Renji Shibata was about to miss the most important day of his life. Coming from a small town, the academy he managed to get into put together a trust fund.
The idea was to help impoverished, but promising students in their pursuit of education. This got Renji a small, but welcoming place to call home, in close proximity of the school.
The sun stabbed through the cracks in his window like a divine punishment, but he stayed buried under the blanket, dead to the world. At Almenio Academy, the most cutthroat magic school in existence, showing up late to the opening ceremony wasn't just frowned upon, it was practically suicide. Renji didn't care.
He hated mornings. Always had. Still does.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
"Come on, dude, we're gonna be late!"
No response.
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
"I swear to God, Renji, if you make me get expelled on day one..."
KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.
The door swung open. Sunlight detonated across the room like a flashbang. Renji groaned and rolled over, blinking through the assault.
"You're lucky you're my friend, Gudo."
"You're lucky I haven't slapped you awake. Clock's ticking. Let's go!"
Renji dragged himself upright, running a hand through his hair. "Ten minutes."
He showered like a zombie, brushed his teeth while half-asleep, and threw on the standard school uniform with the grace of a sleep-deprived scarecrow.
Twenty minutes later, he locked the door behind him.
"You said ten."
"Details."
They speed-walked through the cobbled streets of Almenio, a massive city that never slept. Towering buildings stretched into the clouds, and spell-lights danced across hovering signs. Renji yawned and tried not to trip over his own feet.
"Man, I still can't believe we're really here." Gudo said, eyes wide. "This place is insane."
"Too loud. And way too many people."
"You'll get used to it."
"Highly doubt it."
Miraculously, they reached the academy gates just in time. Or close enough to fake it. The security officer narrowed his eyes but waved them through.
Inside the massive auditorium, hundreds of students filled the rows. The moment Renji and Gudo stepped in, heads turned. Whispers followed. Some curious, some cold.
Renji didn't like the attention.
They found two open seats near the back and sat down as the director stepped onto the podium. Her voice echoed through the enchanted sound system.
"Welcome to Almenio. If you're here, it means you passed the initial requirements. But don't mistake acceptance for success. We are a meritocracy. If you fall behind, you will be cut. Replaced."
The air grew heavy.
"We do not offer safety nets. We offer opportunity to those worthy of it. The first semester is your proving ground. If you're not exceptional, you won't last."
Nobody dared to move.
"This is not a school for the average. Each year, thirty percent of first-years are expelled in the first month. By graduation, less than half remain."
Someone in the front row visibly gulped.
"If you survive all four years, you will be offered jobs, contracts, even titles. Everything here is earned. Your fate lies in your hands."
She paused, letting it sink in.
"Classes are ranked A through E, with A being the elite. They are also categorised by years, with 1A being the strongest first-year class. You will rise and fall based on performance. Every semester is a reset. Earn your spot, or lose it."
Murmurs stirred. Anxiety. Excitement. Panic.
"For the first week, you'll be competing in a placement tournament. Bracket-style. Win or lose, you'll be evaluated. Fight well, and you'll land where you belong. Fight poorly, and you'll sink."
A projection appeared above the stage: five groups, twenty students each.
Renji's name appeared in Group B1.
So did Gudo's.
Gudo leaned over, grimacing. "Oh, great. That's us."
Renji frowned. "Think they'll pair us early?"
Before Gudo could answer, names began appearing under the bracket for the first round.
Match 1: Renji Shibata vs. Gudo Asakura.
The auditorium noise faded into static.
Gudo's face dropped. "No way."
Renji stared at the screen, unblinking.
He didn't want to fight Gudo.
But the names were locked in.
The choice was gone.
It's happening.