After the grueling battles, the mechanical voice rang out again:
"All students are to bathe immediately and put on the new combat uniforms."
In the bathhouse, the air filled with steam and murmured conversations.
Ren, leaning casually against the wall, whispered to Akio with a mischievous grin,
"Bro… don't you think Hikari is a cutie? I mean, she has to be an E cup at least."
Akio's face turned bright red, the comment catching him completely off guard.
"You dumbass," he muttered, trying to hide his blush.
Meanwhile, Hikari and Sayaka were bathing nearby, steam curling around them.
Hikari tilted her head, voice soft but thoughtful:
"Don't you think Akio is… hot?"
Sayaka smirked knowingly.
"You like him, don't you?"
"No!" Hikari snapped, cheeks flushing, but she couldn't hide her embarrassment.
After bathing, everyone donned the new-style combat uniforms, sleek and practical, with slight personalized flair to reflect their powers. They were then led to Class 1-A, the classroom designated for the four students of their group.
Mr. Isakawa stepped forward, eyes sharp but kind.
"I have become a TR to accelerate the development of this world and put an end to the devils and vampires. I am also an alchemist, like some of you."
Akio stood, voice calm but carrying weight.
"I'm Akio Kazama. I'm sixteen. Favorite food… ramen. And I like badass girls," he added, making Hikari's eyes sparkle.
His expression darkened slightly as he continued, voice trembling just a little,
"I want to be part of the Black Sun Association to avenge my family, who were brutally murdered by vampires and devils."
The room fell silent, every student stunned by his honesty. Akio's eyes glimmered with determination as he wiped a stray tear and then straightened his posture, voice firm:
"…to reduce death. To promote equal living. To reduce tribalism. To promote democracy. To promote unity."
Hikari's eyes sparkled, admiration and inspiration reflected in her gaze.
Ren stood up next, grinning.
"I'm Ren Hayashi, also sixteen. Favorite food… pork buns. And I like badass girls too," he added, earning a small chuckle from Hikari.
Sayaka followed, her expression calm and playful:
"I'm sixteen as well. Favorite food… miso soup. I want people to feel calm and free when they're around me. And… I'm doing this for fun."
Hikari spoke last, voice tinged with emotion:
"I'm sixteen. Favorite food… ramen." She paused, eyes flashing with intensity, sparking Ren's attention. "My grandmother and caretaker, Albert, were brutally killed by those bastards."
Without warning, she bolted from the classroom.
Ren and Sayaka lunged to stop her, but Akio raised a hand, calm and authoritative.
"TR, continue the lessons. We will follow her."
He sprinted after Hikari, leaving Ren and Sayaka to regroup. Sayaka grabbed Ren's arm as they caught up with Akio's departure.
"Let's sit close together. I want to get to know you," she whispered, teasing.
Mr. Isakawa's expression twisted into a funny, scary glare.
"This is a top-notch academy, not a love hotel!"
Sayaka blinked, startled.
"Has he always been this scary?"
Ren smirked, nudging her.
"At this point, he'll be bold by next week."