Nox stood at the gates of Moonshade Academy. The main building towered above him, a sleek white structure of glass and stone, flanked by two smaller facilities. Students moved across the courtyard, some chatting in groups, others walking alone with sharp focus. The academy sat at the far edge of the capital city, heavily secured and isolating itself from the world beyond.
The grounds looked stunning. Stone paths cut through manicured gardens, fountains glittered under sunlight, and a wide emerald field stretched toward the horizon. Nox took a moment to admire it, when someone suddenly collided with him.
He staggered forward and spun around.
"S-Sorry! Are you okay?" A small girl with black hair stared up at him, eyes wide and anxious.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just watch where you're going next time," he replied with a short chuckle. She opened her mouth, closed it again, then darted away.
"I-I'm sorry!" she squeaked, vanishing into the crowd.
"...Did I say something weird?" Nox wondered aloud, frowning. After fixing his hair, he made his way toward the left building where the entrance ceremony would take place.
He recalled what he'd learned. Each year held three major exams: one at the start, one mid-year, and one final evaluation. Their formats changed annually and were revealed only a day beforehand. Smaller exams took place between them.
He stood among the new students inside a compact hall, staring at the podium where the student council president would speak. Most attendees whispered among themselves. Many had noble backgrounds or political connections, judging by the confident posture and expensive attire around him.
One figure drew every eye: Princess Ava of the Kingdom of Japan. Her long auburn hair flowed like silk, her presence commanding. She chatted with fellow aristocrats near the front. There was no doubt she was already a favorite among them.
It was no coincidence that the princess and Nox were in the same class. It was planned that way. The royal family was in a silent conflict with the Japanese government. The Monnshade Academy Program had been established by the government to train strong leaders for the Japanese kingdom.
However, because the royal family and the government were at odds, they disliked the idea of their daughter attending the academy unprotected.
Therefore, they instructed the general to assign a bodyguard to protect the princess throughout her time at the MAP.
And that bodyguard was none other than Nox.
Meanwhile, on Nox's other side stood the same nervous girl from earlier, fiddling with her hands. She glanced at him then quickly looked away.
Great. Of all people to end up near again.
The room gradually fell silent. Nox looked toward the stage as a black-haired girl stepped up.
Long hair, sharp gaze—he knew her.
Vexa.
The girl from the train station who had helped him catch that criminal, or whatever he had been.
She adjusted the microphone and scanned the hall. Their eyes met briefly, but she showed no reaction.
"Welcome to Moonshade Academy," she began, voice steady. "You are here because you show potential. Not because of your name or background. Do not confuse this for praise. It is expectation. This institution will not protect you. It will push you beyond your limits. Many will fail. That is reality."
The crowd stiffened. The girl beside Nox nearly trembled.
"Only results matter. Take pride in reaching this point. And prepare yourselves. This is only the beginning. I welcome you. Prove you deserve to remain."
Applause followed after a stunned pause. Nox clapped lightly, then watched as whispers rippled through the hall. Her speech had hit its mark.
Nox walked along a polished hallway, crystal lanterns floating above marble floors. Students were already gathering in classrooms. He checked his slip of paper and found the correct door.
"41-A." He entered. Eyes shifted toward him for a second, then returned to books, conversations, or glowing screens.
He crossed the room calmly and sat at his assigned seat in the back corner. To his right—of course—it was her again. The nervous girl stared at him, muttered something under her breath, and shrank into her seat.
"Seriously? I'm not in a novel," he groaned internally.
The main door opened once more. Princess Ava walked in, confident smile in place. Several girls instantly swarmed her, eager to connect. Nox watched with mild boredom.
He glanced back to the girl beside him. Fine. May as well try being polite.
"So, uh... since we sit next to each other, mind telling me your name? I'm Nox."
She jolted. "O-Oh... sure... I'm Rixa Elaren." Her face flushed as she hurriedly looked away.
Something was off about her. He tried again. "Nice to meet you, Rixa. Why did you run off earlier?"
The door swung open before she could speak. A man in a black uniform strode in—short styled hair, glasses, stern presence.
The teacher.