The atmosphere in the courtyard of Ryūsei Academy was a hive of activity. The aspirants, relieved from the tension of Professor Taiga's speech, moved back and forth, searching for their families for a final farewell, reviewing notes, and practicing moves with their beasts. However, the commotion did little to mask the palpable tension in the air. The impending theoretical exam, and even more so, the practical test, weighed heavily on everyone's shoulders.
Lost in the crowd, Kenji felt somewhat overwhelmed. He didn't know anyone there, and the idea of facing such an important exam filled him with anxiety. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves, and headed toward the registration lists, looking for his name and the classroom he needed to go to.
The lists were posted on several bulletin boards, and the aspirants crowded around them, trying to find their names among the multitude. Kenji had to elbow his way through, politely asking for space, until he finally managed to reach one of the boards.
He began searching for his name, scanning each line carefully. The names were arranged alphabetically, so he knew his should be near the bottom.
After several minutes of fruitless searching, Kenji started to panic. "What if I'm not on the list?" he thought, feeling dread creeping in. "What if there was an error in my registration? What if this was all just a dream?"
He shook his head, trying to dispel those negative thoughts. He couldn't give up now, not after coming this far. He had to trust himself, he had to believe in his destiny.
With renewed determination, he continued searching, and finally, he found it. His name was at the very bottom of the list, almost hidden by a crease in the paper.
"Kenji..." he murmured, reading his name in disbelief. "I found it!"
Next to his name, the classroom number was listed: Reading Room 7. He sighed in relief. At least he knew where to go.
However, as he moved away from the board, he heard a murmur of surprise and admiration spreading through the crowd. Kenji looked up, wondering what was happening.
In the distance, he saw a group of aspirants approaching. But these were no ordinary candidates. These children wore elegant and expensive clothing, with fine fabrics and luxurious embellishments. Their beasts, too, were different from the rest. They radiated an aura of power and sophistication, a clear testament to their status and lineage.
"Look," said an aspirant, his voice filled with admiration. "They're the children of noble families."
"That's right," another aspirant replied. "They are the heirs of the most powerful clans in Kazehana."
"They say they didn't even need to take the entrance exam," a third aspirant added. "Their families have connections in the academy, and their spots were already secured."
Kenji listened intently to the conversation. He knew that social differences existed in this world, that some people were born with privileges and advantages that others could only dream of. But he had never imagined that these disparities would be so evident in Ryūsei Academy, a place supposedly meant to be a melting pot of talent and opportunity.
"But this year is different," the third aspirant continued, lowering his voice as if revealing a secret. "They say that even they will have to take the practical exam."
"Really?" the first aspirant asked incredulously. "Why?"
"No one knows for sure," the third aspirant replied. "But some say that Kazehana's champion, Ryūjin Hoshi, insisted that all aspirants be treated equally. He wanted to ensure that only the strongest and most talented would enter the academy, regardless of their background."
Kenji felt inspired by the aspirant's words. Ryūjin Hoshi, despite his fame and power, cared about equal opportunities, about justice for all. He was a true hero, a role model.
"That's why they all have to take the practical exam," the aspirant continued, "and those who fail the test won't be admitted to the academy."
As if drawn by a magnetic force, all eyes turned to the elite students, watching them walk with an air of superiority that made them even more detestable.
As Kenji observed the group of elite students, he suddenly recognized someone in particular. It was Akari Hoshi, Ryūjin Hoshi's daughter, dressed in elegant clothes but visibly uncomfortable. Her face, usually radiant with joy, bore an expression of unease and resignation.
Kenji felt a pang of sympathy for Akari. He knew she didn't want to be treated differently, that she only wanted to prove her worth on her own merits. But now, she was forced to participate in a game she hadn't chosen, to fight against rivals who looked at her with distrust and resentment.
As if sensing his gaze, Akari looked up and met Kenji's eyes. A smile lit up her face, and she greeted him warmly.
"Kenji!" Akari exclaimed cheerfully. "It's great to see you! I didn't know you were taking the exam too."
Akari's greeting caused a stir among the other aspirants, especially within the group of elite students. Some looked at Kenji curiously, wondering who this unknown boy was. Others eyed her with disapproval, as if she were betraying her class and heritage.
But there was one person in particular who was not pleased with Akari's greeting: an arrogant boy walking beside her, his slicked-back hair, pristine uniform, and haughty gaze exuding self-importance. He glared at Kenji with disdain and hostility.
"Akari," the boy said disdainfully, "do you know this commoner?"
Akari frowned, clearly irritated by his comment. "His name is Kenji," she said firmly. "And he saved my life in the Forbidden Forest. You owe him respect."
The boy scoffed. "Really?" he sneered, looking at Kenji with utter contempt.
Without another word, the elite students entered the academy, leaving the courtyard behind, along with a trail of murmurs and tension. The commotion ended, and each aspirant headed to their assigned classroom, searching for their names on the lists and preparing for the challenge ahead.
Kenji sighed and prepared to do the same. His encounter with Akari and the arrogant boy had unsettled him slightly, but he couldn't let it distract him from his goal. He had to focus; he had to prepare for the exam.
Upon arriving at his assigned classroom, Kenji found a calm and quiet environment. The other aspirants were already seated at their desks, reviewing their notes and concentrating on their thoughts.
Kenji found an empty seat and sat down silently, opening his backpack and pulling out his books. But before he could start studying, he felt a piercing gaze on his back.
He turned slowly and saw the arrogant boy from before. The boy glared at him with hatred, clenching his fists in fury.
Kenji met his gaze calmly, showing no signs of fear. He knew this boy would be his rival, that he would have to face him at some point. But he didn't care. He was ready for any challenge.
The long silence was broken by the sound of a bell. The exam was about to begin.