Perched majestically atop the verdant slopes of Oliver Pigeon Hill, the school stood as a beacon of education and enlightenment, its commanding presence impossible to ignore. Despite the usual shroud of secrecy that veiled its distant form, the imposing silhouette of the institution pierced through the haze, a testament to its sheer size and magnificence. It was a sight that transcended mere physical distance, captivating the eyes and imaginations of all who beheld it from this elevated vantage point.The campus sprawled expansively, its boundaries stretching far beyond the horizon, a testament to the institution's grand vision and ambition. To traverse its vast expanse on foot would be daunting, requiring hours of strenuous effort and determination. Indeed, it was a testament to the scale and complexity of the school that one needed to embark on a bus journey from the main gate just to reach the hallowed entrance, a journey that served as a prelude to the academic odyssey that awai

The scene unfolded like a choreographed ballet as students disembarked from the bus, seamlessly blending into the sprawling landscape of Spiral Academy's grounds. However, he lingered for a moment longer, his steps faltering slightly as he descended from the vehicle, a stark contrast to the self-assured demeanor of his fellow Combat Department peers.Earlier, a group of affluent students had filled the bus with animated chatter, their privileged upbringing evident in their demeanor. Yet, as Ryoshu emerged, their focus shifted, their curiosity piqued by the newcomer among them. Some cast admiring glances his way, intrigued by his presence. But their intrigue was short-lived, shattered by the disdainful expression of the most striking girl among them. Her nose crinkled in disgust at the sight of Ryoshu, a silent but unmistakable gesture of disapproval that rippled through the group.Caught amid this silent exchange, Ryoshu couldn't help but absorb every detail with acute awareness. "

"Is the height truly as daunting as it seems? What if someone were to lose their footing and plummet down from here? Could it result in a fatal fall?" Ryoshu pondered aloud, his gaze briefly flickering towards the edge of the precipice before quickly dismissing the reckless idea.However, amidst his contemplation, a moment of inadvertence drew his attention to a rectangular white badge affixed to the fabric of his shirt, adorned with a bold black pen mark displaying a three-digit number - 500."When did I attach this...? I distinctly recall glimpsing Esther and Haruki sporting similar emblems earlier, right? But who affixed this to me? Or is it perhaps some sort of automatic attachment mechanism?" Ryoshu mused, his brow furrowed in confusion as he attempted to unravel the mystery surrounding the sudden appearance of the badge.His mind wrestling with the enigma of its origin.Initially confounded by the unexpected presence of the badge, Ryoshu found his memory failing to provide any c

"Clearly," the teacher's voice resonated with a profound sense of authority, commanding the attention of every student in the room. "While numerical rankings offer a glimpse into one's combat abilities, they are but a fraction of the whole picture." His words were punctuated by a thoughtful pause, allowing the weight of his statement to settle among the attentive audience.He continued, his tone measured yet imbued with wisdom, "True martial prowess is a complex tapestry woven from myriad factors, extending far beyond mere statistics. Think of the wealth of combat experience accumulated over time, the strategic foresight to navigate through adversities, the ability to leverage situational advantages and mitigate disadvantages, the quality and suitability of one's equipment, and the depth and breadth of one's skills. The harmonious interplay of these elements defines a warrior's true strength."His words lingered in the air, and the teacher's gaze swept across the room, acknowledging

"Alright, everyone! In just 5 seconds, the challenge will officially commence," the teacher's voice reverberated with authority, slicing through the frenetic energy that filled the air like a knife. With a commanding sweep of his hand, he directed his gaze toward the heavens, signaling to the students that the moment of reckoning was upon them."However, before we plunge headlong into the fray, I'll afford you an additional minute to scatter and organize yourselves into groups," he declared, his tone carrying a blend of firmness and understanding. "But heed my warning: any premature engagement in combat will result in immediate intervention and disciplinary action."The countdown initiated, and a palpable tension gripped the crowd, its intensity building with each passing moment. "5... 4..." The air crackled with anticipation, prompting a flurry of movement as students dispersed in a frenzy reminiscent of a bustling marketplace. Some hurriedly descended the stairs, while others leap