NOVEL WEB Chapter 2: Banyuu Tenra!
Chapter 2 - Banyuu Tenra!
In a distant century, the earth underwent an unprecedented disaster known as the 'Invertia/Falling Star Shower,' during which countless meteorites fell from the sky.
Amidst this catastrophic event, most of the world's cities crumbled, established countries faced recession, and a megacorporation, formed by a coalition of companies, rose to power.
The previously unknown element 'Mana,' discovered in the meteorites, hastened the advancement of human science and technology, giving rise to a new breed of humans with extraordinary abilities called the 'Genestellar.'
The stage for the world's largest comprehensive battle entertainment event, the Festas, is set in the floating academy city 'Suijou Gakuen Toshi Rikka,' commonly known as Asterisk, surrounded by six academies.
'Seidoukan Academy,'
'Saint Galahadworth Academy,'
'Jie Long Seventh Institute,'
'Arlequint Academy,'
'Queenvail Girls' Academy,'
'Rewolf Black Institute,'
…
As the transmission concluded, Luke promptly assessed the surroundings. Indoors, numerous colossal plum blossom structures adorned the expansive square. Looking up, he could vaguely discern the illuminating light, indicating the building's considerable height.
After confirming the absence of danger, Luke surveyed his surroundings while casually verifying the identity implanted by the Main God Space.
Luke, a swordsman prodigy renowned even before joining the academy, held the title of the most gifted swordsman in history.
The brief introduction of his identity didn't captivate Luke's attention too much; his focus lingered more on the peculiar power within his body.
As mentioned earlier, due to the abrupt outbreak of the devastating 'Invertia' disaster in this world, a new, unknown element called 'Mana' emerged from the fallen meteorites.
The 'Genestellar' humans born under its influence possessed special powers, with their unique abilities being referred to as "Prana/Star Power."
The physical prowess of the 'Genestellar' surpassed that of ordinary humans, coupled with the possession of spiritual energy known as 'Prana.'
Given their exceptional strength, they were subjected to stringent laws to keep them in check. For instance, while a regular human might escape legal consequences for a self-defense killing, a Genestellar in a similar situation would be deemed a murderer and sentenced accordingly.
'Prana' is the distinctive aura of the 'Star Pulse Generation.' If the power is depleted, consciousness fades, but restoration occurs over time.
Prana is the unique aura that Genestellars possess. If someone exhausts their prana, they may faint, but recovery is a matter of time.
Prana control is a fundamental skill of Genestellar, enhancing both offense and defense, with defense showing particularly remarkable effects. Prana is the reason why students avoid fatal injuries despite engaging in battles with dangerous weapons.
Within the 'Genestellars,' there exists an even more extraordinary group. These individuals, akin to superpower users, can wield various peculiar abilities. Those capable of linking with mana through flesh and blood are called Strega if female and Dante if male.
Now, Luke, possessing an identity in this world, also acquired this unique power.
Prana (temporary)
As a well-known genius, he also possesses Prana and manipulation skills commensurate with his genius level.
However, since the agent himself lacks this power, it is only accessible in this world. After completing the mission, the agent can solidify the temporary skill into a permanent one by consuming redemption points.
Luke sensed the sudden surge of additional power, but it felt as if he had been using it for many years.
While contemplating this, he remained vigilant of his surroundings.
At that moment, a voice emanated from the colossal platform in the square's center.
"It seems everyone is here; let's begin quickly. I can't wait any longer."
Despite the rather childish tone, the words conveyed a mature essence. This contrasting tone immediately captured the attention of everyone in the square, including Luke.
Luke wasn't the sole occupant of this vast square; numerous boys and girls were present, and all eyes were fixed on the little girl who had just spoken.
Simultaneously, the murmurs of the surrounding individuals reached Luke's ears.
"That's Jie Long's new student council president."
"The new generation of 'Banyuu Tenra'!"
…
In Asterisk City, there are six schools in total, each with a distinct focus.
The Seidoukan emblem, an unyielding red lotus, symbolizes the school's emphasis on student autonomy, resulting in lenient rules. They boast a substantial number of Strega and Dante. The school's modern and open architecture features middle school, high school, and college buildings surrounding an inner garden.
The Saint Galahadworth symbol, the aureole representing order, dictates strict discipline and loyalty. The school generally forbids duels, leading to strained relations with Rewolf. Due to the scarcity of duels, achieving ranks within the school becomes more challenging.
The Jie Long emblem, a yellow dragon symbolizing the emperor, makes it the largest school in Asterisk and the only one with an elementary school. Advocating bureaucracy and laissez-faire, it has a majority of Chinese students who prioritize training over Festa participation. The school incorporates martial arts, with factions like the Water Faction and the Wood Faction, and a notable lack of respect between the two.
The Arlequint emblem, the dusk owl, signifies a school that started weak but strengthened through research. Their technology surpasses other schools, and they are results-oriented, divided into research and practice classes. Unlike other schools, Arlequint experiences intense internal conflicts, especially within the research class.
The Rewolf emblem, crossed swords symbolizing the conqueror, reflects the school's enjoyment of fighting. They actively promote duels among students, leading to strained relations with Saint Galahadworth. Rewolf attracts students with unruly behavior, some even taking residence in the redevelopment area of Asterisk.
The Queenvail symbol, the profile of a nameless Goddess symbolizing hope, represents the smallest school in Asterisk. Focusing on both looks and abilities, Queenvail dismisses overall ranking, viewing Festas as a platform to showcase individual charm. The school features idols or idol groups like Sylvia and Rusalka, gaining higher media exposure compared to others.
In this city dominated by Genestellar Schools, the 'student council president' of each school holds significant power and position.
Among them, Jielong's 'Banyuu Tenra' is particularly special.
In Jielong Seventh Institute, not every student council president can be called 'Banyuu Tenra.'
Inside the school is a building known as the Oushinden, constructed by the first Banyuu Tenra. Only the one who successfully opens the door inherits the alias. The title Banyuu Tenra holds special meaning within Jie Long, and even the Integrated Enterprise Foundation cannot interfere with the inheritor's freedom.
In Asterisk City, 'Banyuu Tenra' signifies unlimited possibilities. When the student council presidents of the other five schools assumed office, they were warned: "Don't get more involved than necessary with Banyuu Tenra, as anything goes."
As far as Luke knows, every generation's Banyuu Tenra is the same person.
Each Banyuu Tenra generation is merely a vessel for the little girl in front of him to accumulate strength through the art of reincarnation via Senjutsu.
Although the girl named Fan Xinglu in front of him is only six years old, she is a true immortal who has lived for at least a thousand years.