Prologue

JIAN

"Madam Hera is looking for you," Jasmine said. I nodded in response. Jasmine is a fellow club member. As I walked through the hallway, the usual chatter of students filled the air, a constant hum of excitement and gossip.

When I reached Madam Hera's office, I knocked immediately.

"Come in," she called. That was my cue. I entered and was surprised to see two students with her.

"Good morning, Miss Rosales. Sorry to disturb your 'me time,' but I have a special request for you," she said, standing up and handing me a paper.

I accepted it and read. These were transfer papers, complete with pictures of the two students—one girl and one boy.

"Why are you giving this to me, ma'am?" I asked, somewhat confused.

"Your adviser highly recommended you. I would like to ask you to be in charge of these two transferees. They're the only ones who passed the entrance exams this year. You know, others are busy with the upcoming Welcome Party for Headmistress Ahira. And your adviser, Professor Ace, said you're suited for the job," she explained at length. I just stared at Madam Hera and sighed.

"Sure, ma'am," I replied. She clapped her hands and tossed her hair back. "So, I'll be leaving these two with you. I have a faculty meeting to attend, babush," she said before leaving. I was left with the two newcomers. I looked them over from head to toe; they appeared to be neat and clean students.

I glanced at the paper Madam Hera had given me and read their names.

"So, you're Mira?" I pointed to the girl. "And you're Jonathan?" I said to the boy. Both nodded. Based on their expressions, they didn't seem shy. The papers indicated they were cousins, heiress, and heir to the Salvador and Mirales families.

"Mira Salvador and Jonathan Mirales, I'm Jian Zell Rosales, a fourth-year student and currently the president of the Book Lovers Club. I'm not very social, and I'm not that famous, so please bear with me," I said. 

"Oh, it's alright. We're just getting used to things. When we entered the school grounds earlier, people were staring at us, probably because our car wasn't new. They were wondering who we were, saying we're just normal," Mira said, bowing her head. 

"Sorry for disturbing you," the boy finally spoke, turning his attention back to his cellphone.

Since I was assigned to them and wasn't busy, I had to agree. They chose me because they knew I wasn't busy. How convenient!

"I'll tour you around," I offered.

"With the size of this academy, it might take us until dawn," Mira joked, laughing. She seemed easy to get along with.

"Don't worry. We'll have a ride," I said, pulling them along. As we headed to our destination, let me introduce myself properly.

You read it right. I'm JIAN ZELL ROSALES, a fourth-year student and president of the Book Lovers Club. I'm not famous or influential in the school. But, humbly speaking, I'm actually one of the Top 20 wealthy students. I won't tell you my exact rank—that's my secret.

I wear our uniform simply. No makeup or accessories, though I have a necklace that I keep hidden! I'm just an ordinary student, and I haven't gotten into any trouble lately. And I'm not well-known. With so many students in this academy, I don't stand out. And I have no plans to become famous.

Hours later...

"So, how do you find the academy?" I asked as we got off our ride. We were in some kind of vehicle, like a golf cart, used for transportation.

"Huge," Mira said.

"Very huge," Jonathan added.

"I know, right?" I chuckled.

"It's enormous! There's even a mountain, a farm site, different dormitories, and more! It's like being in an entire village!" Mira exclaimed in awe.

"Aster actually spans at least four barangays, I think. It's really vast. We're still at the front; we haven't even visited the other sites yet. But during classes, you won't even notice that you've covered it all."

"I hope so," Jonathan replied quietly, making me smile.

We were startled by the sudden appearance of students, screaming loudly. Four different vehicles had just arrived on the school grounds.

Here they are!

"KYAAAAAHHHHH! They're here!"

"My prince charming is back..yes!"

"My goddess has returned! They've been gone so long!"

"Yyyiiieeeee! There they are!"

"Prince NATHANNNN!!! Look at me, please!"

"My goddess Thalia...."

The students' screams filled the air, both boys and girls! Oh, the noise!

"Who are they?" Mira asked.

"Why is it so noisy?" Jonathan complained. I laughed.

"They are part of the most powerful group in the academy," I said.

"The most powerful group? That sounds cheesy," Jonathan replied, busy with his cellphone.

"They're not just some group. Their decisions as a whole are like those of the Headmistress."

"What?! No way!" Mira exclaimed.

"Unfortunately, it's true," I replied.

"What are they?"

"ASTER ACADEMY's SUPREME TEN."