抖阴社区

Volume 2: Prologue

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The late afternoon sun poured through Millennium Academy's towering glass windows, casting long, sharp shadows across the polished floors.

In the amber glow of the corridors, a lone figure moved with quiet, deliberate grace towards the council room. Short, jet-black hair framed her face like a blade, sharp bangs precisely cut. Each soft footfall echoed in sync as her striking red eyes swept the hallway, calm and observant.

As her destination loomed near, a familiar silhouette took shape by the door. She halted, turning her gaze toward the girl standing expectantly at the entrance. Lavender-white hair flowed in two flawless pigtails, tied with elegant navy ribbons. A delicate white flower nestled near the left side of the girl's temple, accentuating her elven-like ears.

"Ara? Rio, long time no see." The lavender-haired girl's voice carried a playful lilt.

"It's been four months since we graduated from middle school. Hardly what I'd call a long time, Himari," Rio replied, her tone cool and composed.

Scoffing lightly at Rio's response, "Still the same as ever, I see..." Himari sighed in mock exasperation. "You know, most people would be thrilled about an invitation like this."

Rio's expression remained impassive as she countered. "Excitement without understanding is reckless. We still don't know the full extent of what awaits us."

Despite Rio's uninterested demeanor, Himari's eyes gleamed with mischievous intrigue. "Come on. Where's your sense of adventure? This could be our big moment." She leaned in closer, "After all, they invited the 'Genius Hacker' herself."

Rio sighed, her gaze flicking towards the council room door. "The only adventure I'm interested in is one that's strategically planned." She moved past Himari, preparing to knock. Though she intended to ignore the elven girl's words, a rare flicker of amusement played at the corner of her mouth. "But if this is an opportunity, I have every intention of making it count."

Without further hesitation, Rio raised her hand and rapped sharply on the solid wood.

"You may come in," came a clear voice from within.

As her fingers brushed the door handle, Himari whispered, her usual confidence wavering slightly, "This is making me nervous." Her slender frame trembled, caught between excitement and apprehension.

Rio remained silent, though her heartbeat quickened just a fraction. Her face gave nothing away, but behind her composed exterior, her mind shared the same sentiment with the elf beside her.

Clack.

The council room was bathed in the same golden light that had illuminated the hallway, the warm glow spotlighting the figure seated behind a formidable desk. The room exuded an aura of authority, each carefully arranged detail reinforcing its importance.

At the desk, steam curled upwards from a porcelain cup while the figure behind it deliberately set it down.

"I'm glad you accepted the invitation." The figure exhaled softly, her voice smooth and assured. "It's really nice to see two promising first years standing here before me." Her cerulean eyes gleamed with keen interest, meticulously studying the two girls before her as though weighing their potential.

While the two first years stood frozen by her presence, "Let's cut to the chase, shall we?" The third-year rose from her seat with the kind of grace that only came from confidence born of experience.

When the third-year extended her hand in a gesture of welcome, Rio met her gaze without flinching. 'So this must be the pinnacle of Millennium's intelligence,' Rio thought, recognizing the magnitude of the person before her.

As the third year smiled at them, both taking her hand, "Welcome to the Seminar, Tsukatsuki Rio, Akeboshi Himari." Her words lingered, heavy with the weight of expectation and ambition.

"I look forward to seeing how we can elevate Millennium to even greater heights together."

"

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