Aratsun Elite High Academy

As soon as they arrived at school, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and energy. The courtyard was filled with new students dressed in crisp uniforms, their faces reflecting a mix of enthusiasm and nervousness. Some chatted animatedly, sharing stories and hopes for the future, while others stood quietly, observing their new surroundings with curiosity. Some were eager to make new friends, while others kept their heads down, feeling out of place amid the lively crowd.

In the school's main hall, the students lined up neatly, waiting for the welcome ceremony to begin. On stage, a row of chairs was already occupied by important officials. Navies, one of the new students, observed everything intently. The faces seated on the stage were familiar to him his sharp memory made it easy to recall people and details. He had once heard Balqis say that his brain worked like a supercomputer, capable of storing vast amounts of information in an instant. Among the guests, a prominent figure stood out: the head of the Ministry of Education had attended in person, signaling the importance of the event.

The chatter slowly died down as the host took the microphone.

"Alright, the new student welcoming ceremony is about to begin," one of the MCs announced confidently. "To start, we would like to invite a representative of the new students to deliver a speech. He comes from an underprivileged background, but thanks to his hard work and government policies, he is now able to study here. This proves that this school is not just for the elite and officials, but for the common people as well. Let's welcome our new student representative!"

A thin student, his uniform slightly oversized, stepped onto the podium. His face showed traces of nervousness, but he took a deep breath and steadied himself before speaking.

"Good morning, everyone. First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the government for giving me the opportunity to study at this prestigious institution. The current administration has shown great care for the less fortunate, providing full support for education so that the younger generation can achieve a brighter future. We must uphold this spirit and work together to build a better generation. I, an orphan with no family, have been given a chance to study here, and that is proof of how much the government truly cares. So let's support our government and contribute as the youth of this nation to its progress!"

A wave of applause filled the hall. The invited guests smiled with pride, and several teachers nodded in agreement. However, amidst the enthusiastic cheers, Navies simply smirked and muttered under his breath, "That wasn't a student's speech it was a government spokesperson's speech."

Next, it was the principal's turn to take the stage. He was an elderly man with silver hair, his wise demeanor evident in his sharp gaze and upright posture. When he spoke, his voice resonated throughout the hall, commanding attention from everyone present.

"You are the future of this nation. Carry yourselves with honor, uphold integrity, and make your families proud. In this school, you will not only gain knowledge but also learn the values that will shape you into future leaders."

For a moment, silence filled the room. His words echoed in the minds of the students, igniting a newfound determination within them.

Once the ceremony concluded, the students were directed to their respective classrooms. Some still looked anxious, while others had begun mingling and chatting with their seatmates. The first day of school had officially begun, bringing with it new hopes, challenges, and stories waiting to unfold.

Navies walked toward Class A the elite classroom filled with students from influential families. Unlike the other classes, this room exuded an air of luxury its walls adorned with million-dollar paintings, desks crafted from polished mahogany, and leather chairs that resembled executive seating more than school furniture. Some students conversed loudly, radiating confidence, while others sat quietly, observing their surroundings with calculated precision.

As Navies entered, scrutinizing gazes met him. Some eyes held curiosity, others wariness or outright disdain. A young man, dressed in a perfectly tailored school blazer, stood up from his seat and approached with deliberate steps, his smirk carrying a hint of challenge.

"So, this is the so-called genius kid who used to live on the outskirts of the city? I'm curious are you really as smart as they say? You got in through the merit program, didn't you? You'd better know how to behave," he said, his tone laced with mockery.

Navies met his gaze with an unreadable expression before offering a faint smile. "Interesting."

Not long after, Balqis entered the classroom as the homeroom teacher. If you're wondering how Balqis ended up in this position, then you clearly don't understand just how much influence Navies holds in this country. Placing her book on the desk, she stood at the podium, her sharp eyes scanning every interaction. She knew this first day would be far more interesting than she had anticipated.

One by one, the students began introducing themselves.

A young man with a satisfied expression spoke first. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Huang Zicheng, son of the Minister of Finance. If you ever need anything, just remember my father controls the economy." His voice dripped with arrogance.

Next was Laura, a graceful-looking girl who barely spared a glance at the other students as she introduced herself. "My name is Laura. My parents own a global chain of five-star hotels."

The introductions continued until it was Navies' turn. He observed quietly, taking in the dynamics of the room. When his turn arrived, he simply offered a faint smile and raised his right hand. "Navies."

Beside him, a girl who seemed different from the others sat silently before finally speaking up. "My name is Mei Carlina. Just call me Mei. I hope we can all be good friends." She smiled brightly. Navies was slightly surprised by her demeanor and found himself looking at her a little longer than intended.

Mei Carlina was one of the few students admitted into Class A based on merit, just like Navies not because of family lineage. Her gaze was sharp and unreadable, as if she were silently analyzing everyone in the room without revealing her own thoughts.

Tension filled the air as the class president election began.

"Alright, it's time to elect the class president and the student council structure," said Balqis. "I'll be assisting with the election process to ensure that everyone has a fair chance and is welcome to nominate themselves."

Two dominant figures stepped forward Huang Zicheng and Laura both determined to assert their superiority. No one else dared to volunteer, or perhaps they simply didn't care, given the mysterious atmosphere of the class.

Huang, exuding confidence befitting his status, spoke first. His voice was firm, almost like a proclamation of victory. "As class president, I will ensure we have access to the best facilities. No more limitations only excellence."

Laura took her time. She walked gracefully, a faint smile on her lips. Yet, beneath the softness of her voice, there was an undeniable authority demanding attention. "With my family's influence, we can secure internships and exclusive opportunities that other students can only dream of."

The classroom fell into silence, weighing the promises before them. One offered power through dominance; the other, an unrivaled network of connections.

Balqis, who was secretly working undercover as a teacher, observed carefully. To her, this wasn't just a class president election. It was a microcosm of a much larger power struggle. This environment would become Navies' battlefield, and she knew he was more than capable of navigating it.

Meanwhile, similar power plays unfolded in other classes.

In Class B, Maggie, the academic genius, chose to remain distant. Her brilliance isolated her, creating an invisible gap between herself and her peers.

In Class C, Arya, a talented athlete hungry for recognition, stood at the top of the hierarchy. However, his arrogance earned him more enemies than allies.

In Class D, Lily wielded power differently. Her family's influence was her greatest weapon, ensuring that anyone who dared to oppose her would face severe consequences.

Back in Class A, the votes were cast. As the results were announced, Huang Zicheng emerged victorious.

With a smug grin, he swept his gaze across the room. "I appreciate your trust. I will lead this class to greatness."

Laura, despite her loss, showed no sign of disappointment. The sweet smile remained on her lips, but her eyes hinted at something else an unfinished plan.

"Congratulations, Huang," she said, her voice soft yet sharp. "I look forward to working with you."

However, beneath her polite words, it was clear that the battle was far from over.

Navies remained silent, understanding that this was only the beginning. The real challenges lay ahead.

Soon enough, Huang Zicheng revealed his true nature. He gathered the students who had entered Class A through merit, including Navies.

"In this class, there are two tiers those of us born into privilege and those who had to struggle to get here," he said coldly. "You, the latter, will serve us. Consider it the price of your admission."

Laura chimed in, her voice laced with mockery. "If you anger us, we could destroy your families. Connections matter more than talent."

Navies listened, his expression unreadable. He had no interest in submitting to their power games.

Navies' first day at school had already given him a new perspective on the outside world.