It had been three days since I started attending school, and I felt like I was finally getting the hang of things. Even though I had just arrived, I was already well-known in class most likely because I was a member of the Thunder Clan.
At first, it felt strange… but also exciting. I never knew having friends could feel this good. Talking, laughing, even just sitting around with others, it was something I had never really experienced before. For once, things felt normal.
But as my popularity grew, I began to notice something else, the number of people who disliked me was increasing.
"Who does he think he is?"
"I can't believe this."
"He'll pay."
Their voices weren't loud, but I could hear them clearly. It confused me. I didn't understand why they were jealous when I was just trying to fit in and enjoy myself like everyone else.
One day, as I was walking through the hallway, the atmosphere suddenly shifted. Conversations quieted, and people moved aside slightly. That's when I saw them, the group everyone referred to as the "Big Five."
"So, he's the talk of the school," one of them said.
"Uh… I don't think we should be talking to him," another muttered.
"Zachy, are you sure that's him? He doesn't look that tough."
"… …"
"Give the guy a break. He just got here."
At that moment, I didn't really know who they were apart from Zachy, so I didn't think much of it. Still, their presence alone carried weight. You could feel it.
"We'll see what you're truly made of during the midterms,z' one of them said as they walked past.
"Midterms?" I asked, confused. "What do you even do during them?"
Vanessa, who had been walking beside me, answered, "It's a test to measure our survival skills and instincts. It's not just about strength it's about how you think and react under pressure."
She paused for a moment before adding, "There's also a rumour that this year's exams will be combined with the seniors."
That caught my attention.
"Wait… if Zachy and I were evenly matched in our duel, doesn't that mean we're on the same level?"
"Well… not exactly," Vanessa said. "The truth is, Zachy has never used his full power in battle. Maybe against adults but not against us."
That made me uneasy.
"And it only gets worse," she continued. "The arrogant one is Mike. He's in Class 10 the same class as Zachy. He's the third strongest in the group and is considered Zachy's future rival. That's probably why he didn't look too happy when he saw you."
I thought back to his expression. It made sense.
"The quiet one is Miku," Vanessa went on. "Believe it or not, she's in our class and she's one of the strongest. She doesn't show her abilities much, but there are rumors she's from the Spirit Clan."
"Wait… isn't this school only for Clover Clan members?" I asked.
"It's not mandatory," Vanessa replied. "Students from all clans can enroll. Every clan has schools like this. And honestly, the Spirit Clan thing is just a rumour."
"What about the other two?" I asked.
"Not much is known about them," she said. "They keep to themselves but one thing is certain"
She looked ahead, her expression slightly serious.
"They are strong."
We walked the rest of the way home in silence, but my mind wasn't at ease. The midterms, the Big Five, Zachy's true strength… it all lingered in my thoughts.
Something told me that whatever was coming next...
was not going to be easy.