Orientation

Ritsuka sat in the room, glancing around with a mix of confusion and curiosity. He was alone, except for the member of the Student Council standing before him, preparing to start the orientation. The air felt strangely still as the girl stood up, her posture confident, though her expression remained friendly.

The girl before him had striking pink hair, styled into a crown braid, framing her face elegantly. Her green eyes shimmered with a strange, goat-like pupils, an odd but captivating feature. Her halo was a simple, light yellow ring, with two four-pointed stars placed on opposite sides. She wore the standard Student Council uniform: a long white dress with blue accents on the skirt, a cropped long-sleeved white shirt with golden buttons, and a dark blue tie. White tights and high heels completed her ensemble, giving her an almost ethereal, graceful presence.

In her hands, she held a white Browning Hi-Power semi-automatic pistol, the blue grip a stark contrast to the rest of her outfit. As she stood in front of Ritsuka, there was an undeniable aura of authority.

[Insert Image of Kaya]

Ritsuka raised an eyebrow, trying to process everything. "Is this... part of the orientation?"

The girl smiled slightly, her voice calm and smooth as she responded. "Yes, this is the start of your orientation, Ritsuka Morning Star. My name is Kaya, and I will be guiding you through the basics of our institution here in Kivotos. This may seem overwhelming, but don't worry, we'll make sure you get accustomed."

She pressed a button on the nearby console, and a large screen behind her lit up, displaying an introductory video that began to play.

Ritsuka sat back, trying to focus on the video, but his mind was still racing. The information overload from the past few days, combined with the strange and somewhat intense atmosphere of the Angel Nation, had him feeling disoriented.

The video started with a sleek animation of Kivotos—its sprawling cities, advanced technologies, and the powerful student body that ran everything. The narration went on to explain the system of schools, the strict hierarchy, and the unique abilities that students were imbued with upon entering.

Ritsuka blinked, then looked at Kaya, who was watching the screen with an unreadable expression.

"Not exactly what I expected when Sensei said he was sending me to school..." Ritsuka muttered under his breath.

Kaya didn't seem to react to his comment, but her gaze softened. "It's normal to feel overwhelmed, especially when you're introduced to Kivotos. But once you're settled in, you'll realize just how powerful this nation is—both in terms of technology and the students who live here."

The video continued, showing a glimpse of the various schools in Kivotos—each with its own specialties and prestigious reputations. Ritsuka's eyes narrowed as he saw clips of students wielding advanced weapons, using strange powers, and demonstrating feats of strength and agility. A small part of him wondered if he would have to do the same. With the new abilities from his halo, he wasn't sure what to expect, but he felt ready for anything—well, almost anything.

After a few more minutes of detailed descriptions and explanations about the Student Council's role, the school system, and its strict rules, the video came to a close.

Kaya turned to Ritsuka, giving him a small nod. "You'll be given a schedule shortly, but for now, your next step is the placement test. This will determine which schools you'll be assigned to and the classes you'll need to attend."

Ritsuka groaned inwardly. A placement test? Just when he thought he might get a break. He rubbed his temples, trying to prepare himself mentally. "A test, huh? Great. I assume it's not a regular paper test, is it?"

Kaya smirked, clearly amused by his response. "Not exactly. You'll be put through a series of trials that measure your abilities and potential. The results will be used to place you in the appropriate classes and schools."

She glanced at the clock on the wall. "The trials will begin soon. You should prepare yourself."

Ritsuka sighed deeply, but he couldn't deny the slight excitement bubbling in his chest. Sure, he had no idea what was coming, but something told him this place wouldn't be boring.

She then pressed the Button as she handed Ritsuka Desert Eagle and pointed at the window. "Do you see it"

Ritsuka narrowed his eyes as he spoke. "See wh-". He stopped as he saw a bird. "Yeah the bird, what about it"

Kaya looked as she spoke. "Fire it".

Ritsuka looked at her as he spoke. "What"

Kaya repeated holding his arm. "I said I fire it; we need to check your aim".

Ritsuka held the trigger as he slowly pressed the button. Kaya was close to him, and he felt her chess press on his back, and his hand held by her; her breath was felt on his neck, and he then stopped. "Sorry, but I am not shooting the bird".

Kaya smiled looking at him. "Good, you pass the first test".

Ritsuka blinked, still holding the Desert Eagle as Kaya's words sank in. He couldn't believe what he had just been put through. The gun felt heavy in his hand, and the pressure from Kaya standing so close to him only added to his discomfort. But as she smiled and spoke those words, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.

"Good, you pass the first test," Kaya said with a calm smile, her tone not giving away any hint of surprise or disappointment. It was as if she had expected him to react exactly how he did.

Ritsuka, still holding the gun, looked at her in confusion. "Wait, what? That was a test?"

Kaya nodded, still maintaining her composed demeanor. "Yes. The first trial wasn't about shooting the bird. It was about your judgment. In this world, not every target should be eliminated. Sometimes, the ability to control yourself and understand when not to act is just as important as being able to strike when necessary."

Ritsuka slowly lowered the Desert Eagle, his heart still racing from the intensity of the moment. He hadn't expected his reaction to be the correct one, but it seemed like it was exactly what they were testing for.

Kaya gestured toward the window, where the bird was still perched, seemingly unaware of the chaos that had just unfolded. "Your restraint shows you understand that not all threats require immediate action. This is a key skill for any student here in Kivotos."

Ritsuka let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "I guess I get it... but that still doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking."

Kaya's smile widened slightly, though it was still subtle. "I suppose that's true. But now that you've passed the first trial, we can move on to the next one."

"Wait, there's more?" Ritsuka groaned, feeling like he hadn't caught a break yet.

Kaya nodded as she stepped back and motioned to a nearby door. "Yes. But don't worry, this one will test your ability to handle unexpected situations. Follow me."

With that, she turned and walked toward the door, leaving Ritsuka to follow her, still holding the Desert Eagle in his hand, unsure of what to expect next.

Ritsuka's mind raced. The first test had been about restraint, but what was the next one going to involve? He couldn't help but feel a mix of anxiety and excitement as he followed Kaya. The trials in Kivotos weren't going to be easy, but something told him that this journey would be one filled with both danger and discovery.

Ritsuka walked with Kaya as they were walking up to a target room. "Quick question, do I take the placement test? I mean, Rin said I am going to the main 14 school".

Kaya stopped walking and looked with a smile. "No, you don't, but we are doing this because the other students will start to complain when they learn that someone got a special treatment".

Ritsuka raised an eyebrow, processing Kaya's words. "Special treatment? I didn't even ask for any of this," he muttered under his breath, but Kaya was already continuing down the hallway.

She glanced back at him with a slight smirk. "I know. But being the son of Sensei does come with its perks. You'll have to prove you're not just riding on that reputation. Otherwise, you'll make things more complicated for yourself, and trust me, you don't want that."

Ritsuka sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Seems like I can't catch a break, huh?"

Kaya chuckled, pushing open a door that led into a spacious room filled with various target dummies and training equipment. The walls were lined with different types of weapons, ranging from simple bows and arrows to more advanced firearms. "Not everyone gets to have things handed to them. But remember, the reason you're here is because you have potential. We just need to see if you're capable of living up to it."

She gestured to the room. "In here, you'll face a series of challenges that will test your adaptability, skill, and decision-making under pressure. It's part of your initiation into the main 14 schools."

Ritsuka stepped inside the room, his eyes scanning the various targets set up in a grid-like formation. A few dummies were rigged with automatic guns, while others had shields and armor, resembling enemies he might encounter in the future. His grip tightened on the Desert Eagle as he prepared himself mentally.

"So, what exactly am I supposed to do?" he asked, looking back at Kaya.

She raised an eyebrow, her expression teasing. "You'll figure it out. But don't worry, it's nothing too difficult—just test your instincts and adaptability. If you do well, the rest of the students will have no choice but to accept you."

Ritsuka gave a skeptical look but didn't argue. He wasn't in the mood to question too much. "Alright, let's get this over with."

Without warning, the lights in the room dimmed, and a loud buzzing noise filled the air. The targets began to move—some darting across the floor, others rising up into the air with the sound of whirring motors. In an instant, Ritsuka's mind switched to "battle mode."

He instinctively raised his Desert Eagle, his body reacting faster than his thoughts. The first target—a dummy wearing an armored suit—appeared in front of him. It moved unpredictably, but Ritsuka was ready. With a fluid motion, he aimed and fired.

The shot hit the target right in the chest, and the dummy collapsed to the floor. Ritsuka smirked, a sense of pride welling up inside him, but he knew this wasn't over. More targets were coming his way.

He quickly moved to the side as another target, this time armed with a shield, charged at him. Ritsuka adjusted his aim, anticipating its movements before firing at the legs to disable the target's mobility.

The shots were precise, and one by one, the targets fell. Ritsuka's heart raced, and a quiet satisfaction settled in his chest. This was his world—this was what he had trained for.

As the last target fell, the room returned to normal, and the lights flicked back on. Kaya stepped forward, nodding approvingly. "Not bad, Ritsuka. You handled that better than I expected."

He lowered his gun, exhaling slowly. "It wasn't that difficult."

Kaya chuckled. "Maybe not for you. But for most students, this would be a real challenge. You're not just here because of your father's reputation. You've got real skill. But remember, this is just the beginning. You still have a lot to prove."

Ritsuka nodded, still catching his breath. "I get it. No more slacking off."

Kaya smiled. "Good. Now, let's get you to your next task. There's more to do before you can officially join the main 14 schools."

Ritsuka couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with anxiety. It wasn't just about surviving anymore. He had to prove he belonged. And he wasn't about to let anyone think he was just the son of a famous teacher. This was his journey now.

Ritsuka stared blankly at the screen in front of him. His mind was still racing from the intense physical tests, and now he was here, standing in a dimly lit room with a large monitor displaying a simple multiple-choice question.

Kaya stood beside him, her arms crossed, wearing an amused expression. "Surprised?" she asked, clearly enjoying his confusion.

Ritsuka blinked rapidly, trying to comprehend what was going on. "Wait... This is the final test? After everything I've done, after all the challenges, this is what I get?"

The screen in front of him displayed the question: "What is the most important quality a leader should possess?"

Below it, there were four options:

A) Strength

B) Wisdom

C) Charisma

D) Integrity

Ritsuka's brow furrowed. He had been through combat simulations, mental challenges, weapon tests, and even a bizarre "bird test." But now? A multiple-choice question? He was caught off guard.

"You've got five minutes," Kaya said, her voice calm but with an edge of expectation.

Ritsuka's mind raced. He had to pick the right answer, but what was the right answer? Was it strength, like he had been taught to value in battle? Or wisdom, which seemed like something a true leader would need to possess? Charisma, perhaps—after all, leadership often came down to how others perceived you. But integrity... wasn't that the real foundation of any leader?

His mind flashed to everything he had been through, all the people he'd met, the conflicts he'd faced, and the lessons he'd learned. He wasn't just supposed to be a soldier or a fighter—he was meant to lead. To guide. To inspire. And from everything he had seen and heard, integrity seemed to be the cornerstone of it all.

Ritsuka sighed and pressed the button under option D) Integrity.

The screen blinked for a moment, and the words "Correct" flashed in bold green letters across the screen.

Kaya smirked, clearly impressed, but she didn't show it too much. "Well, looks like you're a natural leader after all," she said, her tone more approving than before.

Ritsuka looked at her, feeling a mixture of relief and frustration. "That's it? After everything, it was just a test about integrity?"

She nodded. "Yes, sometimes the simplest questions reveal the most about a person. Leadership isn't about fighting or impressing others with power—it's about staying true to yourself and doing what's right, even when it's hard."

Ritsuka's eyes narrowed as he processed her words. He had expected something more... intense. But, in the end, maybe this was the most important lesson of all.

"Well," Kaya said, walking toward the door, "you've passed all the tests. Congratulations, Ritsuka. You're officially a member of the main 14 schools. Just don't let it get to your head."

Ritsuka smiled faintly, a mix of pride and relief filling him. "Thanks, Kaya. But I'm just getting started."

To be continued

Hope people like this ch and give me power stones and enjoy