Chapter 1: A Sudden Rift

  The day began with strange news. Every major channel reported unusual solar activity. Massive solar flares were erupting from the sun, something that wasn’t entirely uncommon. But this time, there was something different.

  Satellites captured something no one could explain. Amid the fiery chaos of the flares, a shadow moved—a black silhouette against the blazing light. It lingered, growing sharper with every frame. Its jagged outline looked unnatural, almost like a dragon with wings spread wide, as if it were challenging the sun itself.

  “Reports confirm there’s no immediate danger,” the news anchor said, smiling as if to calm viewers. “But this phenomenon is unlike anything we’ve seen before.”

  The broadcast moved on to other topics, but for those who saw it, the dragon-shaped shadow left a lasting impression.

  At Ashikawa High School, the day seemed like any other. The hallways buzzed with the chatter of students, but for Iryoku Taiyou, it was just another boring morning.

  Near the school gym, Iryoku sat against a wall, his arms crossed and head tilted back. His school uniform was as messy as ever, with an undone tie and a rumpled shirt. He had found the perfect shady spot for a nap, away from any teachers or prefects who might scold him.

  But peace never lasted long.

  “Oi, delinquent! What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in class?”

  The sharp voice belonged to Alessandra Mamoru Sensei, a proud blend of Japanese and Italian heritage. With her striking red hair tied back in a ponytail and her sporty outfit—a simple white tank top and black shorts—she exuded an air of authority. Hands on her hips, she towered over Iryoku, a storm waiting to break.

  Iryoku cracked one eye open, giving her a lazy look. “Yeah, yeah. I’ll go… after I finish my business.” He leaned back and closed his eyes again, clearly uninterested in her scolding.

  Alessandra’s patience snapped. She grabbed his arm, her tank top shifting slightly as she leaned forward, though Iryoku barely noticed.

  “Get up. Now!” she barked, tugging at him.

  He sighed dramatically but stood up with exaggerated slowness. “You’re relentless, you know that?”

  “And you’re insufferable,” she shot back. “Get to class or—” She hesitated, narrowing her eyes. Finally, she threw up her hands in exasperation. “Fine. Have it your way. Don’t be surprised when the prefect calls your parents!”

  Iryoku smirked but didn’t reply. Watching her stomp off, he stretched and yawned, settling back into his shady spot.

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  From a nearby classroom window, Yumi Chiisai watched the exchange with a deep frown. She adjusted her glasses, muttering under her breath. “What a shameless jerk.”

  Yumi’s heart ached for Alessandra. Her sensei’s dedication and strength always inspired her, and seeing Iryoku disrespect her felt personal. Still, Yumi hesitated to step outside. Iryoku’s reputation for being rough and unruly made her nervous. Instead, she sighed and returned to her desk, trying to ignore the flutter of emotions Alessandra always stirred in her.

  In another part of the school, Reika Rizumu sat quietly in her classroom, reading a novel. Her elegant posture and serene demeanor drew admiring glances from her classmates. With her long black hair cascading down her back and her calm, focused expression, she seemed almost unreal, like a character from a painting.

  “She’s so perfect,” one girl whispered.

  “Do you think she ever gets mad?” another replied.

  Reika, unaware of their whispers, turned another page in her book. The story of a rebellious mage defying her noble family resonated with her. Though she appeared content, a flicker of longing danced in her eyes.

  Later, the gym buzzed with excitement as Alessandra organized a volleyball match. The girls from Yumi’s and Reika’s classes lined up, some eager to compete, others just hoping to get through it.

  Yumi stood awkwardly at the back of her team in her PE uniform. Her white t-shirt and blue bloomers clung uncomfortably, and she could feel her cheeks burning.

  “Yumi, focus!” Alessandra’s voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

  “Y-Yes!” Yumi stammered, adjusting her glasses just as the ball came hurtling toward her. She flailed but missed, and the ball bounced past her.

  On the other side, Reika moved with graceful precision. She jumped and spiked the ball over the net, earning a point for her team. The gym erupted in cheers as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her expression calm as ever.

  When the match ended, the girls headed to the locker room. Laughter and chatter filled the air as they peeled off their sweat-soaked uniforms.

  Yumi hurried to change, her face red with embarrassment. Her larger chest made pulling off her shirt a struggle, and she fumbled awkwardly, feeling self-conscious. Reika, meanwhile, folded her clothes neatly and tied her hair back with practiced ease.

  “Hurry up, girls! You’ll be late for your next class!” Alessandra called from outside.

  As the room emptied, only Yumi and Reika remained. Yumi fidgeted with her socks while Reika adjusted her uniform. Just as they finished, the ground beneath them began to tremble.

  “What the…?” Alessandra stumbled into the room, grabbing a locker for balance.

  “It’s an earthquake!” Yumi cried, clutching a bench.

  “No… this is different,” Reika said, her voice unsteady for the first time.

  The air grew thick with energy. Sparks of light flickered around them, and a low hum filled the room. Lockers rattled, and the floor beneath them cracked as if reality itself was unraveling.

  With a deafening crash, a blinding light engulfed the room. When it faded, they found themselves in a vast, dark hall. The cold air sent shivers down their spines. Around them lay scattered remnants of the locker room—benches, clothes, and lockers warped into the strange new setting.

  Yumi clung to Alessandra’s arm, her voice trembling. “W-Where are we?”

  Alessandra stepped forward, her protective instincts kicking in. “Stay behind me.” Her sharp eyes scanned the hall, where shadows flickered and growled in the dim light.

  A few meters away, they spotted a girl in white lying on the ground. Her long blonde hair fanned out like a halo, and blood seeped from a wound on her arm. Struggling to rise, she whispered faintly.

  Alessandra approached cautiously, motioning for the others to stay back.

  The girl raised her head, her pale, delicate features etched with pain. Elven-like ears peeked through her flowing blonde hair, adding an otherworldly elegance to her appearance. She pointed toward the shadows and managed to say, “They’re… coming…”

  From the darkness, the growls grew louder.