The frozen leaves of the spring thawed and flapped against the wind as if the previous winter's grip was finally loosening.
It was the warmest day in the past four months, and it was about time to abandon the heavy winter coat and scarves.
Within Karuza High, the students swarmed the school's yard with their parents accompanying them for this important day.
They reunited with their classmates, smiling and catching up on everyone's eventful winters.
The students slowly headed over to the opening ceremony. It was held in the courtyard in front of the main building.
There were already thousands of seats set up for the students and one stage set up at the front for the speakers.
At that moment, one car rolled down the packed street and slowly came to a halt in one of the parking spots.
It was hard to find the parking spot as there were like a hundred cars lining up the streets and the parking spots.
"Remember your backpacks!" Karma said.
"Yep, Dad." Kiernan picked up his backpack and climbed out of the car, letting the winds of the spring breeze hit his face.
It all felt very nostalgic to him as he looked at Karuza High's gate and its compound filled with bustling students excited for the new school year.
He then slung his backpack over his shoulder and watched as Julian left the car with his own backpack.
Before they came here, they did a quick visit in the library to purchase the books for Julian.
After Karma took his key from the car's ignition, he climbed out of the car, locked the doors, and followed the two young men to the gate.
Ahead of them, a few nervous-looking students entered the school with their parents. It was their first time here as they were first-years.
Irio had four schools to choose from, but Karuza High's recent success in nationals made it a top contender.
The other schools didn't stand a chance.
However, since so many wanted to join their school, they had to reject quite a few as there wouldn't be enough space for everyone.
"Welcome to Karuza High."
A teacher awaited everyone at the gate, greeting everyone as they entered the school.
"Welcome to Karuza Hi—"
He was about to greet again, but then came across Kiernan, who walked casually past him, and felt very nervous suddenly.
'To think that one young man can change Karuza High so drastically.'
The teacher gulped nervously.
'All the teachers are suddenly more motivated to go to work because our school is now a true and real powerhouse, a school that can win nationals!
'It's amazing what a difference one person can make.'
"Welcome to Karuza High!"
He then excitedly greeted Kiernan, even bowed his head slightly, which he didn't do for others.
Within the school's main building, the school's bell started ringing, and all the students hurried over to the main courtyard, where they slowly got seated for the opening ceremony.
"I will be with other parents at the back."
Karma said to the two, and then headed towards the back of the courtyard.
It was currently very loud in the courtyard as every student was basically talking over each other. The parents were also greeting each other, catching up with things that had been happening since the last parent-teacher conference.
"Where should we sit?" Julian asked as he looked at the rows of students.
"There are some empty seats at the front." Kiernan said and moved to the front rows, and when the students saw him, their eyes rounded up in surprise.
He just sat down next to one of the students, and Julian joined him on his left.
They heard whispers all around them as more students realized that Kiernan was sitting among them.
Someone suddenly tapped Kiernan on the shoulder.
"?" Kiernan turned around and saw a familiar face staring back at him.
"H-hello!" Jonathan said nervously. He was sitting on the second row, right behind Kiernan.
"Jonathan, what's up?" Kiernan asked with a raised eyebrow.
"W-welcome back! I heard that you've been overseas for the holiday." Jonathan said. "Have you heard anything about what's happening with the team for the nationals?"
"Nothing," Kiernan said.
"A-all right, the ranking of the students frequently determines the team. You're obviously first ranked, so you're automatically in a team. The rest of the rankings had changed drastically since Ryan, Nathanie, Klaus, Timothy, and the rest have graduated."
"Ok, who are the others?" Kiernan asked.
"No one yet!" Jonathan said. "There will be a lot of ranked matches in the upcoming weeks to determine the rankings. You're the only one in the rankings currently because you're last year's first-ranked student!"
"That sounds interesting." Julian said with a chuckle. "How can I apply to these ranked matches?"
"Um, who are you?" Jonathan asked curiously.
"A friend of mine, he is a new transfer student." Kiernan said. "He'll be joining the team."
"J-joining the team?" Jonathan looked at the unknown young man and nodded. "You must be strong then. My name's Jonathan Ackers."
"Julian Noah," he said. "Well, how can one attend the ranked matches?"
"You don't need to. You're automatically attending, as every student is required to fight to decide the rankings. The weaker students who don't want to get hurt usually forfeit."
"Oo." Julian rubbed his hands in excitement. "Sounds interesting."
The hushes and whispers slowly faded away as the teachers, led by the principal, Azer, walked over to the stage. The teachers stood at the back, and the principal at the front.
Among the teachers, coach Jin stood in the middle of them. He had abandoned his tracksuit and was actually wearing a proper suit.
"Students, I welcome you to Karuza High." Azer said. "I will keep my speech short. I don't want to keep you waiting as I know all of you are eager to return to studies."
The students whimpered. No one cared about studies now. They were caring about the ranked matches.
Most of the students wanted to join Karuza High's team for the upcoming nationals. It didn't matter whether they were only reserve fighters.
They were genuinely going to fight for the championship!