The B-classroom buzzed with chatter before the professor arrived. Near the back, a group of students huddled around a desk, their voices low but excited.
Student 1 (leaning in): Did you hear? Lucien Valehart got placed in A-class even after losing his entrance match!
Student 2 (snorting): Of course he did. You think they'd let a Valehart sit with us commoners?
Student 3 (glancing at the door): But that guy who beat him-Asahina was something-he's in our class, right?
At that moment, Shiro has no luck finding a free class to sleep. he slouched through the doorway like a sleepwalking zombie. . He beelined for the farthest corner and collapsed into a seat, his absurdly long katana clattering against the desk.
Meanwhile, near the window, two girls whispered behind their textbooks:
Girl 1: I heard he doesn't even have his own katana. But he do bring a one today.
Girl 2 (giggling): Maybe he's one of those wandering swordsmen from the stories!
Girl 1: But he's realy cute. arn't he ?
Indeed, Shiro had folded his arms on the desk and buried his face in them. His shoulders rose and fell with slow, even breaths-until-
arien: Ah there you are sooo you realy did come this time
shiro : mmmmmm
SLAM!
Arien's palm hit the desk right next to his ear.
Arien: Wake up, you idiot! Class is starting!
Shiro lifted his head just enough to glare at her with one bloodshot eye.
Shiro (muffled): your too much.
Arien huffed and dropped into the seat beside him, her crimson braid whipping over her shoulder.
Arien: Unbelievable. You ditch class all morning, then sleep when you finally show up?
Shiro (yawning): I'm participating. This is my 'listening face.'
shiro: (counfused) your in B class to ?
arien : (angry) Dont tell me you didnt know until now. We letery come together to class.
arien carm her self down and ask
arien : Well i heard what hapend at th exam .Do beat th crap out of the noble valehart hm so why even then you are at B class
shio: I fail the wiring rexam
arien :you fail something that easy
shiro: (angry) so ten why are you in b class
arien : well i-i
shiro :i-what ?
arien: (lower voice) i lost the battle
shiro :(mokingly) WHAAAAT DID't h-
arien slap back of his head hard.
Before Arien could retort, the classroom door swung open. Every student scrambled to their seats as Professor Kareth strode in, her gray eyes scanning the room like a hawk.
Professor Kareth: Sit properly. We're resuming where we left off.
Shiro groaned and slumped lower in his chair.
Shiro (whispering): You already covered stuff?
Arien (smug): While some were napping, we learned actual things.
Shiro: Hmm. Must've been fascinating. (heavy sarcasm)
Kareth's gaze lingered on Shiro for a beat too long before turning to the blackboard.
Professor Kareth: As discussed, there are three tiers of power one can master...
---
Kareth's gaze swept the room.
Professor Kareth: As discussed, there are three tiers of power one can master. As first-years, you'll focus solely on Art Styles.
Professor Kareth: Do not research the third tiers. The third is forbidden-not even nobles are exempt from its punishment.
A brave student raised a hand.
Student 1: But why is it forbidden, Professor?
Kareth's grip tightened on her chalk.
Professor Kareth: I lack the authority to explain. Frankly, even I don't know its true nature. Speak its name, research it, or attempt to wield it… Her voice dropped. …and you'll disappear.
The room temperature seemed to drop.
Student 2 (nervous): What about the second tier?
Kareth's posture relaxed slightly.
Professor Kareth: 'all i cn say till now was it's a single technique refined from your Art Style. Stronger than any normal form, but exhausting. Her eyes flicked to Shiro. Master your foundation first.
Shiro, who hadn't even mastered staying awake, yawned loudly.
professor karith : we called it Maximum