Bab 13: Gymnasium Gathering
Aiden left the teacher's lounge at exactly 9:27 AM, his mind registering the time with that peculiar precision it seemed to reserve for the most unnecessary details. Gymnasium, gymnasium... He pulled out his phone, checking the map. Ah, practically next door. How convenient.
His footsteps echoed through the empty corridor as his mind wandered back to his recent encounters, cataloging them with the attention to detail of a master perfumer. Hoshinomiya-sensei's scent still lingered in his consciousness - a dangerous cocktail of vanilla and amber, with something exotic he couldn't quite place. Jasmine, maybe? It was the kind of fragrance that belonged in a romance novel, all silk sheets and forbidden promises. Such heresy, he thought, amused. Trying to convert me to her side with those wiles. May the God Emperor strike her down... though He might get distracted by that perfume too.
The memory sparked another, fresher one - Ichinose from that morning. Now there was a different story entirely. Pure elegance captured in a bottle: fresh roses still kissed by morning dew, underlined by what had to be sandalwood. It practically whispered "old money" and "private finishing school" in every note. Wonder if she picked that herself, he mused, or if someone with very expensive taste did it for her.
"Why can't guys smell this interesting?" he muttered to the empty corridor, his voice carrying just enough to echo slightly. His pace was deliberately unhurried, each step a statement of casual defiance against the concept of punctuality. "We're binary creatures - either completely scentless or walking biological weapons. There's no middle ground, no subtle notes of anything except possibly irradiated gym socks."
A smirk played across his lips as he made a mental note: Note to self - conduct extensive research on the matter. Will need willing female subjects. For science, of course.
His calculated stride carried him through the corridor like he owned it, hands tucked casually in his pockets, school tie artfully loosened just enough to suggest rebellion without screaming it. Every step, every gesture carefully crafted to suggest a wandering alumni rather than a very late first-year.
Then something made him stop dead in his tracks. No - something wasn't the right word. This was the kind of sight that demanded attention from every sensory organ he possessed, including a few he hadn't known about until that moment. His casual stride halted as smoothly as a cat spotting prey, and an almost predatory grin spread across his face.
"Oh my dear," he purred, leaning against the wall with practiced nonchalance, his voice carrying just the right mix of amusement and interest. "So this is where you were..." His eyes gleamed with the look of someone who'd just discovered something far more interesting than any school assembly could ever be.
While Aiden was fooling around, the rest of the diligent, hardworking students were gathering in the gymnasium for the assembly. The vast space hummed with the excited chatter of teenagers, each class revealing their distinct character even in how they assembled.
Class A, having arrived first thanks to their proximity to the hall, stood in impeccable lines that would make a military sergeant proud. Their conversations, though animated, maintained an air of refinement that set them apart.
Katsuragi Kohei, tall and imposing with his bald head gleaming faintly under the lights, naturally took the lead. He didn't need to bark orders; his mere presence seemed to bring order to the class
"Katsuragi-san," Totsuka ventured, his tone respectful as he addressed the tall, bald student who seemed to naturally command attention. "What should we do after the assembly?"
Katsuragi's response was measured, each word carefully chosen. "Our priority should be inspecting the dormitory facilities and acquiring essential supplies. This will prevent any potential impediments to our studies. After ensuring our living arrangements are in order, we can proceed to familiarize ourselves with the cafeteria system."
"As expected of Katsuragi-sama," Totsuka thought, admiring how his classmate had already mapped out a logical course of action. "Your systematic approach is impressive."
"We should also consider reviewing the school regulations in detail," another Class A student chimed in.
Katsuragi folded his arm, his tone steady as he replied,"An excellent point. We should review them tonight"
From the back, Sakayanagi Arisu observed the exchange with a faint, knowing smile. While Katsuragi's practical approach was admirable, she had no intention of following his lead. Still, she made no move to interrupt him. Let him think he's in charge for now, she mused, her sharp eyes scanning the room with quite amusement.
Class B was filtering in gradually, their formation more relaxed but still maintaining a sense of order. At their center, a girl with strawberry blonde hair moved from group to group with natural grace, her presence acting like social glue binding the class together. Wherever she went, the atmosphere brightened, her genuine smile and warm tone put everyone at ease
"Honami-chan," Chihiro called out softly, hovering near Ichinose like a shy satellite. "It's amazing how many points we've already accumulated. Do you think we should save them or...?"
"Oh, that's exactly what I wanted to discuss!" Yume Kobashi interjected enthusiastically, bouncing on her heels. "Maybe we could pool some points together for class supplies? What do you think, Ichinose-san?"
Ichinose's warm laugh carried across the group. "Let's all discuss it properly after we understand the point system better. We wouldn't want to rush into anything and regret latter right?" Her eyes sparkled with genuine interest as she looked at her classmates. "Though I love how everyone's already thinking about working together!"
"Ok, everyone!" she called out, naturally taking charge without seeming authoritative. "Let's line up properly. We want to make a good impression on our first day!"
As her classmates adjusted themselves into a neat straight line formation, Ichinose's gaze flicked discreetly towards the Gymnasium doors. She scanned the incoming crowd , her smile unwavering, but her thoughts drifting momentarily.
'Takahashi-kun….I wonder when will you arrive'
Their earlier interaction lingered to her mind, his teasing and carefree demeanour standing amidst the day's whirlwind of introductions. She shook her head lightly, refocusing. 'His class is just probably running late. No need to worry.'
Class C's entrance was markedly different, with students swaggering in like they owned the place. Their formation was loose, more like a gang than a class.
"Tch, what a pain in the ass," Ibuki muttered, hands shoved deep in her pockets. "Standing around like show ponies for some boring speech."
"Quit your whining," another Class C student growled. "It's annoying enough without your commentary."
Ryuen observed the scene with calculating eyes, his posture relaxed but alert. Everything about this school screamed abnormal to his experienced instincts - from the elaborate facilities to the mysterious point system. His lips curled into a predatory smile as he watched the other classes. This isn't just some elite school playing pretend. There's something else going on here. Time to find a senior who's willing to have a... friendly chat.
Then came Class D, entering like a circus that had lost its ringmaster. Some students were laughing too loudly, others looked half-asleep, and a few seemed to have only a vague idea of where they were supposed to be. Their attempted formation looked more like a modern art installation than a line, with students clustering in random patterns rather than any semblance of order.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone