As the week slowly progressed since the results of the highly anticipated affinity test, an air of excitement and trepidation filled the atmosphere, signaling the commencement of classes for the first-year students. As the bell rang, the inaugural semester was officially set in motion, and the prestigious Class S began to take shape:
Class S roster:
1. Leo Victor Raven
2. Kevin Dover
3. Ren Voss
4. Melissa Shinestone
5. Dante Lionheart
6. Amael Orphens
7. Lily Shunlight
8. Leto Ovalion
9. Miguel Darkstar
10. Samuel Frosber
It is worth noting that the S rank is a coveted designation, reserved solely for those individuals who exhibit extraordinary potential—specifically, those who achieve an S ranking or higher. This year, the academy has only admitted ten individuals into this elite class, a remarkable increase from the mere three who garnered such distinction the previous year. This surge in exceptional talent has ignited hopes among the faculty and students alike that they are witnessing the dawn of a new golden generation.
***
As the students settled into the classroom, a palpable mixture of nerves and anticipation filled the room. No one was truly familiar with each other yet, as they came from disparate backgrounds, each carrying their own unique stories. Among the ten students, four hailed from royal lineages, surrounded by the privilege and prestige that often accompanies nobility. Meanwhile, three were enigmas, shrouded in mystery with backgrounds unknown to the rest. The last trio consisted of orphans and commoners, each seeking to carve a path to greatness regardless of their circumstances.
Suddenly, the classroom door swung open, capturing everyone's attention. A strikingly handsome young man stepped into the room—his striking white hair cascading down in soft waves, while his mesmerizing white eyes seemed to glimmer, devoid of any visible irises. Despite his androgynous appearance, which combined delicate features with a physique that spoke of strength, his expression remained eerily stoic. The tailored uniform he wore only served to accentuate his impeccable looks.
"Wow, that guy looks strong," whispered Leto, the student ranked eighth.
"His handsomeness is off the charts!" lily said one of the 2 girls at class S, amazed by his aura, couldn't help but murmur.
As the rest of the class assessed the newcomer, Leo simply strolled to the back of the classroom and took a seat, seemingly indifferent to the attention being directed at him.
***
*Kevin's pov*
Now a week had gone by since Kevin first learned about the intriguing concept of the "Child of the Void," and today marked the day he would finally encounter this enigmatic figure: Leo Victor Raven. The past week had been filled with anticipation and frustration. Despite his determination to seek out Leo, the vastness of the academy made it a daunting task, and to complicate matters further, it appeared that Leo had kept to himself, hardly venturing outside of his newly assigned dormitory.
"Leo Victor Raven…" Kevin mumbled to himself as he sauntered toward the classroom with a mix of apprehension and excitement.
"That name is certainly distinctive, isn't it, System?" he inquired, a curious glint in his eyes.
*"Absolutely, Host."*
Leo Victor Raven had become the subject of discussion throughout the academy over the past week, and Kevin felt increasingly convinced—almost certain—that Leo was indeed the Child of the Void. His system seemed to share this conviction.
"What do you speculate about his personality, beyond just being a battle junkie?" Kevin asked, his curiosity piqued.
*"That remains a mystery. The Void is akin to navigating boundless darkness, filled with unknowns."*
"Yeah, yeah, you keep embellishing the mystery of the Void," Kevin replied, somewhat dismissive, a hint of humor in his tone.
…
When Kevin finally reached his room and opened the door, he was greeted by a surprising sight: six individuals were already present, and there he was—Leo Victor Raven, just as he had been depicted throughout the academy.
"Wow," he thought, momentarily caught off guard, "that guy is undeniably charming. Honestly, if he were a girl, I'd probably have already confessed my feelings by now." The thought was slightly tongue-in-cheek.
*"However, the Child of the Void is genderless. They can embody either gender depending on the life they are living."*
"Hey, I was just joking! Why are you making it sound so serious?" Kevin retorted mentally to the system.
Meanwhile, as Kevin conversed internally with the system, the rest of the class began to assess him.
"Ah, so that's Kevin Dover," observed Amael Orphens, the student ranked sixth.
"He's only second to that monster over there," chimed in Samuel Frosber, who ranked tenth, pointing toward Leo.
"Wow, and he's quite handsome too," Lily added, her expression hinting at admiration.
…
Determined not to be intimidated, Kevin approached Leo, maneuvering his way to the back of the classroom so he could sit next to him.
"Hey there, I'm Kevin Dover," he introduced himself, flashing a friendly smile.
"Leo," came the terse reply.
"Uh, what?"
"I said, Leo," he reiterated, his visage still unchanging.
"I guess I thought you would offer a more elaborate introduction," Kevin replied, slightly taken aback by Leo's succinctness.
"Considering my popularity, I assumed you were already aware of my name," Leo replied coolly.
"Yeah, true—you're pretty well-known," Kevin admitted, slightly awkward but not deterred.
As he finished saying that Leo ignored him.
"Hey, hey!" he called after Leo, trying to engage him further, but the boy only continued to ignore him. Leto and a few others in their vicinity were snickering quietly.
"Haha, he's being ignored," one said, amending the levity in the atmosphere.
"Cute in a way," Lily added, smirking to herself.
"Ugh, keep your fantasies to yourself," Leto shot back, fully aware of the implications behind her words.
While Kevin pushed onward in his feeble attempts at conversation, the door once again creaked open, drawing everyone's attention as a new interruption loomed…
*The door opened.*