The morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the principal's office, casting a warm glow over the neatly arranged documents on Robert Pattinson's desk. As he glanced up, his gaze fell upon a student seated across from him, his deep emerald eyes staring back with an air of indifference.
"You've grown into quite the handsome young man." With a slight clearing of his throat, Robert set the papers aside and complimented the young man before him but the boy's stoic expression remained unchanged. Knowing him as the son of his friend, Steve Damen, Robert reached for his phone, dialing a familiar number while the boy surveyed the room, taking in its well-appointed furnishings.
Amidst this, a figure in the school uniform entered- a beautiful girl with wavy dark brown hair and gentle, light brown eyes. She bore an unmistakable resemblance to Robert.

"Lily, this is Zac," Robert introduced before turning to the young man. "Zac, meet my daughter, Lil.."

"Hi, Zac! I'm Liliana. It's a pleasure to meet you," she greeted warmly.

"Hi," Zac responded tersely, barely acknowledging her before rising from his seat. "Excuse me, sir. I'll collect my documents later."

"Of course. Go and rest up. You must be exhausted after the long journey."

Zac stepped out of the office, picking up the bag leaned against the wall as he headed towards the dormitory adjacent to the school building. His admission to Lumina Crest Junior High School marked an entry into one of Japan's top educational institutions.

Liliana's voice sliced through the air, trying to snag Zac's attention. He paused, casting a brief glance over his shoulder.

"Quite the speedster," she wheezed, attempting to catch her breath. "Let me be your guide." Resuming his stride, Zac offered no response.
"This maze of a building will swallow you without a map," she insisted, matching his pace step for step.
Unmoved, Zac strode into the dormitory, a spacious and meticulously constructed space.
"Osaka native, right?" Liliana prodded, her eyes fixed on him.
He strode through the dormitory in complete silence, declining to offer any reply or acknowledgment. Liliana folded her arms, scrutinizing him.
"Hey, are you even listening?" She waved her hand in front of his eyes, prompting him to roll his eyes and meet her gaze. "So, have you been to Tokyo before?" she queried once more.

"Yes," he replied tersely.

"So, which city do you prefer? Tokyo or Osaka?" she inquired further, her curiosity evident.

"You chatter too much," he retorted, furrowing his brows in annoyance.

"Do I?" She flashed a grin. "I've always been quite lively."

"Jeez," he muttered as they rounded the corner.
Stairs led upwards, prompting a quick scan for the lift.

"The elevator's out. We'll have to take the stairs," she informed him, anticipating his thoughts.
Climbing, she inquired, "So, which room did they assign you?"

"Forty Four," he replied matter-of-factly.

"Room forty four?" Her complexion drained. "That's the notorious haunted room here. Three years back, a girl committed suicide there. It's been locked since then."

"So?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Aren't you scared of ghosts?" she shivered.

"No."

"Why not? Doesn't it intrigue you? Why did the girl take her life?" she probed, waiting for a response, but he remained silent. "You haven't properly introduced yourself," she pressed on.

"You don't need to know me," he replied, his tone curt.

"Why not? It's essential for friendship. Don't-" Her words halted at the sight of his cold expression.

As they reached the fourth floor, he halted at room 44, unlocking the door.

"I apologize for bothering you like this," she said hesitantly.

"Yes, you should," he retorted, stepping into the room.

"Can I come in?" she asked.

"No."

"What!" Her jaw fell. "You're so rude!" She pouted. "Where's my thank you?"

"I think it's time for you to leave," he stated firmly.

"What's wrong with him?" she wondered. "Fine. I'll see you tomorrow. And try to be on time for school!" she grinned before exiting.

"Acting as if you're my mother or something," he muttered, closing the door. Leaning against it, he sighed heavily.

A minute passed as he surveyed the room. It was compact, freshly painted white walls enclosing a space with a dressing table, a bed, and a closet, each covered in dust and grime. Placing his bag on the bed, he pushed the window open. The sun's rays illuminated his face, but failed to touch his darkened soul. Inhaling deeply, he took in the refreshing air.

A year slipped by, marked by complete isolation since that fateful day. Refusing conversation, he remained confined to his room day in and day out. Despite Tokou and Hiyono's relentless efforts to pull him from his despair, they persuaded him to seek professional help. After a year's passing, he resolved to continue his studies elsewhere, passing the necessary examinations to gain admission into Lumina Crest High School. Yet, here he stood, grappling with self-loathing and resentment toward his fate.
Exhaling a weighty sigh, he turned from the window, confronting the task of tidying the neglected space ahead.

☆☆☆

Alice's whistle pierced the air, initiating Dan's swift sprint across the hostel's ground, the soccer ball at his feet. Lumina Crest High School's hostel was alive with the spirited match being played among the resident students, all from the same grade.

''Dan!" Drew's urgent call prompted a pass from Dan to him, and they raced forward, exchanging the ball. Drew returned it to Dan, who expertly launched it, the ball spiraling through the air and eluding Takato's grasp.

"Goal!" Dan's exuberant cry echoed as he and Drew celebrated with a resounding high five.

"Let me try!" Dawn's enthusiasm surged.

"You can't handle it," Dan taunted, provoking Dawn.

"Shut your mouth and watch closely," Dawn shot back, positioning her foot on the football.

At Alice's signal, Dawn unleashed a forceful kick. However, her aim faltered, sending the ball wildly off-course, colliding with an unsuspecting passerby. Reacting instinctively, the stranger returned the ball, accidentally striking Dawn this time. Tensions flared among the players, glaring in the stranger's direction. He was a young lad, sporting dark brown hair and deep emerald eyes, clad in a purple T-shirt paired with black jeans. Takato's ire surged, but Ayumi intervened before he could act.

"Are you an immigrant?" Ayumi inquired, prompting startled looks from the others. Her casual tone seemed out of place.

"Yes," came his brief reply.

"Ah, I see. Listen, you might be impudent, but we can be far ruder than you. Don't even think about messing with us!" Ayumi's frown deepened as she warned him.

Ignoring her, he began to walk away, provoking anger that distorted Ayumi's face.

"Do you think we'll just let you leave after this?!" she confronted him, blocking his path along with the others.

Surveying them, he noticed their matching wristwatches. "They're probably members of the Aurora Sentinels. Likely B-rankers," he mused to himself, then turned his attention to Dawn. ''You're quite pitiful at dodging," he remarked, meeting Dawn's eyes.

His words further fueled their fury. Takato seized his collar and shouted, "Who do you think you are?"

''Never mind me. You lot started it. Why resort to fists when we can settle this with words?" He pushed Takato's hand aside.

"You jerk," Takato seethed through clenched teeth.

"He's clueless about us," Ayumi added, her teeth also clenched. Levin intervened, placing a hand on her shoulder. She glanced at him, finding solace in his meaningful smile before he stepped forward.

"Listen, guys. I have an idea. Let's settle this with a soccer match," Levin proposed.

"Dumb idea," Takato remarked.

"Let's give it a try," surprisingly, Levin managed to control his anger, offering a smile.

''I think he's right. He can't beat us in a match," Ayumi chimed in. The guy facing them raised an eyebrow.

"So, Mr. Anonymous, you okay with that?" Levin grinned slyly.

"Anonymous, huh?" He sighed. "The name is Zac. And sure, I'm up for a game of soccer," he shrugged.

Their gazes locked, and Levin felt an odd sensation, prompting him to look away. "What's going on with me?" he wondered.

"Here's the deal: two rounds. First, you try to score. Succeed, and you win. Second, you stop us from doing the same. No time limit," Ayumi explained.

"Why no time limit?" Takato queried.

"Relax, Takato. He can't score," Ayumi asserted confidently.

Zac arched a brow, not entirely keen on the idea but opting to remain silent. Levin tossed the ball his way. Balancing the football on his foot, Zac contemplated.
"Let's see what you folks are made of."

Assigned as the striker against Takato, who played goalkeeper, the rest observed. Ayumi blew the whistle, signaling the start. Zac swiftly maneuvered the ball toward the goal post, launching a shot that eluded Takato's block. A genuine goal, leaving them all taken aback. Takato rushed over, perplexed.

"What just happened?" Alice handed him a bottle of water.

"I didn't expect him to be that fast," Takato clenched his hand in frustration.

Their gazes turned to Zac, who effortlessly spun the football on his finger.

"It's your turn, Dan. Give it your all!" Ayumi directed Dan, urging him to utilize his superpowers.

"What? But..." Dan hesitated.

"It'll be fine if the ball doesn't hit him," Takato reassured.

Daniel nodded reluctantly, approaching Zac.

"Let's begin!" Dan squared off with Zac. Both assumed their positions.

"Dan, make sure to teach him a good lesson. Otherwise, I'll tell Mom that you're neglecting me!" Dawn yelled.

"As if she'll listen to you. Just keep quiet for once," Dan retorted.

At Alice's whistle, Daniel charged with the ball. A ring of fire encircled his foot as he delivered a forceful kick. Zac, prepared to block, stretched his hands, successfully stopping the ball. It spun in his grasp for several moments before halting. A stunned silence followed. Zac glanced their way but said nothing, tossing the ball up and departing.

"Impossible!" They exclaimed.

"How did he block that powerful move? He seems ordinary!" Drew remarked.

"He might excel as a goalkeeper," Dan mused, inspired.

"What do you mean? He stopped your shot. Doesn't that imply your weakness?" Dawn challenged.

"Coming from someone who can't even muster an effective attack," Dan shot back.

''Hmph! I can, you loser!" She yelled.

'"I held back deliberately, you dimwit," he countered.

"Really?" Ayumi inquired seriously. Dan affirmed, prompting a collective sigh of relief.

"Why'd you hold back? We lost because of you," Takato frowned.

"I wanted a fair game, that's all," Dan shrugged.

"Enough bickering, everyone," Ayumi intervened. "Let's focus. Next time, we'll show him what we're made of."

They were all B-rankers and had forged a strong friendship. Their clique, known for arrogance, was a dominant presence both in school and the hostel. Other students steered clear of them.

"He's skilled in both offense and defense. I bet he'll join the soccer club," Levin smiled, contemplating.

☆☆☆

As Dawn entered the classroom, she suddenly halted, catching May's attention.

"What's wrong?" May inquired.

Dawn pointed at the boy seated near the window. May glanced over and was taken aback. She clutched Dawn's arm and pulled her out of the classroom.

"Why is he here?" Both exclaimed in unison. Others began to gather around.

"Why are you two standing outside?" asked Drew.

"That guy is going to be in our class!" May exclaimed.

"Who?" Takato questioned.

"The one we met yesterday," Dawn clarified.

"Really? This just got more interesting," Ayumi remarked.

''What do you mean?" Alice inquired.

"It's simple. We can easily mess with him," Ayumi smiled confidently and walked into the classroom. Risa frowned but followed suit as they all took their seats. It was their first day in the new grade after moving up from the previous finals. After a while, the teacher arrived.

''Good morning, students. Welcome to your first day in this class. I'm your class instructor, Yoshinaga. I'll be teaching you Japanese," she announced, pausing for a moment.
"Although most of you are returning students, let's provide an opportunity for the newcomers to introduce themselves." She gestured toward a boy sitting in the front row, prompting him to stand.

"My name is Max Ashford. It's my inaugural day here. I haven't joined any clubs yet, but I'm eager to explore. I hope we all have a pleasant time together," he concluded before retaking his seat.

Next, a girl stood hesitantly. "Um... my name is Hinami Oak... first day... I hope we can get along," she said softly and swiftly returned to her seat, exhibiting visible shyness.

Finally, the spotlight turned to him. All eyes were on Zac as he rose to his feet.

"My name is Zac Damen," he stated plainly before sitting back down.

The entire class anticipated more from him, but he remained unfazed. Memories of his first day at the Japan International Horizon School resurfaced, his own words echoing in his mind.

"My name is Zac Damen. I transferred here with the hope of exploring Japan. I'm excited to make wonderful memories with all of you," he had expressed with immense enthusiasm and joy back then. However, times had since changed.

''He's so arrogant," Alice whispered to Ayumi, observing Zac's demeanor.

"Yeah, notice his attitude?" Ayumi agreed in a hushed tone.

Another student rose to introduce himself, "My name is David. Today marks my first day here. I've joined the baseball club and I excel at playing, though academics aren't my forte. Looking forward to getting along with everyone," he shared before taking his seat.

"Now that introductions are over, let me announce this year's class representatives based on your past performance. Ayumi and Drew, you'll be the class proctors," Yoshinaga declared.

The two named students promptly stood up to acknowledge their roles.

''Oh no."

"Not them."

"What's wrong with administration?"

"There should be voting!" Many voices clamored.

"Quiet down and open your books. If you wish to replace them, then work diligently," Yoshinaga urged, opening the textbook.

She proceeded with the lesson, but her attention soon shifted to Zac, who seemed lost in thought while staring out the window. Quiet chuckles echoed through the room.

"What's capturing your interest outside?" she inquired, approaching him.

Zac glanced her way.

"Tell me," she urged.

He offered his apologies for the mistake.

"Where's your book?" she demanded, her irritation evident.

"I haven't bought it yet," he confessed.

"So, what exactly are you doing here?" she questioned, her tone stern.

"Sorry," he mumbled.

"Bring your books tomorrow. Be attentive for now," she instructed sharply, striding towards the rostrum with a clear air of authority.

The scene shifted abruptly as the flashback began.

The chalk hitting his head jolted Zac out of his daydream. Takeshi's stern gaze met his as he rubbed his sore spot.

''What was that for, sir?" Zac inquired, bewildered.

''You are not paying attention," Takeshi reprimanded firmly.

Quickly displaying Darrin's book, Zac hoped to avoid trouble, but Takeshi remained unyielding. "I'll send you to the principal's office. This is your last warning, Zac," Takeshi declared before continuing the lesson.

Remembering how Takeshi rarely followed through on such threats, Zac knew this was likely just a warning.

Darrin nudged Zac, whispering, "Zac, why don't you just apologize?"

With a mischievous grin, Zac replied, "C'mon, Darrin, why should I apologize? You know it's tough for me to focus in class."

Darrin sighed, muttering, "You're hopeless."

"Yep, I know," Zac admitted with a grin.

Suddenly, the scene shifted as the flashback concluded, bringing the narrative back to the present moment.

The bell signaled the break, and soon, Zac found himself alone in the classroom. Collecting his bag, he made his way out, determined to avoid attending any more classes. His steps led him towards the hostel.

"Zac! Where are you going?" The familiar voice of Lily stopped him in his tracks. "At least listen when someone's calling you," she panted, catching up to him. "Are you skipping school? Why?" she asked with concern.

"It's none of your business."

"I think you just pretend to be rude. You aren't that bad in reality," she teased with a wink.

"Don't claim you know me," he frowned. "I'm only tolerating you because of your father. That's it. Now go back."

Ignoring his words, Lily pressed on, "I heard that you messed up with Ayumi and her friends yesterday."

"So what?" Zac shrugged.

"I advise you to stay away from them. They're dangerous," she cautioned, her voice tinged with concern.

"I don't care," Zac dismissed.

"I'm serious, stay away from them. Also, have dinner with us. Dad wants to talk to you about something," she insisted before leaving. Zac watched her go and then continued on his way.
With Lily's warnings lingering in the air, Zac's resolve to carve his own path only grew stronger, setting the stage for inevitable clashes and unknown consequences.

☆☆☆