The day was bright and sunny, with a few soft clouds drifting across the sky. The grounds of Erito High School were buzzing with activity. Seniors stood near the entrance, greeting the freshers with practiced smiles, while faculty members ensured the ceremony ran smoothly. It was a day filled with anticipation and nerves—students stepping into one of the most prestigious schools in the nation.

Inside the grand auditorium, rows of students sat waiting for the entrance ceremony to begin. The atmosphere was thick with murmurs and whispers, with freshers exchanging cautious introductions.

In one corner of the auditorium, a cheerful voice broke the tension.

“Hi! I’m Umaki Sayori,” said a girl with long, flowy, wavy brown hair. She had a radiant smile, her excitement evident in her sparkling eyes. “By some miracle, I got admitted to Erito High! I heard it’s a great place to build a solid future. I’m really excited. What about you? What’s your name?”

The girl sitting next to her glanced over with a look of mild annoyance. Her dark black hair was messy, falling over her shoulders in uneven waves, and she exuded an air of disinterest.

“Nijuri Tokato,” she replied curtly, her voice devoid of enthusiasm.

Sayori blinked, caught off guard by the bluntness, but quickly recovered with a sheepish smile. Before she could say anything else, the crackle of a microphone drew everyone’s attention to the stage.

A man stepped up to the podium. The principal of Erito High School looked young for his position, his striking white hair shimmering under the auditorium lights. His sharp features and intense expression commanded silence as he surveyed the room.

“Everyone, pay attention,” he said, his tone calm yet firm.

The room fell into complete silence.

“This is not a place for fun and games,” he began, his piercing gaze sweeping across the crowd. “You are here to learn—learn how to survive and thrive in the real world. Erito High does not simply educate; it transforms. You will be ruthless. Without sacrifice and determination, you will be crushed.”

The weight of his words hung in the air as he continued. “But for those who endure, the rewards are unparalleled. You are the seeds of this generation, and only the strongest among you will bloom.”

His tone softened slightly as he concluded, “You are dismissed. Staff and seniors will guide you to your classrooms. Good luck.”

With that, the principal walked off the stage, leaving the freshers to process his chilling yet motivating words.

Seated amidst the crowd, Kaito Arakawa remained expressionless. His crimson red hair glinted faintly in the light, but it was his eyes that stood out. Cold and hollow, they seemed to draw in the light around them. Anyone who dared meet his gaze would understand the true meaning of the phrase, “If you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes back.”

The student council president stepped up next, her voice cheerful as she gave practical instructions. “Freshers, please follow the staff through the doors to your classrooms. Welcome to Erito High, and good luck in your journey!”

---

The scene shifted to Kaito as he stepped into his assigned classroom.

Class B was one of four classes for freshers: A, B, C, and the mysterious Class S. Class B, where Kaito had been placed, was nothing special.

The classroom was spacious, with large windows that let in the bright sunlight, illuminating the pristine desks and chairs. Trophies and plaques adorned the walls, a constant reminder of the high expectations placed on the students.

Kaito walked in, his presence drawing a few curious glances from his classmates. But his cold demeanor and piercing gaze discouraged any attempts at conversation. Without a word, he chose a seat near the back, by the window. The sunlight warmed his desk, but the chill he exuded remained untouched.

The day had barely begun, but Kaito knew one thing for sure—this was the first step in a long and unforgiving journey.