The gates of Dominion Advanced Academy loomed ahead, taller than any school I had ever seen.
The best high school in the world. Not because of fame. Not because of grades. But because here, students decided everything—and survival depended on cunning.
Thousands applied every year, yet only a small number were accepted.
Not everyone was worthy.
Hmph… makes sense. I wouldn't want to waste my time surrounded by people who are below average.
Around me, students stared at the massive campus in awe. Some whispered excitedly. Others looked nervous.
I studied them.
Every smile. Every whisper. Every subtle glance.
All pieces in a game I had already begun.
Dominion Advanced Academy trusted its students to act freely. That freedom meant power. And power meant opportunity.
And I had only one goal.
To sit at the top.
At the center of it all was one name—Kazuki Arashi.
The King.
Calm. Charismatic. Feared. Respected.
The kind of person everyone admired… or was too afraid to oppose.
Let them underestimate me. Let them laugh. Let them build their alliances.
By the end of my first year… everything would change.
I was Ren Aokami.
And I never lost.
The announcement rang throughout the campus, loud enough to silence the chatter instantly.
"All students of Dominion Advanced Academy, please report to your homeroom classes immediately."
Already?
I glanced at my schedule.
Building A. Floor 2. Class 15.
Guess it's time.
The classroom was already filling up by the time I arrived. Students took their seats, some talking, others quietly observing.
I walked in without drawing attention and sat near the window.
From here, I could see everything.
Perfect.
Moments later, the teacher entered.
"Well, nice to meet you, new students of Dominion Advanced Academy. I'll be your homeroom teacher—and your teacher for all subjects. My name is Mrs. Makemo."
She smiled warmly.
"I hope we all have a good year with no issues."
No issues, huh…
Let's hope you don't become one.
Because if you do… I'll remove you from the board just like any other piece.
"Well, since you're all new here, I'd like you to introduce yourselves," Mrs. Makemo continued. "State your name and your goal."
She pointed to the front row.
"We'll go one by one, starting with you."
A boy stood up quickly, posture straight.
"My name is Toku Maradara, and my goal is to become the world's greatest scientist."
A scientist… not bad.
Next, a girl with bright pink hair stood up nervously.
"M-My name is Marasu Koichi… and I don't really have a dream yet."
Her voice trembled slightly.
Interesting.
No confidence. No direction.
Easy to read.
She could be useful.
A pawn that doesn't even realize it's on the board is the easiest to control.
Mrs. Makemo smiled at her.
"You still have time to figure it out. Don't rush."
"I hope so…" she replied softly before sitting down.
One by one, the rest of the class introduced themselves. Names. Dreams. Ambitions.
Some realistic. Some laughable.
Then it was my turn.
"Well, you're the last one," Mrs. Makemo said, looking at me. "Go ahead."
I stood up calmly, meeting her gaze without hesitation.
"My name is Ren Aokami."
A brief pause.
"And my goal is simple… to become the King of this high school."
Silence.
Then laughter spread across the room.
Of course.
They don't understand yet.
"That's a bold statement," Mrs. Makemo said, studying me carefully. "Especially knowing who currently holds that position."
I remained calm.
"I'm aware."
A slight smile formed on my face.
"And I plan on taking his place soon. Mark my words."
She laughed lightly.
"It's been a while since I've had a funny student."
Funny, huh…
I sat back down and turned my gaze toward the window.
You can laugh now.
But soon… you won't.
The announcement echoed once again.
"All first-year students, report to the assembly hall immediately."
"Well, you heard it," Mrs. Makemo said. "Let's go."
Assembly…
Good.
I finally get to see him.
The hallway was packed as students moved toward the assembly hall. Voices filled the air, excitement and curiosity mixing together.
We entered a massive room, filled with rows upon rows of students. Every grade level stood in organized lines.
The atmosphere felt… heavy.
Tense.
Interesting.
All of these people…
Every single one of them would eventually be under my control.
Of course, there would be obstacles. Others aiming for the same throne.
But that didn't matter.
I would defeat them all.
Because I don't lose.
A man in a suit stepped onto the stage.
The room immediately fell silent.
"The principal…" someone whispered.
"Welcome, students of Dominion Advanced Academy," he began. "My name is Mr. Kawasaki."
His voice was calm, yet commanding.
"You're probably wondering why you've all been gathered here."
Not really.
"We're here to go over the rules."
Rules, huh…
This should be interesting.
"Rule number one: You have freedom."
Murmurs spread across the room.
"You may act as you please—within limits. You can run, eat, skip class, form groups… your decisions are your own."
Freedom…
As expected.
"But there are boundaries."
Of course there are.
"You may not engage in physical fights without permission. If you wish to fight, you may request an official match. It will be supervised."
A controlled environment…
Interesting.
"But if you fight without permission…"
He paused.
"You will be expelled."
The room went silent.
No second chances.
Good.
"Rule number two: No weapons. Any violation will result in immediate arrest."
Makes sense.
"Rule number three…"
His tone sharpened.
"No blackmail. No framing. No serious misconduct such as assault. Any of these will result in immediate expulsion—and possibly legal action."
The tension in the room grew.
So those are the boundaries…
Noted.
"And now," the principal said, smiling slightly, "I'd like to introduce someone important."
Finally.
"Your student council president… ranked among the smartest students in the nation…"
The room buzzed with excitement.
"The King of this school—Kazuki Arashi."
The moment he stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere changed.
Calm.
Controlled.
Dominant.
The reactions were immediate.
Whispers. Admiration. Excitement.
Especially from the girls.
But I wasn't focused on them.
I was focused on him.
So this is Kazuki Arashi…
He took the microphone with a composed smile.
"Hello. It's nice to meet you all."
Simple.
Yet effective.
"As student council president, I help manage discipline within the school."
Help?
More like control.
"But like everyone else, I follow the same rules."
Right…
If they believe that, they're fools.
Even I can tell.
The principal isn't in control.
He is.
Kazuki gestured behind him.
"Let me introduce the rest of the council."
A tall girl with long blue hair stepped forward.
"My name is Lisa Kokolan. Vice president."
A muscular guy followed.
"I'm Gobo Lazaro. Treasurer."
Then a thin boy spoke lazily.
"I'm the secretary. Don't ask me for anything."
Kazuki smiled slightly.
"If you need anything, you know where to find us. Building B, first floor."
The crowd buzzed with excitement as he stepped away.
"Omg, he's so hot."
"Yeah, seriously…"
I ignored them.
Looks don't matter.
Only power does.
Back in the classroom, Mrs. Makemo clapped her hands.
"Well, now that introductions are over… your first year at Dominion Advanced Academy has officially begun."
I leaned back in my chair, staring out the window.
The sunlight poured into the room.
Calm.
Peaceful.
Deceptive.
Finally…
The game begins.
Me…
Versus the entire school.
And at the top of it all…
Kazuki Arashi.
To Be Continued