New Student
The morning sun spilled over the rooftops of Yamato Town, painting the clouds a soft gold. Children in uniforms hurried past with their bags bouncing at their sides, laughter echoing in the streets. Among them walked Takeru Yamato, though at a slower pace, his shoulders heavy beneath the weight of his thoughts.
He clutched an envelope in his hand — his admission letter to Elemental High School.
It wasn't pride he felt, but nervousness. His parents had enrolled him here after he failed at his previous academy. They'd told him this was a new chance, a better place where he could find his footing. But to Takeru, it felt like a last chance. He could still remember the disappointment in his father's voice the day his last report card arrived.
He stopped outside the towering gates of the school. The crest of Elemental High was engraved into the metal: seven gemstones, each glowing faintly with their element. Beyond the gates lay a sprawling campus — wide courtyards, tall towers that touched the clouds, and faint magical barriers shimmering in the air like invisible glass.
Takeru's chest tightened.
Can I really belong here? Or will I fail again…?
He took a deep breath, straightened his back, and stepped inside.
Admission Test:
Inside, dozens of applicants filled a waiting room. The air buzzed with nervous energy. Some whispered to each other, some sat silently, others fidgeted in their chairs.
Takeru sat down, his gaze drifting. That was when he noticed her.
A girl with long black hair and piercing blue eyes sat across from him, staring at the floor. Her hands trembled slightly as she gripped the edge of her skirt. She was beautiful in a sharp, striking way — the kind of presence that made it hard to look away. Takeru's face heated instantly. He quickly turned his head, pretending to adjust his tie.
He blushed.
The door opened, and a teacher in navy robes stepped inside. His silver badge reflected the light as he scanned the room. "Applicants, follow me."
The group was led into a vast chamber of steel walls and glowing crystals. At its center stood a massive machine shaped like a capsule, humming softly with a low vibration. Runes glowed along its surface, shifting like molten lines.
Takeru swallowed hard.
A teacher called them into a radiation chamber. He hesitated, his hand twitching nervously.
What's this for? he asked.
The teacher adjusted his glasses. We test your ability to unlock your Power Gem. Some never unlock theirs, and rarely, some die. But… we've had no casualties yet.
The words echoed. Rarely, some die.
Takeru felt a cold shiver crawl down his spine. His eyes flicked toward the black-haired girl again. Her face had gone pale, her lips pressed tightly together.
So, let's begin with… the teacher checked his list, Shota Matsumoto.
A boy stepped forward, his legs shaking. The machine whirred, glowing bright. A brilliant blue aura engulfed him, rippling like water across his skin.
Water element unlocked! the teacher announced. Shota collapsed to his knees, gasping, before smiling in relief.
Next, the teacher called another name. Takeru's heart sank when it wasn't the girl. He wanted to know who she was. Instead, a tall boy strode forward.
Takashi… something. Takeru didn't catch the last name. The machine whirred again — but nothing happened.
No element unlocked, the teacher said sympathetically. But don't worry, you can still enroll if your parents pay the extra fee.
Takeru frowned. That's unfair.
Finally, the girl was called. Emiko Nakahara.
The name struck Takeru like lightning. He whispered it to himself. Emiko… Nakahara.
She stepped forward nervously, clutching her hands. The machine glowed, wind rushing through the chamber, tossing her hair around her shoulders.
Wind element unlocked.
Takeru's turn came at last. His legs felt like lead as he walked forward.
The machine's hum grew louder — almost alive. Suddenly, a searing red light burst forth, flames swirling around him like a storm. The heat licked his skin, but it didn't burn. It felt… natural.
Fire element unlocked! the teacher exclaimed.
For a moment, Takeru's chest swelled with pride. Maybe… maybe he could belong here after all