The first rays of morning light filtered through the sheer curtains of Auren's room, casting golden streaks across the wooden floor. A gentle breeze slipped through the slightly ajar window, carrying with it the distant scent of salt from the sea. The air felt crisp, as though the world itself was holding its breath. Auren stirred beneath his covers, blinking against the light. For a moment, he lay there, letting the warmth of the sun seep into his skin, a small smile forming on his lips.
Today was not just any day.
Today was his first day at Namsu University.
Brimming with excitement, Auren leapt from his bed. The adrenaline coursing through his veins made even the simplest actions—brushing his teeth, fixing his hair, getting dressed—feel like scenes from a movie. He donned a crisp white shirt beneath a navy-blue jacket, the school's emblem stitched elegantly over the breast pocket. His reflection in the mirror felt... new. Confident. Ready.
He stepped outside, locking the door behind him. The road to Namsu was bathed in morning gold. Trees lined the sidewalks, their leaves dancing in the wind like fluttering flags. Cars hummed by in smooth streams, and morning joggers passed him with nods of acknowledgment. In the distance, the sea sparkled like scattered diamonds. The city of Hanzora was alive, yet somehow serene.
And then he saw it.
Namsu University.
The grand stairs loomed before him, wide and majestic, leading to towering gates etched with ancient calligraphy and digital runes—symbols of tradition and futurism blending seamlessly. Students filtered in, chatting and laughing, backpacks slung casually over shoulders. Auren stood at the base, breath caught in his throat. Doubt clawed at him.
What if I don't belong? What if they can see right through me?
He tightened his grip on his bag and took a breath. No. He couldn't let fear write his story. With determined steps, he climbed the stairs and entered.
The moment he stepped inside, awe gripped him.
Vaulted ceilings arched overhead, intricate chandeliers of glowing orbs floating midair. The walls shimmered faintly with animated murals of Namsu's history—heroes, scholars, innovators. The scent of fresh wood polish mixed with something floral, delicate yet commanding.
Then came the voices.
"Is that him?"
"He's even more handsome in person."
"That's the new special student, right? The one who made it into the elite list on day one?"
Auren flushed slightly, adjusting his collar. He hadn't expected whispers—especially not flattering ones. Before he could turn, a firm hand landed on his shoulder.
He jolted.
Turning around, he found himself face to face with none other than Chairman Tengen.
Sharp-suited and exuding quiet authority, Tengen gave a warm, almost mischievous smile. "Auren, I see you made it. Come with me."
Auren followed the chairman through sleek hallways to a large office with panoramic windows overlooking the sea. There, waiting beside the polished desk, stood a woman who instantly commanded his attention.
She was elegance and fire wrapped into one. Long obsidian-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing sharp emerald eyes. She wore a fitted indigo blazer and matching skirt, a thin silver chain around her neck catching the light.
"Auren," Tengen said, "meet Miss Ayaka Vellin, one of our top-tier instructors."
"Pleasure to meet you," Ayaka said, her voice like a song carried by windchimes.
"Likewise," Auren responded, trying not to stare.
Tengen handed Auren a sleek black card with silver inscriptions.
It read: Meet at 6 p.m. Location: C-17 Secure Wing.
"Give this your full attention," the chairman said, eyes serious now. "Ayaka will escort you to your class."
Auren bowed lightly and followed Ayaka out. The way she moved through the corridors, confident and unhurried, made him realize how much more he had to learn.
When they reached the classroom, Ayaka gestured for him to enter alone.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped in.
Rows of students looked up. Conversations hushed. A few girls gasped. Yuna sat near the center, her eyes widening in recognition. Then came the collective shift—smiles, whispers, admiration.
Auren gave a small, awkward nod.
"Take your seats!" Ayaka called from the doorway.
Order restored. Auren found a seat by the window, trying to act like the attention didn't rattle him.
The first half of the day passed in a blur—lectures in literature, history, and practical science. The academic level was intense, but Auren held his own. The professors were sharp, the students sharper.
By lunchtime, he felt a pleasant ache in his brain.
He stepped out into the sunlit courtyard where two boys waved him over.
One was tall and lean, with pale silver hair and mischievous violet eyes. The other was slightly shorter, sturdier, with caramel skin and emerald-green streaks in his hair.
"Yo! You're Auren, right? I'm Zeek," said the silver-haired boy. "And this is my buddy, Rael."
"Hey," Rael said, offering a friendly fist bump. "You eatin' alone? Not anymore."
Auren chuckled, warmth blooming in his chest. "Thanks. I'd love the company."
The three found a bench beneath a blooming sakura tree. They talked about classes, their homes, casual clubs, and teachers. Zeek was from a family of musicians. Rael's parents were in engineering. Both had quirks, but good hearts.
As the sun dipped lower in the sky, Auren glanced at his watch.
5:52 p.m.
Time to go.
He excused himself and followed the directions on the card. The campus gradually grew quieter as he moved toward the C-17 wing. High fences encircled the area. Surveillance drones hovered above. Guards nodded and let him pass after scanning the card.
The zone was a fortress.
Glass corridors with fingerprint-locked doors. Dim lights glowing from motion sensors. The hum of underground tech systems thrummed beneath his boots.
Finally, he entered a circular room—surprisingly cozy, with darkwood floors and ambient lighting.
Chairman Tengen sat at the center, legs crossed, expression unreadable.
"Sit, Auren."
Auren obeyed.
"Let's speak plainly. You've gained something extraordinary—Rate Power. It's not common. Not stable. It grows with your spirit, your choices. You've likely felt its pull."
Auren nodded. "I... heard something strange from the ocean. Like a voice. Not human. Ancient."
Tengen narrowed his eyes. "Good. You're attuned. But this sensitivity draws danger."
He leaned forward.
"One of the elite members of a notorious Gatewalker-hunting syndicate has arrived on Earth."
Auren's throat tightened.
"His name is velvet fang—a twisted gentleman. He looks like a humanoid rabbit in a velvet waistcoat, carries a golden cane, and speaks with riddles. Deadly, elegant, and cunning. He's after you."
Auren's heart thudded. "Wh-why me?"
"Because you're not hidden anymore. Rate Power has marked you. But fear not. Your techniques, if honed, can rival his. Your instincts will guide you. This is your trial. Win—and you grow. Lose... and others suffer."
Auren swallowed hard. "I understand. I'll face him."
"Good." Tengen stood. "Best of luck."
He turned and walked into the shadows of the room, vanishing.
Auren sat there, frozen.
They're coming for me. One by one.
He left the secured zone as night cloaked the city in silver. The streets were quieter now, lights glowing like stars scattered across the pavement.
Back home, he barely closed the door before his phone buzzed.
MOM CALLING...
He smiled faintly and answered. Her warm voice poured in—asking about his day, his classes, his new friends.
He told her everything, or at least most of it.
As they talked, his body gradually relaxed. He lay on his bed, phone by his ear, eyes fluttering.
"I'm proud of you," his mother said softly.
"Thanks, Mom," he whispered, and sleep wrapped around him.
---
But outside, the wind howled louder than before.
Far away, atop a rooftop under the blood-red moon, a figure in a velvet coat twirled a golden cane.
A monocle glinted over one eye. Rabbit ears twitched.
"Oh, little Gatewalker," Monsieur Laplace whispered, voice like silk. "Let's play a game."
To be continued...