On the far side of Hazandeen International High School—where the School Festival spirit echoed through the air—David Virellano stepped into one of the vacant classrooms, his gaze scanning with a mix of curiosity and disdain.
The school interior was modern. Futuristic minimalist design, automated lighting, and smart-glass windows.
David’s eyes wandered for a moment, before a faint smirk crept across his lips.
"This place... is far too comfortable for a charity case like that."
Soon, a group of students entered and bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Young Master David."
Among them, one student didn’t bow.
Instead, he slung an arm casually around David’s shoulder.
"Still arrogant as ever, huh?"
The voice belonged to Rudi Norvalien—heir of the Norvalien family, one of the wealthiest in Eastern Indorosia. Still below the Virellanos in power, but wealthy enough to have seats at the table.
David chuckled and gave his longtime friend a pat on the back.
"If I weren’t, you might start thinking we’re equals."
They both laughed—short, sharp—until their eyes locked and a moment of silence fell.
Flashback – 2.5 Years Ago
At the time, Hazandeen International High School was crumbling—a fallen star.
Scandal after scandal plagued its name: embezzlement, wild nepotism, poor management... its reputation was a shadow of what it once was.
Meanwhile, Makazhar Elite School (MES) was on the rise. Fully funded by the Virellano family, its facilities oozed wealth and influence. The children of powerful lineages—including David and Rudi—attended proudly.
"Hazandeen’s just waiting to be padlocked," Rudi once scoffed.
But just when everyone thought HIHS was doomed, Alasia Group stepped in.
With one sweeping acquisition, the school was not only saved—it was rebuilt. A new system. Professional management. A river of funding.
As part of the partnership, Idham Tamarvich—heir to the Tamarvich family—was assigned to oversee the school. A move that had once been mocked.
"Poor Idham, stuck at a dying school," Rudi had said, laughing.
But Idham stayed. And led. Alongside a new generation of students...
And one unknown boy from an unexpected background: a scholarship student no one paid attention to.
One year passed. Hazandeen rose from the ashes.
Eventually... it surpassed Makazhar as the top school in Eastern Indorosia.
"This is unacceptable," he muttered.
Wanting only the best, he transferred to Hazandeen—despite getting a cold reception from Idham.
He could only clench his teeth.
"My family funds Makazhar. I have to stay..."
From that day on, discomfort took root in his heart. But it wasn’t until he found out that a so-called orphan had received a scholarship to HIHS that true contempt began to burn.
Rudi, already prejudiced against the lower class, instantly disliked Al upon hearing the news.
A kid from the slums... in an elite school?
"In a place , a fly from the gutter is flying freely."
In the quiet, air-conditioned classroom away from the noisy festivities, David sat in a Hazandeen student chair—too plain for someone of his lineage.
Opposite him, Rudi leaned against the desk, watching David with curious eyes.
"So, what does the Young Master of Virellano want at the number-one school in the region?" Rudi asked, twirling a pencil mockingly.
David offered a sly smile. His eyes were sharp, though his voice remained casual.
"Tch... I need information. On someone."
David tilted his head slightly and said the name without emotion:
"A student named Al."
Rudi narrowed his eyes.
"Al? You mean... the scholarship kid?"
David didn’t answer immediately. He glanced at Rudi, then looked away again.
"Is there another Al in this school?"
"Well... I don’t know many people here. But I’d say there’s only one fly named Al."
He pulled out his phone and showed David a distant photo—grainy and likely taken without permission. A typical bully’s collection.
David examined it and gave a slow nod.
"What’s your business with this kid?" Rudi asked, curious.
David simply smiled, letting the silence swallow the question.
Rudi exhaled and began.
"His name’s Al. Entered through a special orphan scholarship. He’s a nobody here. Not in any clubs, average grades, barely known."
David listened as his smile slowly twisted into a satisfied grin.
"So just a lucky orphan... huh."
He let out a small laugh. "How fortunate."
Then he stood, stretched, and walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he looked back.
"Do you hate him, Rudi?"
Rudi chuckled darkly.
"Hate? That fly pollutes the air around me. If I could, I’d rip off his wings one by one and crush him while he’s still breathing."
David gave a thin smile.
No further words were needed.
He stepped out of the classroom, walking with confidence, a smug grin on his face as he glanced toward the buzzing field outside.
"Let’s see what your game looks like... Al."
Hazandeen Gymnasium – Pre-Match Prep
The massive gym—usually used for basketball—had been transformed into a preparation ground. A huge banner hung over the main stage:
FRIENDSHIP FESTIVAL: Hazandeen International High School vs Makazhar Elite School
Al stood among Hazandeen’s martial arts participants, alongside Rina and Jogo.
Their uniforms bore the HIHS logo proudly across their chests.
Rina leaned in close, her voice hushed with concern.
"Al... are you sure you’re okay with this? You can always forfeit later. This isn’t life or death."
Al turned to her, eyes blank.
Jogo, standing beside them, scoffed loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Forfeit? This isn’t about life or death. It’s about our school’s pride. We’re the best. If you can’t even stand for your school, you don’t deserve to wear that uniform."
Rina stayed silent. She couldn’t argue with the logic—though her heart was uneasy.
I didn’t even sign up for this... so don’t blame me if I couldn’t care less, he thought.
Soon, the Makazhar Elite School team entered the gym, escorted by a supervising teacher.
Their uniforms were equally elegant—more formal and classic, a sharp contrast to Hazandeen’s futuristic aesthetic.
The teachers greeted each other, but the air was stiff. Their smiles were polite... but cold.
More duelists than colleagues.
A massive digital board displayed the match-ups.
David Virellano appeared on the basketball roster. The crowd buzzed.
Some HIHS students sighed in relief.
Even Jogo looked slightly relieved.
"Thank god he’s not on the martial arts team..."
Rina, too, felt a weight lift—not because she feared David, but because she feared what would happen if David and Al crossed paths.
Yes, David was strong. But Rina believed she was stronger.
Even Vianna—David’s own sister—had been Rina’s rival for years.
Still, she couldn’t help but worry how Al would survive the drama.
But then... the martial arts roster appeared.
And Rina’s eyes widened.
A name that wasn’t just any name.
Yolanda—a prodigy from the White Lion Dojo, trained directly under David’s older sister.
She was known for raw strength, ruthless technique, and a reputation for breaking her opponents.
Though Rina believed she could beat Yolanda herself...
Jogo saw the name too.
His expression changed—almost amused.
Yolanda was his cousin. They were close.
But more importantly... he knew exactly how cruel she could be in the ring.
Inside, Jogo thought:
If she faces Al... good. Let her tear him apart.
Once the names were fully announced, the students dispersed—each heading to their respective locker rooms to prepare.