CHAPTER ONE (1)

It was the beginning of the year, and the weather was very chilly as Zain traveled to the academy. This was not like before when he had come to the academy like a fugitive; now, he was arriving as the most famous ranker in the world. The news was everywhere; on every network one tuned into, they would read the same headlines. The headlines proclaimed: "The successor to the world's most powerful position, the Supreme General, has been authenticated."

News of the successor was still classified information, but what the public did know was that the successor was, in fact, the illegitimate son of the Supreme General. That was the narrative the propaganda machine had fed to the people.

An elegantly dressed boy stood outside the gates of the academy, the chilly wind blowing past him, causing his grey scarf to flutter slightly. He wore the school's black uniform, which consisted of black trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a jet-black jacket. However, he had chosen to wear a long black coat adorned with an insignia that resembled the academy's emblem but was distinct in its design.

Zain's caramel skin complemented his outfit, while his short, silky black hair danced in the chilly breeze. Yet, what was truly mesmerizing about his appearance were his emerald green eyes, which sparkled with an otherworldly brilliance, making him look like a demigod.

Inside the academy, the news of a new student joining the ranks was not particularly surprising, as the institution typically welcomed new students at the beginning of the year. However, this year was different. This year, a returning student was coming back, and that returning student held a classified rank. This meant that his actual rank was either S or above S, stirring a buzz of excitement among the students. Whispers filled the hallways as they speculated about the new arrival, their imaginations running wild with positive possibilities.

As Zain entered the academy gates, all the staff members had gathered at the entrance to welcome him. He recognized several familiar faces, such as the instructor Slinger, his homeroom teacher, the A-rank woman, and Principal Benedict. Zain didn't need to wear his badge, as he was not engaged in any mission, but this did not apply to the other generals. Their badges served as a form of recognition, yet even without his, Zain subtly exuded an aura of higher rank.

"Zain! My boy, it's good to see you!" Principal Benedict exclaimed, his face breaking into a warm smile as he took in the sight of the elegantly dressed teenager. The rest of the staff members either smiled or looked at him with sincere admiration.

*What is wrong with them? They weren't like this before,* Zain thought, a hint of confusion crossing his mind.

"Come this way; the weather is not very good," Principal Benedict insisted, gesturing for Zain to follow.

Together with the staff members, they walked to Principal Benedict's office. Upon arrival, Zain had to sit first, allowing the other rankers to take their seats afterward. This was customary because Zain was officially the highest-ranked individual in the academy, and thus he was the one expected to give orders.

This hierarchy would have greatly annoyed Zain if not for the training he had received from the generals, who had taught him to handle such matters with grace and to sidestep them whenever possible, as the Supreme himself had suggested. 

*This is still very annoying,* Zain thought, though he did not show how much he disliked being in charge. Instead, he maintained a composed demeanor, aware that the expectations placed upon him came with the territory of his newfound status.

As he sat there, surrounded by the staff and their eager expressions, Zain felt the weight of their admiration and expectation pressing down on him. He was not just a student anymore; he was a symbol of hope and ambition, a beacon for those who aspired to greatness. The journey ahead promised to be filled with challenges, but Zain was determined to navigate them, not just for himself, but for everyone who believed in him.