“G-G-Good morning, e-everyone! Thank you for coming! My name is Yui Haruka and I will be your new headmaster from now on. I hope that we will have good years together from now on!”

“...”

“...Talia, why is Yui on the stage and saying that she is the new headmaster?”

“Beat me. And she also said new headmaster and not temporary.”

“? The both of you know who is this person?”

Talia, Sanya, Zesty and all of the other students in the school were inside the yard. When they had arrived this morning, they had been told to go there because there would be an announcement. Of course they had known that it was surely related to the new headmaster, but still, Talia and Sanya both could not help but feel dumbfounded by the scene.

In the schoolyard were the students reunited by classes and years. On a small stage was Yui Haruka in a brown suit. The drop of sweat on the side of her face added to her trembling hands was enough to show her nervousness.

Beside her was a man in his thirties. His brownish blonde hair was neatly cut, fitting for a classy gentleman. He was taller than average and was wearing a striped grey suit. His facial features were quite charming along with his small smile. He was staying in Yui’s shadow, but his fox-like eyes were still scanning all the students.

Suddenly, his gaze landed on Talia. His smile deepened as he was looking in her direction. In reply, Talia crossed her arms with an aloof expression. ‘...What now?’

Yui continued. "You all must have seen that Mr.Ray had been suspended yesterday. After a throughout investigation, it has been determined that Natal Ray has conducted acts of discrimination. His case had been given to the authorities... I will do my best as your new headmaster."

Her words sounded full of determination, but her lack of confidence was the total opposite. Nevertheless, she did her best to stay cool-headed. "Following these events, the vice-headmaster also decided to resign from his post to protest. A new vice-headmaster had also been assigned."

After having finished her speech, Yui stepped back, letting the place to the man. He cleared his throat before speaking with a smooth and suave voice. "Nice to meet everyone. My name is Garcia. As you headmaster just said, I will be the new vice-headmaster from now on. If you have any question or problem, don't hesitate to come talk to me. I will be more than happy to help you."

He flashed a stunning smile. Several girls were even blushing in response. Talia could not shake the feeling that this guy was not normal at all. He wasn't giving off a strong aura like Darius did, but her instinct was telling her otherwise.

Yui spoke up once again to talk about the importance of friendship and solidarity. It seemed she emphasized the fact that everyone should be nice to each other, no matter the differences. The different classes went back to their rooms after the remaining words from the obvious tense Yui. Her first impression as a headmaster was clearly not the best one, even if most of the students were cheering for her.

--------------------------------------

“...Talia, what do you think are the reasons behind what just happened?” Sanya was in the middle of seating at her table when she asked Talia a question. They had just returned from the speech and the lesson would start in only a moment. Also, most of the students were busy talking about the new beautiful headmaster. Sanya used this moment to ask her. Talia thought for a moment before answering.

“Well, as a student I spend a good part of my time at school. So having someone from the government inside will make communication with me easier. I kind of understand Yui’s presence, but what I don’t understand is this man named Garcia. He is clearly a resourceful person.” Sanya also thought that the blond man was quite strange.

When she was about to ask for more details, the door of the classroom suddenly opened. The teacher, who was a bald middle-aged man, entered the room with a troubled face. The class became silent due to his arrival. Some of the students noticed his strange expression. After a moment of silence, he then opened his mouth. “...Hello, everyone. We will shortly begin the lecture. But, before this, I would like to introduce you all to our new student.”

Whispers spread among the teenagers. It was already May, so a new student at this time was really strange. These past days had truly been lively. The teacher turned toward the opened door before speaking. “Please, come in.”

“Yes, sir!” An energetic voice was coming from the youthful body of the girl that just barged inside the room. Her smile reached her ears as she walked up to the teacher’s side. All of the students thought that they would have to look upward to see their new comrade, but this was not necessary. The height of the black haired girl could not be called high. The little girl had a hoodie over her uniform, framing her small stature. On her back was a cat backpack.

The moment the girl entered, Talia and Sanya opened their eyes wide and faced each other. A wry smile appeared on Talia’s face. “...She really did it.”

The black haired girl introduced herself with a joyful voice. “Hi, big sisters and big brothers! My name is Ellen Euriel! Nice to meet you!”

“Ellen Euriel…?”

“Like the S-ranked ability user? Seriously?” The students, except for Talia and Sanya, had all their mouth agape. There was a total of 13 S-ranked ability users, so it was not an exaggeration to call them worldwide celebrities. Some liked this fame, while others, like Hayden Carter, were more in favor of remaining anonymous. And, there was also those that didn’t care either way, like Ellen.

Of course, even if she was known throughout the world, she was only a small child, so she still had not a big impact on it. The sole field where her fame was even higher than most of the other S-ranked was mathematics research. Science didn’t care so much about the age. No matter the age, as long as what you are saying is backed up by proof and logical thinking, you will be recognized as a member.

Ellen’s eyes swept over the room and finally landed on Talia. Her face was covered with a blooming smile. “Kind big sister!”

Space around her distorted and compressed. Her figure suddenly vanished. Then, space just beside Talia compressed to a single point before expanding outward. Ellen appeared from it. Of course, all of this took less than a second to happen, so it was instantaneous for all the people present. Well, all but Talia, who could clearly feel the changes in space so she knew that she would appear there.

Ellen hugged Talia at the neck. The other students turned around as they didn’t know where she went. They were shocked when they saw her clinging to Talia’s body. The teacher awkwardly asked. “Talia, do you know her?”

Instead of Talia, Ellen was the one to answer. She turned her attention toward the teacher. “Yes, she gave me this cat backpack yesterday at the-”

“I met her by coincidence at a store. She had a beautiful cat hoodie, so I thought that this would be a good pairing if I gave her this bag. Nevertheless, why is she here? She is too young.” Talia interrupted her by placing her hand on top of her head. She could not let her disclose the fact that she went to the Abilities Quarters the previous day. This would only make the situation even more difficult. Talia gave Ellen a meaningful side glance. It seemed she took the hint as she nodded once with a smile. Sanya sighed out in relief.

The teacher had still his troubled face. “All I heard from the new vice-headmaster is that she has the level so, there is no problem. Anyways, from now on, Ellen Euriel will be your new comrade. As you seem to already know Talia, you can sit on an empty seat near her. Also, please refrain from using your ability so casually”

“Yes!” Ellen did as she was told. She separated from Talia and went toward a free seat. In the end, the lesson continued until it was time for the break.