Act XI - Graduation Ceremony and Inauguration of the New Principal: 

The Great Hall - 9:00 AM :

The air in the Great Hall was charged with an invisible but palpable feeling. Neat rows of seats, the low sounds of formal chatter, and carefully hung lights cast a warm glow on the large stage where the graduation ceremony would take place.

In the front rows, members of the student council sat, not as guests of honor, but as organizers of the event. Yukiha, in her elaborate uniform, was checking the last details, while Sohara stood at the edge, watching the crowd with an apathetic expression.

"It's time to begin." Yukiha said quietly, her eyes following the stage.

"Oh, finally. I'm starting to feel like I'm part of the service staff and not the student council." Sohara commented with mild sarcasm, but Yukiha didn't react.

The ceremony had begun, and time was running out... but something uncomfortable was rising in the air.

The Main Theater - 10:15 AM :

The interim director stood behind the podium, glancing at the front rows before beginning his speech in a deep voice :

"Today, we say goodbye to a new generation of our students who have spent their years here diligent, committed, and persevering. The Class of 2005 has exemplified discipline and excellence, and we are confident that they will carry this legacy into the future..."

As the words flowed, Sohara watched the faces in the hall, not the graduating students, but the teachers... and the guests.

Some seemed less interested than they should be.

Others were exchanging fleeting glances... not at the graduates, but at someone else.

But the most unusual was Misaki Shido. She stood off to the side, her features perfectly normal, but her hands were clasped tightly in front of her.

As if she was waiting for something.

The New Principal's Announcement - 11:30 AM :

After the diplomas were handed out and the graduation speeches were finished, the interim principal returned to the stage again, but this time, the audience was more attentive.

"And now, before we conclude this important day, we have one last announcement."

The auditorium went quiet. Even the students, who had been whispering, fell silent.

"As you know, the position of Academy Principal has been vacant for some time. But today, it is my pleasure to formally introduce to you the new Principal, who will lead this organization in the years to come."

He paused for a moment, then turned his head to the side.

"Mr. Hidehara Tatsuma."

The name was unfamiliar to the students. But it was familiar to two people.

Yukiha arched her back slightly, while Sohara glanced toward the person who had started walking down the main corridor toward the podium.

A tall man with a strong build, dark hair, and eyes with a sharp gaze but devoid of any readable expression. His steps were calm, but not casual. He moved as if he was accustomed to control, as if everything in front of him were chess pieces.

When he took the stage, he paused for a moment, scanned the room with a quick glance, then grabbed the microphone.

"Thank you."

Only two words, but the voice that uttered them was unnaturally cold.

"I am Hidehara Tatsuma, and I will be taking over the management of this academy from now on."

He didn't smile, no friendly introductions, just a decisive, direct tone.

"I know that change is not easy, but I believe that order and discipline are what ensure the continuation of organizations. The Academy will continue along the same lines, perhaps... with some necessary adjustments."

He paused for a moment, then finished simply:

"I wish you all the best."

He then withdrew from the podium, leaving the room in a heavy silence.

Sohara, who had been watching closely, muttered in a barely audible voice:

"...interesting."

Outside the auditorium - 1:00 PM :

After the ceremony ended, students gathered outside, exchanging congratulations, as members of the student council supervised the departure of the guests.

"Well, this is finally over." Sera Arisawa "Student Council Vice President" said, stretching her arms tiredly.

"Something else has begun." Sohara commented, looking toward the administration building where the new principal had entered minutes before.

Yukiha was beside him, but she didn't say anything. Her eyes followed the closed door with the same cautious silence.

The ceremony was over.

But a new feeling began to creep into the air...

As if the Academy was about to enter a new chapter, completely different from the previous one.