Jay sat quietly in his small, dimly lit room, his eyes fixed on the glowing device resting in his hand. The same message repeated endlessly across the screen, broadcast to every corner of the world. Websites, news channels, and massive public displays echoed a single announcement like the steady beat of fate.
The entrance exam of Aurelian High School will begin in two days.
Only two days left…
The thought settled heavily in his mind.
For the past week, his life had revolved around nothing but preparation. He had devoured dozens of books on human behavior—studying gestures, speech patterns, and subtle social cues. He memorized daily routines, read countless accounts of student life, and even practiced casual conversations in front of a mirror until every movement appeared natural.
He observed videos of ordinary teenagers for hours, carefully noting how they laughed, argued, reacted to stress, and expressed excitement or frustration. Every detail was catalogued, analyzed, and rehearsed.
This wasn't talent.
This was discipline.
Hours upon hours spent training himself to appear ordinary—to blend in flawlessly while every step he took was measured and intentional. In two days, his actions would be scrutinized. Every glance, every hesitation, every word would be observed by unseen eyes.
A single mistake could expose everything.
Jay reviewed his notes once more, methodical as ever. Morning routines. Breakfast habits. How to move through crowded hallways. How to react to rivalry, pressure, or failure without drawing attention. Every scenario had been planned.
Every misstep could cost more than pride.
It could jeopardize the mission.
A quiet sigh escaped his lips.
'Blending in as an ordinary student… this was a challenge unlike any mission I've faced.'
He stood and stretched lightly, his gaze drifting to the neatly stacked books on the table psychology, etiquette, sports manuals, local history, and literature. Each one was a brick in the foundation of the identity he was about to wear.
Outside, the city of Stella pulsed with life. Laughter filled the streets, voices overlapped, and excitement hung thick in the air. For most people, the upcoming exam was an opportunity for glory and prestige.
For Jay, it was a battlefield.
He glanced at his device once more. The announcement still glowed brightly.
"WE WELCOME YOU TO ATTEMPT THE ENTRANCE EXAM OF THE PRESTIGIOUS AURELIAN HIGH SCHOOL.
THE EXAM BEGINS IN 2 DAYS.
ALL STUDENTS AGED 17 ARE ELIGIBLE.
BEST OF LUCK."
Two days.
Two days to perfect the mask he would wear.
He inhaled slowly, steadying his mind.
The countdown had begun.
Stella – The Southern Region
Stella was, as always, a city overflowing with life. Its busy streets were filled with laughter, joy, and movement a place where people believed the world was kind.
Yet within a massive, sealed building at the heart of the city, the atmosphere was anything but cheerful.
A group of elders sat solemnly in their chairs, expressions grim. The entrance exam announcement had been published, and excitement outside was at its peak.
The man seated at the head of the hall rose to speak.
"Respected elders of Stella," he began calmly, his voice carrying authority. "I welcome you all to this important meeting."
Every elder straightened, their attention sharpened.
"As you know, I am the Grand Elder of Stella. My name is Sirius."
He paused, letting his words sink in.
"The entrance exam of Aurelian High School has been announced. This is not merely a school it is a stage where regions prove their dominance. Intelligence. Power. Prestige."
His voice hardened.
"As one of the world's most influential regions, Stella must secure a top position. The world must be reminded of what it means to stand above as Stella."
Pride ignited in the elders' eyes.
"And we all know who our greatest asset is."
A single name echoed silently among them.
"Aric."
Nods spread through the hall.
"That boy was groomed from childhood. Excellence in academics. Overwhelming physical prowess. A dominant will that sees others as beneath him."
The elders smiled knowingly. Aric's arrogance was not a flaw it was proof of superiority.
"Aurelian is a place where the weak crumble," Sirius continued. "And Aric was raised to stand at the top of the food chain."
He clenched his fist slightly.
"We will ensure he dominates his peers for all three years on Aurora Isle."
"There may be challengers," he admitted. "But I trust Aric will crush them and use them as stepping stones."
Satisfied smiles spread across the hall.
"With that, this meeting is concluded. May Stella's light shine the brightest."
The elders rose and departed.
Left alone, Sirius gathered the documents on his desk. His gaze stopped at a single name.
Neva.
"…She might be a problem."
He leaned back, lighting a cigarette as smoke curled calmly into the air.
Glacia – The Northern Region
Glacia lay in the far northern reaches of the world, a land where snow never truly melted and winter ruled most of the year. Vast white plains, frozen rivers, and towering mountains shaped its people those who believed only strength and discipline deserved respect.
Emotion held no power in Glacia.
Hierarchy did.
Status defined worth. Lineage, results, and achievements outweighed compassion, which was often seen as weakness. From a young age, children were taught to endure cold, pressure, and expectation alike.
Many of the world's most prestigious and wealthy families originated from Glacia, all bound by a single belief:
Honor above all else.
Failure was unacceptable. Excuses were despised. Only excellence was acknowledged.
Those who emerged from Glacia were feared, respected or both.
And among them stood Neva.
She was a prime candidate for Aurelian High School. Cold. Calm. Exceptionally disciplined. Excelling in both academics and physical ability.
Inside a quiet room, Neva sat at her study table, posture flawless, ruby eyes fixed on the pages before her. Her focus was absolute.
Knock. Knock.
She rose gracefully, snow-white hair falling like fresh snowfall as she opened the door. A man stood there, smiling proudly.
"As disciplined as ever," he said.
A faint smile appeared on Neva's lips.
"Thank you, Father."
He gently patted her head.
"Are you ready for the entrance exam?"
"I am," she replied without hesitation.
Satisfied, he wished her luck and left.
Neva returned to her seat and whispered softly:
"I will place the honor of Glacia above all else."
Her gaze shifted to the device beside her.
"THE ENTRANCE EXAM OF AURELIAN HIGH SCHOOL WILL BEGIN IN 24 HOURS.
BEST OF LUCK."