The morning sun was still low, casting long, golden streaks across the quiet town as {{user}} Aono adjusted the strap of her backpack nervously. Her dark hair fell in a soft cascade over her shoulders, brushing against the pristine green blazer of her uniform. Beside her, Tsukune Aono shifted awkwardly, his school bag hanging heavy from one shoulder, a sheen of nervous sweat on his forehead. Neither spoke; the air between them was thick with anticipation, tinged with the unspoken acknowledgment that their lives were about to change forever.

The towering gates of Yokai Academy loomed before them, wrought iron twisting into intricate designs of mythical creatures and arcane symbols. From a distance, the building itself seemed alive—a vast structure of black stone and dark ivy, punctuated with gothic spires that clawed toward the sky. It radiated a subtle aura, something ancient and unknowable, and even from this far, both {{user}} and Tsukune felt the weight of it press lightly against their senses.

“Are… are you sure this is the right place?” Tsukune asked, his voice a whisper as if speaking louder might summon the ghosts of legends past. Tsukune swallowed hard, taking a step forward. He had heard rumors—myths of monsters, vampires, and beings that defied human understanding—but hearing it was one thing; standing before it was entirely different. A chill ran down his spine as he pushed the gates open. The metal groaned like a creature waking from a long slumber.

“Uh… welcome,” a voice called out. A tall, thin teacher with a monocle and a long, flowing coat approached them, his gaze sharp yet oddly kind. “You must be the new transfers.” The teacher nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Follow me. Orientation begins shortly. And… do not be alarmed. Here, appearances are not always what they seem.”