“Loko, I get the feeling that brown-haired senior and the white-haired classmate… they don’t seem like people to mess with at all.”

After the ceremony ended, Shilufei and Loko walked toward the classroom building. Shilufei couldn’t stop thinking about the dramatic clash between the two sisters during the opening ceremony.

“You don’t know who they are?”

Loko explained Haya and Teresa’s backgrounds to Shilufei.

“So… Haya has been holding a grudge all this time about losing her position as first heir due to her father’s early death?”

“Mm.”

As for the York Family’s public affairs—what the citizens of the Empire of Saint Velia commonly knew—there wasn’t much more to it.

That the two young ladies had never gotten along was common knowledge across nearly all of Rickrode City.

It wasn’t classified information, nor could it implicate Loko with the York Family, so she spoke freely to Shilufei without hesitation.

Listening, Shilufei let out a feigned gasp of surprise.

As they chatted, they arrived at the door of Class 1, Grade 1.

Saint Stephen Academy enrolled roughly a thousand students per grade. Based on entrance exam scores, the top fifty formed Class 1; the rest were randomly assigned elsewhere.

Thus, Class 1 of each grade naturally gathered the most resources—

influence, leadership roles in student organizations, you name it.

Even within Class 1, a cutthroat elimination system was enforced.

At year’s end, the bottom twenty faced challenges from students outside Class 1. Lose, and your seat was taken.

Of course, neither Loko nor Shilufei worried about that.

After all, one ranked second, the other ninth.

They settled into seats at the back. Roommates *and* classmates—practically inseparable.

As more students filed in, chatter filled the room. Yet one spot remained untouched:

Teresa’s.

Just then, a young woman with short black hair entered.

Stepping onto the podium, she silenced the class until only quiet remained.

“I am your homeroom teacher, Ostia. I teach martial arts. You’ll meet other instructors in their respective classes.”

Ostia’s stern, unsmiling presence swept over every student after her brief introduction.

“Some of you may be close. But heed this: don’t form cliques. In battle, trust only yourself. You never know if your ally will aid you—or strike you down next.”

At those words, everyone stayed calm—except Loko, whose eyes widened for a split second before returning to normal.

“The academy doesn’t track attendance. But fail an exam, and I’ll drop your rank. Send you straight to compete with the hungry wolves.”

Those “hungry wolves”? Students from other classes, eyeing Class 1 seats every year.

Without another word, Ostia strode out.

True to her appearance: efficient, no-nonsense. After a few crisp lines, she handed time back to the students.

So… for geniuses, hands-off really *is* the best education?

The classroom buzzed again.

Noon neared. Loko’s stomach growled—she’d only had a slice of bread that morning.

Then Teresa stood.

Heads turned.

She walked straight toward Loko and Shilufei.

“Loko. Shilufei.”

Shilufei blinked in surprise. “You know my name?”

A barely perceptible flicker of displeasure crossed Teresa’s eyes, yet her ladylike composure held firm.

“Naturally. I’ve researched every classmate.”

She continued smoothly, “You know who I am. Would you join me for lunch? I’d like to discuss something.”

“What is it?” Shilufei pressed.

Knowing Teresa’s temperament, Loko cut in before she could reply:

“Sure. You pick the place, Teresa.”

“Good.”

Teresa offered Loko a sweet, knowing smile.

…

Inside a campus restaurant.

Loko and Shilufei sat side by side; Teresa faced them.

As dishes arrived, Teresa—just as planned with Loko yesterday—began recruiting Shilufei.

“Shilufei, your entrance exam rank was ninth, correct?”

“Ah… yes.” Shilufei nodded.

“I’m running for student council this year. I’d like you both to join my campaign team. What do you think?”

Shilufei hesitated. Under the table, she subtly nudged Loko’s arm.

Starving, Loko had been eating without much ladylike decorum. Nudged, she simply nodded.

*What does that nod mean?*

*Accept? Or figure it out myself?*

Shilufei’s mind spun into chaos.

Noticing Loko’s state—and recalling how Shilufei had adjusted her clothes that morning—Teresa guessed it.

*Did this girl oversleep and skip breakfast?*

She slid her untouched plate toward Loko.

Loko, about to thank her, froze at Teresa’s meaningful smile.

*This isn’t kindness… it’s a test.*

*If I accept, she’ll bring it up next time we’re alone…*

Panicked, Loko waved it off.

She pulled a handkerchief, dabbed her lips, and said lightly:

“Um… I’m full. Keep it, Teresa.”

Then she turned to Shilufei.

“Shilufei, I’m in. What about you?”

Loko, ranked second, aiming for student council made sense. But Shilufei? Only ninth.

Shilufei, instead of answering, looked at Teresa.

“Teresa… if you’re choosing by exam rank, why pick me—the ninth—over the third?”

*For heaven’s sake, stop asking!* Loko’s inner voice screamed.

Teresa wouldn’t snap at Shilufei publicly… but privately? She’d blame *her* for poor judgment.

Yet Teresa remained unfazed. She echoed Loko’s words from yesterday, her ruby eyes gleaming, crimson lips parting:

“Because I believe you have more potential than any of them. You’re the right one.”