My System: An Evolved Computer I Made With My Unique Ability—

The rest of the day went by as usual with Knighthawk's usual reminder that everyone shouldn't think too much about the announcement. Although a big part of him was extremely elated since four out of the eight students were from his class, he didn't want to conspicuously express that happiness since that would just disappoint some of his students even more. There were only twelve of them in his class and there were plenty of chances when they could've stepped up to further increase their chances of becoming a candidate, but then again, Hiroshi and Satoshi performed more than above and beyond everyone's expectations. While the former attracted a lot of enemies and managed to hold out until the end, the latter managed to bring the whole class together while simultaneously defending everyone in his team. Only a handful of professional superheroes could do that in that given situation. Even those in the training center commended Satoshi's performance since he was a team player. Not only that, he didn't exclude anyone in the team even though some of them were too weak. Just from the broadcast alone, it was obvious that Satoshi would be chosen.

Aside from that, there's also the great mystery of why Kurogami and Midori were chosen. Both of them didn't participate in the hero training but as it turned out, that was just a little test to see if anyone's worth noting. Kurogami just had that innate talent in him that no one's aware of just yet. But if he were chosen as a candidate even though he rejected the test, then he must be quite talented. As for Midori, he was recommended by none other than the Nurse herself. That fact alone is enough to give him a place in the limited spots. Even then, connections don't work that way, the Nurse must've told the principal something that fully convinced him to give Midori a spot. As to what it is, everyone could only wonder. With their curiosity piqued, they wondered what superpower Midori possesses.

Satoshi, meanwhile, started thinking about all the candidates and how he'll be able to work with them. He couldn't really tell whether they'll be able to stick together or not, due to the fact that he was oblivious to the superpowers the others possess. The only ones he personally knew were that of Hiroshi and Siril because he fought them once before. As for the others, he doesn't have the slightest idea.

"Hey, we have to go to the principal's office." Hiroshi suddenly called out with a slight urgency and excitement in his voice. Of course, who wouldn't feel that way when the principal personally called for you?

"Satoshi, finish your lunch. Quick." Hiroshi said, stuffing himself within seconds and rushing out of the door.

"You don't have to tell me twice." Gulping down his lunch as if it were water, Satoshi quickly followed suit, right behind Hiroshi. As for Kurogami, he maintained his poise and just walked slowly as if he had all the time in the world. When no one was looking, however, that's when he broke into a sprint.

While the eight of them ran, apprehension settled in as they wondered why the principal was calling for them. All of them were looking forward to it, sure, but the entire notion is new to them since they were never called to the principal's office yet. But then again, it's not like any of them did something wrong so there was nothing to overthink about, or is there?

The candidates found themselves standing in front of the Principal's office before they knew it. All of them inhaled a lungful of air before stepping forward. It was Hiroshi who knocked to represent all of them. Well, no one wanted to step up and knock since they were all nervous but Hiroshi was more enthusiastic than nervous.

"Come in," The principal's voice had some sort of high-pitched yet serious tone into it, making everyone flinch but not too much. Together, all eight of them trudged inside the principal's office, which proved to be more spacious than they initially thought. It had a normal principal office vibe and yet it was personalized to the touch. Sai Tama put in a lot of details in his hobby as a superhero for fun. That's why there were certain objects in the office (just like a tatami table in the middle of the room and a cushion where the principal could lie at any given moment) that made it quite... unique, to say the least.

A single ray of sunlight infiltrated the room through the open windows, hitting Sai Tama's bald head and causing it to glisten as the light was reflected on it. His eyes were that of a dead fish and yet his aura was full of life as if a potent superpower dwelled within. Of course, Sai Tama wouldn't get to where he was if he weren't a strong superpower. Moreover, even if he wasn't, his disciple could single-handedly take care of everyone here. After all, he's a powerful cyborg just like a certain cyborg in a certain cinematic universe that became popular a few hundred years ago.

"I called you here because you only have at least a week before the inter-high begins." After closing his arms on his chest, Sai Tama spoke about the purpose of his summons without dilly-dallying around. Despite his high-pitched voice, he was stern when he spoke, emphasizing the fact that he was talking seriously. This caused everyone to gulp once more as they almost choked on their dry saliva.

"From this moment on, you are a team. Set aside your differences, lay aside every weight, and work as a team without complaining. I don't want to hear any of you not getting along with each other. Even if you hate a certain person in your team, so much so that you'd rather die than be with that person, I don't want to hear a single complaint coming out of your cursed mouths. You are a team, but before all else, you're all first years. That fact alone should tie a camaraderie amongst yourselves. You might have seen a lot of inter-high tournaments in the previous years and I tell you, if even one of you isn't in on the team, then you'll certainly lose."

"Furthermore, this is a very important time for the school. You all have to win no matter what. And you were chosen because you have the capability to see that through. Aside from that, you're all as strong as the third-years. If you were to lose now, not only will everyone in this school lose face, I'll also lose face as a principal. At least... just don't get eliminated on the first round, please."

An exhale left Sai Tama's mouth before he continued on with his monologue. "With that said, I want you to spend all of your break time together. I don't want to see any of you left out. If you're going to have lunch at the rooftop, then fine, I'll tell our security to open it for you guys. If you want to eat out, I'll provide the necessary funds for you. If you want to go to the beach in your free time, just tell me where it is and I'll drive you over there. I am in o way partial to my students, but I have to do this to show my commitment to all of you. And in order to strengthen your friendships, you have to do everything together. Well, aside from when you get home, that is. That's your own personal time."

"But as I said, if someone planned to go somewhere for a break, all of you should be included. Just for this week. This will help all of you as a team, and this has been an ongoing tradition ever since we joined the first inter-high. Don't be surprised, your upperclassmen also experienced the same thing... and why do you think we've managed to secure first place for consecutive years now?"

Everyone just nodded, for fear that they'll get sent to oblivion if they spoke.

"You're all dismissed. You have at least an hour before lunch break ends, right? Go to the training center or something or eat out. Whichever you opt to do, do it together. I will not tolerate disobedience, especially when I'm asking nicely."

Once again, all of them nodded, somewhat jumpy. No one knew if they flinched when the principal spoke that final word a little bit louder than the rest but all of them felt fear coursing through their body at that instant. Whatever it was, the principal was really as charismatic as the rumors made him out to be.

A huge sigh of relief washed them as soon as the doors behind them closed after they exited the Principal's office. They stared at each other and they felt a bit giddy. There's no way they'd go against the words of the principal himself.

"So... what are we going to do? Should we head to the rooftop?" Midori was the first one to speak up, breaking the silence that heavily weighed down on all of them.