a preliminary arrangement based on your entrance evaluations, to facilitate teaching organization." His words were cold and realistic. "But the core spirit of Ikusei High School is only one: competition!"

"There is no meaningless sympathy or charity here. Want better resources? Want more recognition? Want to prove your worth?" The principal's voice rose. "Then earn it with your strength! In every competition, in every activity, in every situation that demands you to show your ability, give it your all, surpass others, surpass yourself!"

"The starting point is not the finish line. The composition of classes is not set in stone. Your future performance, the results you achieve in competition, will define your position and value here!"

"Ikusei High School is a microcosm of society, and even more so, a crucible that tempens true steel. Here, you will learn the most real law of survival—only strength earns respect and the future. I hope that three years from now, standing at your graduation ceremony, you will all be worthy of the path you have chosen, graduating with the glory forged by your strength!"

The principal's words were like a bucket of ice water, dousing the excitement many had felt upon arrival, while igniting a fire in the eyes of others. The auditorium fell into a heavy silence, the echo of the principal's final words—"I wish all new students good luck in battle"—fading into the cold air. Competition, survival of the fittest... these words formed the backdrop of life at Ikusei High School.

After the ceremony, the new students followed instructions to their respective classrooms. Shimiya Kuki left the auditorium calmly and followed the signs to the Class 1-B classroom. On the corridor leading to the school building, he saw Kushida Kikyo again. She was walking with a few girls from Class D, seemingly comforting one who looked a bit downcast. Sensing Shimiya Kuki's gaze, she looked up, gave him a warm, encouraging smile from a distance, and waved lightly, as if to say "Keep it up." Shimiya Kuki responded with a slight nod, then merged into the flow heading to Class B.

The Class 1-B classroom was on the middle floor of the school building, with good lighting. The room was spacious, equipped with the latest multimedia teaching devices and adjustable desks and chairs. The overall environment was clean and bright, exuding a practical and efficient atmosphere. When Shimiya Kuki entered, many students were already seated.

He quickly and calmly scanned the room. Most of his classmates seemed relatively composed, their faces showing curiosity about the new environment and a faint, barely perceptible caution. There was no one particularly flashy or eye-catching; the overall atmosphere leaned toward introversion and pragmatism. He chose a seat by the window, relatively far back. This position offered a wide view, allowing him to observe both the podium and most of the classroom, while not easily becoming the center of attention.

Soon, light footsteps sounded at the classroom door. A young woman walked in, immediately drawing everyone's attention. She looked no more than twenty-something, with smooth, shoulder-length dark brown hair that curled slightly at the ends. Her face bore an extremely approachable, sweet smile, her eyes curving like crescent moons, her skin fair. She wore a well-fitted professional skirt suit, but exuded a lively, cute aura, far from the image of a stern teacher one might expect.

"Good morning, everyone~!" Her voice was clear and pleasant, carrying undisguised cheerfulness. "I'm your homeroom teacher for the next three years, Hoshinomiya Chie! Please take care of me!" She gave an energetic bow, her smile so bright it seemed capable of melting ice. The atmosphere in the classroom instantly lightened considerably.

"Oh my, looking at all your youthful, energetic faces, I feel like I've gotten younger myself!" Hoshinomiya-sensei clasped her hands together, her eyes sparkling. "From now on, we're one family! Everyone in Class B, let's work together to create a warm and motivated class!"

She enthusiastically introduced herself, emphasizing the importance of class unity and mutual support, her words full of beautiful hopes for the future. She seemed like a lively older sister, rather than a strict guide.

However, behind Hoshinomiya-sensei's sweet smile and lively words, Shimiya Kuki keenly caught a hint of something different. When her gaze swept across the classroom, passing over each student, those curved, laughing eyes occasionally flashed with an extremely brief, sharp glint, like a precision instrument scanning. That glint came and went in an instant, so fast it could almost be mistaken for an illusion, yet it carried a sense of assessment and insight. This hidden sharpness formed a subtle contrast with the relaxed, lively facade she deliberately crafted.

Shimiya Kuki watched the energetic Hoshinomiya Chie at the podium calmly. This homeroom teacher seemed far from simple on the surface. Her level of "trouble" might not be low. He silently filed this observation away. Hoshinomiya-sensei began to explain the school's various rules in detail. Shimiya Kuki listened quietly. Outside the window, the brand-new, challenging life at Ikusei High School was slowly beginning to unfold.