Today was my first day in the National Institute for Human Advancement Senior High School. It's a reputable and respected school in Japan, known for its unique system and strong focus on society. The school was designed to nurture students who will shape the future and lead Japan to its next golden era—a sunrise peak on the world stage.
It was morning, and I was standing on the platform. Around me, I could hear the murmurs and inaudible conversations of workers and students. The atmosphere was lively and somehow peaceful to me. After suffering under the hands of rats and tyrants, I had finally found my ideal peaceful life—and challenged myself to see how I could grow in solitude.
I was wearing the polo the school required students to wear—a black coat uniform with a T-shirt underneath, paired with trousers and black shoes. Somehow, it matched well with my black hair and dark eyes. I was holding my black handbag, waiting for the train.
It's been a long time since I stood like this in a train station, surrounded by people who have no idea what's beneath the surface. Perhaps this is what we call "The System"—a structure where people move like parts of a machine, maybe even like The Matrix. Living life feels like a journey to find the meaning of something greater—like the concept of a fourth dimension, something the human brain still can't fully comprehend. Everyone just goes through the same loop: study, work, and in the end, die—leaving behind a legacy to be inherited by their sons and daughters.
What I mean to say is that we're following what society or others tell us to do, without ever looking back at the consequences of being a 'rat'... A rat chase, indeed. Society is like a maze, and we're all rats running inside it—chasing approval, grades, and promotions—without even realizing the maze is shifting. We never stop to ask if the cheese is worth it. And by the time we reach the cheese, it's too late—we're going to die before we can even take a bite.
And like I said, I'm done suffering under those rats and tyrants who made my life miserable for so many years. Maybe this school will be the start of a new chapter—the end of my story of pain and the beginning of something better.
Before I could sink deeper into my thoughts, the voice of the station staff echoed—a warning about the incoming train. Its metal plates clattered along the tracks as it approached.
It stopped in front of me with a soft hush of wind. The doors slid open, and I stepped inside.
The train was crowded—though not fully packed, every seat was taken.
Guess I'll have to stand...
As I was about to hold the handrail, I felt a foot tap against mine.
I turned just in time to see a girl stumble forward. She had long, white hair that flowed behind her, tied with a black ribbon. She was wearing the same school uniform as me, but with a ribbon on the chest and a short skirt.
Reacting quickly, I caught her by the waist before she could fall. She let out a small gasp as I steadied her. Her handbag slipped from her shoulder and landed on the metal floor with a soft thud.
Her hair fell across her face, partly hiding her eyes. They were pale blue with a shade of gray—almost green.
"You okay?" I asked, looking at her
She steadied herself and picked up her bag, brushing her hair behind her ear.
"Yeah... don't mind it," she said coldly, walking away without even looking at me.
"Don't mind it."
What a strange way to respond. Most people would've been shy, apologetic, or at least said thank you.
But her… her answer wasn't typical.
I watched her as she walked away.
An hour passed.
The train finally stopped at the station near our school. Its doors opened with a soft hiss, and I stepped out.
I caught a glimpse of that familiar girl as she exited too, her eyes fixed on her phone.
I followed behind her, keeping a bit of distance as we made our way up the station stairs.
She didn't glance back—not even once.
I couldn't tell if she had noticed me and was pretending not to… or if she was simply too focused on whatever was on her screen.
Whatever...
A few minutes later.
I arrived at the National Institute for Human Advancement Senior High. Its giant silver gates towered above me.
Beyond them, the school's modern buildings rose—clean, structured, and futuristic.
It was lively, buzzing with the unfamiliar energy of students arriving on their first day.
So different from the dorms filled with butlers and scientists I was used to.
I stepped inside and made my way toward the bulletin board, where most of the new students had gathered.
Among them was that same girl, quietly scanning the list.
As I got closer, she glanced at me from the corner of her eye, her expression sharp.
"Are you following me?" she asked, her tone just as cold as before.
Just like before, her question made no sense.
It's the first day. Everyone's checking the same list.
Why would I waste my time following someone like her?
"Huh?" I muttered, looking at her.
"Nothing," she said, turning her attention back to the board.
I looked up and began scanning the names.
Then I found mine, listed just below several others.
Class 1–C
Hoshigami, Kyouji
Class C, huh?
Figures.
Thrown in with the average. The clueless.
The ones still chasing dreams someone else sold them.
I didn't expect much. But seeing it printed like that—it hit different.
Like a quiet verdict.
I exhaled slowly. Eyes half-closed.
Whatever.
I didn't come here to be admired. Or praised.
I came here to be free.