The sun rose over the silver towers of Neo-Metropolis, its light shimmering across the transparent bridges and flying vehicles that danced in the air.
Inside the hidden waterfall base of the Ryouko Clan, Johnrey slowly opened his eyes.
He yawned. "Another day of school…" he mumbled, stretching—until he noticed the unfamiliar red pillars and glowing walls around him.
"Wait… this isn't my apartment," he whispered.
He stood up, walked to the window, and saw the gentle flow of the waterfall outside. The sunlight broke through the mist like crystal glass.
As he peeked outside his door, he froze—men in black suits stood in the hall, wearing glowing visors over their eyes and holding sleek laser rifles.
He slammed the door shut.
"Okay… so it wasn't a dream," he muttered, rubbing his cheek. "I'm really living with a scary clan…"
He checked the clock.
"Wait—7:45!? Oh crap, I'm late!"
He burst out of his room, shouting, "I'm late for school!"
The nearest guard turned calmly. "Please wait, Mr. Johnrey. Our hover car can take you there in less than a minute."
"But my uniform—"
"We've already transferred your belongings from your apartment, sir."
Johnrey blinked, scratching his head. "...Oh. Uh, thanks?"
He dashed back inside, changed into his Louse International High School uniform—a black jacket with a torch emblem encircled on the chest—and ran to the hall.
A knock came at the door. "Mr. Johnrey, Lady Sarah wishes to speak with you."
Johnrey sighed. "Here we go again…"
Inside the throne hall, Sarah sat elegantly on her obsidian chair, the pink skull-shaped ring glinting on her finger.
"From this day onward," she said, her tone calm but commanding, "my men will transport you to school and back. You'll live here now, under our protection."
Johnrey nodded quickly. "Y-yes, ma'am."
"You may go," she added.
Outside, a guard opened the door of a floating black car.
"After you, Mr. Johnrey."
Johnrey gulped and stepped in. The moment he sat down, the air-conditioning hissed softly, cold and crisp. Then, with a low hum, the car lifted off, piercing through the waterfall's mist and into the skies above Neo-Metropolis.
Flying cars zipped past skyscrapers covered in holographic ads. Robots carried delivery boxes, and people with rocket boots soared between platforms. Towering billboards projected 3D holograms of idols, news, and sports games in the air.
Johnrey pressed his hand to the window, whispering, "So this is what the city looks like from above…"
The car descended at Louse International High School, a futuristic academy built with glass towers and digital walkways. The gates opened with a soft hum as Johnrey stepped out.
Instantly, whispers spread among his classmates.
> "Wait, is that Johnrey? The class clown?"
"No way! That car costs more than my house!"
"And—are those bodyguards?!"
Johnrey rubbed his neck awkwardly and laughed. "Hehe… yeah, morning guys…"
Inside the classroom, Sui turned to him with his usual calm smile.
Sui's light-blue hair shimmered faintly, his headphones glowing softly around his neck. His aqua eyes always looked half-dreamy, half-cool—like he was born in another world.
"Morning, Johnrey," he said casually.
"Hey, Sui," Johnrey replied.
"You're early today. I thought you'd sleep in again."
Johnrey chuckled nervously. "Heh… I had a really fast car ride."
Before Sui could reply, a warm voice came from behind.
"Good morning, Johnrey."
Johnrey turned—and froze.
It was Hanah, his crush. Her orange ponytail swayed slightly as sunlight hit her face, and her bright hazel eyes gleamed like gold. She was known throughout school as the model student—beautiful, talented, and kind.
"Oh! H-Hey, Hanah," he stammered.
Hanah tilted her head with a curious smile. "Can I ask you something?"
"Uh, sure."
"Are you… rich now? I saw you getting dropped off in a luxury car."
Johnrey waved his hands fast. "Ah, no! I mean—my cousin's rich, not me!"
"Oh, I see. That explains it," she giggled softly.
Johnrey's thoughts screamed, Please forgive me, Sarah! I had to lie!
Before he could say more, the bell rang.
Hanah smiled. "We better get to class."
"Y-yeah…" Johnrey replied, watching her walk ahead.
"She's so cute…" he muttered under his breath.
Hours later…
Johnrey woke up to his teacher glaring at him.
"Mr. Calden "I meant mr. Ryouko! Sleeping again?"
Johnrey shot up. "I-I'm sorry, sir!"
"If I catch you sleeping once more, you'll clean the entire hallway!"
"Yes, sir!"
When lunch came, Johnrey stretched. "Finally, lunchtime…" He opened his bag, then froze. "Oh crap. No lunch again."
He sighed. "Guess I'll eat outside."
As he walked down the hallway, he looked at his ring. The Inferno Ring shimmered faintly, the flame symbol pulsing red.
"How do I unlock your power?" he whispered.
Outside the school gate, men in white suits were scanning students discreetly—each wearing visors with scanning lights across their lenses.
Johnrey accidentally bumped into one of them.
"Watch where you're going, kid," the man said sternly.
"S-sorry, sir." Johnrey bowed, then froze as he noticed the V-shaped emblem on their car. His heart thumped. The same symbol as before… the ones chasing that girl!
He quickly walked away, trembling.
The man narrowed his eyes, noticing the faint glow on Johnrey's ring.
"I found it," he whispered. "He's got the Inferno Ring."
"Let's report to the boss first before we do something crazy, " another said.
Their vehicle silently lifted off and vanished into the neon skyline.
As Johnreyreturned to the aboutan hour has passed , Sui appeared, yawning.
"Hey, Johnrey. You look pale. Something wrong?"
Johnrey forced a smile. "Nah, just… ran into a dog."
Sui smirked. "A dog, huh? Classic Johnrey."
Johnrey breathing "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up"
Then Sui pointed. "Uh, dude—your ring is glowing."
Johnrey quickly covered it. "Y-Yeah, it does that sometimes."
"Okay…" Sui shrugged. "C'mon, we're gonna be late."
As they hurried to class, Johnrey groaned, "What subject next?"
"English," Sui replied.
"Ugh. Not that boring quiz again…"
Distracted, Johnrey bumped into someone.
He looked up—and froze again.
The tall student with black hair and piercing black eyes glared down at him.
It was Kaito Susuge, the leader of the Disciplinary Committee—known for his ruthless motto:
> "Fight… or die."
In his hand was his signature digital Bō staff, folded and glowing faint blue.
"Watch your step," Kaito said coldly. "Unless you want to fight."
Johnrey bowed so fast his head nearly hit the floor. "N-No, sorry! Totally my bad!"
"Go," Kaito said flatly, walking past.
Johnrey let out a long sigh of relief.
Sui patted his shoulder. "I seriously thought you were about to die."
"That's not funny!" Johnrey snapped, still pale.
As they entered class, Johnrey muttered under his breath "uh..that was closed"