:The air at Touzen Academy was unusually still.
Nestled in the icy heart of Kairo City, Touzen Academy stood as a crucible for genius. Every wall, every corridor, every regulation screamed perfection. Founded by intellectual elites, governed by minds sharper than steel, it functioned like a living organism—sensing, adapting, and when necessary, eliminating.
And now, that organism sensed infection.
An anonymous message lit up every classroom screen:
> "A presence that threatens equilibrium has been detected.
Phase One of Anomaly Identification has commenced."
It struck like a bolt of thunder.
No names. No warnings. Just suspicion. A silent war had begun.
---
Class 1-A - Observation Room
Whispers filled the once serene classroom. Students who prided themselves on control now faltered. Some, like Aiba Kenta, sought to rally allies under the guise of clarity.
"It's just another psychological test," Aiba declared, pacing. "They want to see who cracks. We play it calm, no one gets hurt."
But others like the icy tactician, Enami Chihiro, stared at the black screen in the corner—the one that hadn't been there yesterday.
"That's not for observation," she said flatly. "That's for surveillance."
Hidden behind his usual sleepy-eyed look, Kuroyami Rei sat in the back, notebook open, pen idle. His gaze was low, expression unreadable.
> He had seen such patterns before. When silence thickens, it's rarely peace. It's preparation.
He blinked slowly, as though uninterested. But internally, calculations were already forming.
---
ISD Headquarters - Deep within Touzen
"The anomaly's presence is confirmed," said Director Ryouma of the Internal Surveillance Division, voice void of emotion.
"We begin with Behavioral Sync. Let them believe it's a team exercise. Let paranoia bloom."
The screen displayed Class 1-A. The tracker highlighted each student. But one remained untagged.
Rei's name blinked—error. "Subject outside standard parameters."
Ryouma narrowed his eyes.
"He hides well. That's what makes him dangerous."
---
The Event: Behavioral Sync Trial
Each student was grouped into fours. They were handed sealed envelopes with questions designed to test morality, loyalty, and emotional response. The goal: align answers perfectly without discussion.
Failure would result in "mental instability" tags by the ISD.
Rei's group included Enami Chihiro, Katsuro Jin, and Misaki Yume.
"This is rigged," Katsuro spat. "No way we all think alike."
Chihiro crossed her arms. "Then manipulate better."
Rei smiled weakly. "I guess we'll just have to try our best, right?"
He let the group argue while subtly leading Misaki with gentle, almost forgettable suggestions. His real goal wasn't to win—it was to ensure they won, and he stayed unnoticed.
> They won't see you if you walk behind the loudest voice.
Their team passed. Chihiro assumed it was her leadership. Misaki credited teamwork. Katsuro just sulked.
Rei? He just nodded, looking tired.
---
Later that Night - Dorm Rooftop
The city lights below flickered under the night fog. Rei stood alone.
> *Years ago, they made a mistake. They thought I could be shaped.
They tried to erase me, but the mind doesn't forget trauma—it reshapes it.*
He watched a drone pass overhead, its red light scanning.
> They want the anomaly gone. They just don't know...