"Are you alright?"

Alison's worried look brought me back to reality. I blinked and let my gaze wander over the captivating beauty that lay before me.

I mustered a timid smile and replied, "Yes, I am! Thank you for asking."

I was never popular with girls, so talking to them didn't happen often. Beyond my not-so-charming personality, I also gave off a reserved aura that tended to drive most girls away. Not that I minded; I enjoyed being on the sidelines and staying uninvolved. That didn't mean I never had crushes—I did—but I'd never felt compelled to express my feelings. Now, standing face-to-face with the prettiest girl I'd ever seen, I found myself navigating entirely new territory.

"I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself earlier. My name is Alison van Bergen," the lovely vision in front of me said with a radiant smile, extending her hand for a handshake.

I quickly took her hand, feeling its softness send chills down my spine. "I'm Makisig Kagiwa," I introduced myself, releasing her hand. "But you can call me Maki. That's what everyone calls me."

"Wow! You have a really cool name. I like it!" she exclaimed, genuine admiration lighting up her face. Her compliment was a revelation. As a child, my name had often been a source of ridicule, something kids used to make fun of me. I'd grown to despise it. But hearing Alison—a seemingly perfect girl—say she liked my name was like a breath of fresh air.

"My parents were just obsessed with old names. It's kind of obsolete and outdated," I said shyly, brushing a hand against my hair, feeling self-conscious.

"No, I like it so much! It means brave and charming, right?" she asked with a bright smile. "Your name really suits you."

Her words sent warmth rushing to my cheeks, and I smiled awkwardly, struggling to find the right response. "Thanks," I muttered under my breath.

"I actually know someone else with a traditional name like yours. He's a nice person, too. It's always amazing to meet people who carry such unique names."

"That's great to hear! I hope I can meet him someday."

"I hope so, too," she said, though her smile wavered slightly. A flicker of sadness crossed her eyes, unsettling me. But I brushed the thought aside, deciding I was overthinking.

"By the way, I just want to thank you for helping me out earlier. You didn't have to, but I really appreciate it. I just hope I didn't get you in trouble," she said, concern flickering in her gaze.

"No, it's totally fine!" I said, forcing a cheerful tone. "Don't worry about me. I'm tougher than you think. I just can't stand seeing anyone being disrespected."

I inwardly cringed at my own words. Earlier, I'd been berating myself for impulsively stepping in to defend her, yet here I was, acting like some knight in shining armor. Still, despite my doubts, I felt justified in helping Alison, even if it put me in Jaxon's crosshairs.

"Just let me know if Jaxon or any of his friends bother you. I'll be here to help, okay?" she said with both thumbs up, waiting for my confirmation.

"You can count on that!" I said with a grin, mirroring her gesture. She laughed adorably, and I couldn't help but chuckle along. It struck me that it was the first time I'd laughed since that terrible night. I felt grateful I'd decided to help Alison—it had led to this moment, which I wouldn't trade for anything.

"I just realized, this is the first time I've seen you at school. Are you new here?" Alison asked.

"Yes, today's my first day at the Academy. I'm in 11th grade."

"We're in the same year then!" she exclaimed with excitement. "I hope we're in the same class. That would be so much fun!"

"I hope so, too," I replied, my smile mirroring her enthusiasm.

"Ali!" a loud voice called out behind her. Alison turned and waved at a red-haired girl standing a few feet away. She looked back at me and said, "That's my friend. I need to go, but I hope to see you around. Thank you again, Maki!"

"Take care, Alison. I'll see you soon."

She flashed a bright smile, turned to leave, then stopped and turned back. "By the way, you can call me Ali. That's what my friends call me."

Her words caught me off guard, but I managed a broad smile and nodded. She waved goodbye and walked away toward her friend.

My gaze followed her as she left. I smiled dreamily, realizing I'd just made my first friend at this school. Though Jaxon might be a looming problem, the thought of doing the right thing—and gaining a friend—eased my worries.

But my smile faltered when I noticed Ali's friend glaring at me. Her icy stare felt like a warning to stay away. She was menacingly tall, her straight, fiery red hair framing a sharp, elegant face that exuded both grace and danger. Her expression softened when Ali reached her, and the two embraced, clearly thrilled to reunite after the summer break.

"That's Shinayah Sarmiento. But everyone calls her Shina," a voice suddenly said behind me. Startled, I turned to see two boys in the same school uniform. One was shorter and rounded with a warm smile; the other was tall and composed, towering over me.

"She's a star athlete of the Track and Field club and Alison's best friend," the shorter boy explained, his voice unmistakably the one I'd heard earlier. "If you want to win Alison's heart, you'll have to get Shina's approval first. Just so you know, no one has ever succeeded."

"What are you talking about?" I exclaimed, warmth rising in my cheeks at the implication. "Ali and I are just friends."

The shorter boy chuckled and said, "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with us." He winked and extended a hand. "I'm Norman Novalis, but you can call me Nono. I'm in 11th grade."

Still flustered, I shook his hand. "I'm Makisig Kagiwa. Call me Maki. I'm in 11th grade too."

"Don't mind him. He's just teasing," the taller boy said, offering his hand as well. "I'm Juvan DiAntonio, also in 11th grade."

I shook his hand and nodded, feeling more at ease. "Nice to meet you both," I said with a smile.

"I was on the bus earlier when you confronted Jaxon and saved Alison from him," Nono said, his face lighting up with animated excitement. "You looked really cool back then. I wanted to approach you, but I promised Juvan I'd wait for him outside on the first day of school. I'm so glad we ran into you here!"

"We haven't seen each other in a while, but all he's talked about today is how much he admires you for standing up for Alison," Juvan added with a mischievous smirk. "I think he's your biggest fan now."

"Come on, Juvan, you don't need to expose me like that," Nono said playfully. "But I really do admire your guts, Maki. That was the first time I've seen someone stand up to Jaxon and his goons. You have no idea how amazing you looked earlier."

"It was nothing, really. I just don't feel comfortable seeing someone being mistreated in front of me," I said with a smile, hiding the unease stirring within me.

"I've never seen you around here before. Are you a transfer student?" Juvan asked.

"Yes, this is my first term here."

"I knew it! That explains why you don't know anything about Jaxon," Nono said, his curiosity piqued. "Okay, let me fill you in. Jaxon Rayner has been a menace to this school for as long as I can remember. He's a well-known troublemaker involved in all sorts of disruptive activities. But as much as other students would love to report him to the faculty, most are too afraid it'll backfire and leave them worse off."

"What makes them so afraid of him?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Nono glanced around to ensure no one could overhear and then leaned in closer. "Aside from coming from a very wealthy and influential family, it's rumored his family has ties to one of the Advisors—you know, those mysterious board members who secretly control the school from the shadows?"

Maharlika Academy's highest echelon of power is comprised of ten private individuals known as the Advisors. As members of the board, they collectively own the Academy and oversee all major decisions. It is said that they hide their true identities behind fabricated personas, though their reasons remain a mystery to many. Rumors suggest that the Advisors are drawn from the elite ranks of society, including immensely wealthy entrepreneurs, influential politicians, esteemed military leaders, renowned technology experts, and other prominent figures. This alleged connection to such powerful individuals offers unparalleled opportunities to the Academy's students, paving the way for a promising and prosperous future. These unique advantages solidify Maharlika Academy's reputation as the nation's premier institution for primary and secondary education.

It felt like a bomb had just been dropped on me. Offending a rich kid at this school was one thing, but making an enemy of someone connected to the Advisors? That was a death sentence.

"Those are just rumors and speculation," Juvan interjected, trying to steer the conversation away from the troubling topic. "You don't need to worry about him. You'll be fine. Just try to avoid him moving forward."

"But Juvan!" Nono exclaimed in frustration.

Juvan shook his head gently, silencing Nono with a calm yet firm gesture.

"I'm sorry, Maki. I didn't mean to scare you," Nono said, looking genuinely regretful. "I just thought it'd be better for you to know, especially since you're new here."

"It's fine, Nono. I understand," I said with a reassuring smile, hoping to ease his guilt. "And thank you both for telling me. I promise I won't let this affect me. If Jaxon does come after me, I'll deal with him."

"You really are tough, Maki! I have no doubt you can handle him," Nono said with a newfound cheer, raising his fist in a gesture of support. "You've got this!"

The sound of the school bell, announcing the imminent start of classes, cut through our conversation. Students began rushing toward the school gates, eager to make it in before they closed.

"Let's go, Maki. We might be late if we don't hurry," Juvan cautioned.

"I hope we all end up in the same class this year," Nono said, his excitement palpable. "That would be amazing."

"Same here. I hope so, too," I said with a smile as we rushed toward the academy gates.

Though my school year had yet to officially begin, I'd already met a couple of kind and welcoming people. It gave me hope for what lay ahead.

As I stepped through the school entrance, a bright smile crossed my face, brushing away lingering doubts and worries. Walking alongside my new friends, I felt a renewed motivation to face whatever challenges awaited me in this school—this school cloaked in mystery and uncertainty.

🖤🖤🖤

The next thing I knew, I was following Nono and Juvan to the school gymnasium, a space designated for the Academy's high school students. According to the welcome packet I had received, attending the opening ceremony was the first task on my agenda for my first day at school. The gymnasium buzzed with students around my age. Intimidation crept over me as I glanced around at everyone, busy catching up with friends and classmates after their summer breaks. Despite their seemingly average appearances, they radiated a vibrant aura, a testament to their superior intellect, privileged backgrounds, or extraordinary talents.

"Maki, let's line up here," Nono called out, interrupting my thoughts. He motioned for me to join him, so we could stand in line with the others. We found a decent spot, and I ended up sandwiched among a group of 11th-grade boys, with Nono and Juvan standing right behind me.

The students were arranged in four blocks, separated by year level and gender, with each block forming orderly lines. The faculty team stood adjacent to the first and fourth blocks, also grouped by gender. All attention was directed toward the gymnasium stage, which was adorned with welcoming decorations. A speaker's podium stood on the left, flanked by a few chairs arranged for the school officials.

Suddenly, I felt a tug on the back of my shirt. I turned to see Nono grinning broadly.

"What is it?" I whispered, keeping my voice low to avoid drawing attention.

"Look to your right," he murmured playfully, shielding his mouth with his hand.

Curious, I shifted my gaze and spotted Ali standing parallel to me. Before I could avert my eyes, she noticed me and immediately flashed a sweet smile, accompanied by a warm wave of her hand. Caught off guard, I smiled and waved back. Faint murmurs rippled through the students around us, but I ignored them. Next to Ali stood Shina, her icy glare making it abundantly clear she didn't share Ali's friendliness.

Before I could dwell on it, a voice boomed from the podium, commanding everyone's attention. The gym fell silent as the welcoming program began. Among the officials seated at the front was Marcus Antoine Roswald, the Chairman of Maharlika Academy—a man I had spent hours researching online. His commanding presence was undeniable: a perfectly chiseled face, dark eyes, and a masculine physique, all accentuated by an impeccably tailored red suit. His long, deep-navy hair and fair complexion added a touch of elegance to his persona. Although just in his early thirties, he had secured the Chairman position thanks to his stellar academic credentials and unmatched experience. However, online rumors suggested his appointment was tied to his connections with the elusive Advisors.

The program proceeded with speeches, a welcome video, and presentations. Then, the top 11th-grade student was called to the stage. My breath hitched as a familiar figure stepped forward—the same guy who had given me curt advice on the academy bus earlier: Yuan Ainsley Wong.

"As we navigate another year of high school, I wish everyone a fun and collaborative experience," Yuan declared confidently. "May we all strive to achieve our goals and become the best versions of ourselves. Lastly, best of luck." He paused, and though his words were meant for everyone, I couldn't shake the feeling that he was directing them at me, echoing his earlier advice. "We all need that. Thank you, and have a great day."

The room erupted into applause, the sound reverberating through the gymnasium. After a few more speeches, the opening ceremony neared its conclusion. To wrap things up, the Chairman took the stage. His speech was a masterful blend of authority and charm, sprinkled with light humor. Despite his approachable demeanor, I couldn't help but sense the weight of the secrets he likely held about the Academy. If I hoped to uncover the truth about my brother's transformation—and his subsequent disappearance—I would need to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Chairman and the Academy's shadowy operations.

"To all returning students, welcome back to another amazing year in this great institution," the Chairman spoke, his voice resonating through the gym. "To all new students, I gladly welcome you to Maharlika Academy. May your time here be fulfilling, and may you discover what your heart truly desires." His words concluded with a standing ovation, the room thunderous with applause and cheers.

As the host officially ended the program, students began dispersing toward their respective classrooms. I caught sight of Ali walking away with Shina and a couple of other girls. As her figure disappeared into the crowd, I found myself silently wishing to see her again soon.

"Maki, let's check the bulletin board," Nono suggested. "We need to find out our class assignments."

I wanted to join them, but something more pressing demanded my attention. "Sorry, but I have something important to take care of. I'll check my class assignment later."

"That's too bad. I think I'm already missing you," Nono teased.

"Don't worry, Nono. You'll have plenty of time to hang out with Maki later," Juvan chimed in, patting my shoulder playfully. "We support your obsession with him." His joke made all of us burst into laughter.

"See you around, guys. Take care!" I waved goodbye and walked away, grateful for the friends I had made but resolute in my purpose.

With my head held high and determination surging within me, I strode out of the gymnasium, bracing myself for the encounter I had been eagerly anticipating.

Next Chapter: The School for Noble Warriors