Aoto walked up to Riku and Saya with a grin, noticing their slightly bewildered expressions as they watched the Warrior Class students file out. Right beside him was Ay, looking a bit worse for wear with bandages around his neck, shoulders, and even a faint bruise on his cheek.

"Ay! You okay there, man?" Aoto asked, though he was already holding back a laugh.

Ay gave a thumbs-up with a half-smile. "Let's just say some Warrior Class girls have a...uh, unique way of expressing their enthusiasm." He chuckled, though the bandages told a different story. "But I'll live. Anyway, you must be the famous Earthling twins I've heard about."

Riku and Saya blinked, taking in the tall, muscular, cornrowed figure standing beside their brother. His eyes, dark brown with a touch of green in the pupil, glimmered with a friendliness that seemed genuine despite his battle-worn appearance.

Saya, ever polite, stepped forward first. "I'm Saya, and this is my brother, Riku. Are you a friend of Aoto's?"

Ay nodded, extending a hand. "Ay Carter. Like you guys, I'm an Earthling—well, a half-human, half-Como hybrid. Just transferred here recently."

Riku raised an eyebrow, shaking Ay's hand. "Half-Como? So, wait, you've got the abilities of Warrior Class?"

Ay chuckled. "More or less. Got the teeth, the strength, even the heightened senses... though that comes with a bit of extra attention from the Warrior Class girls." He gave a playful side-eye to Aoto, who chuckled knowingly.

Saya's eyes widened as she looked Ay over. "So you're not just here to study then—you're practically a walking Earth-Como hybrid! That's... wow. Do you have the jumping abilities too?"

Ay nodded, giving a quick demonstration by hopping slightly, his jump reaching well over a few feet with ease. "Yup, comes in handy for dodging, trust me."

Riku, watching him with an impressed look, finally smirked. "Sounds like we've got our own heavy-hitter in CherryWood now. Aoto, why didn't you mention you had such a cool friend?"

Aoto shrugged, grinning. "Well, Ay kinda arrived and got thrown into the mix real quick—trust me, his 'introduction' to the Warrior Class girls was intense. I'm sure you'll get along, though." He threw an arm around Riku's shoulder and added, "Now that you guys are here, maybe you can give Ay and me some backup next time the Warrior Class gets a bit... overly affectionate."

Ay laughed, wincing slightly as he clapped a hand on Aoto's shoulder. "I appreciate the backup. And hey, if you two need any advice on dealing with Como hybrid students, I've got plenty of fresh experience."

The four of them shared a laugh, already feeling a camaraderie in their shared Earthling status and newfound roles at CherryWood. Despite the challenges that lay ahead, they knew they'd at least have each other's backs.

The next day, Riku and Saya found themselves in a sleek limousine, cruising through the bustling streets on their way to Saint Queen's Academy. Eliza, ever eager to flaunt her school's prestige, had arranged the ride with all the elegance and extravagance she could muster. The twins, however, weren't entirely sure what to expect.

Sitting across from them, Eliza was all smiles, her posture poised and confident. "So, Riku, Saya, what do you think of the ride? This is just a taste of the Saint Queen's experience."

Riku glanced around the luxurious interior, unimpressed by the displays of wealth, while Saya gave a polite nod. "It's definitely... different from CherryWood. We usually just walk around campus," Saya said, looking out the tinted windows.

Eliza chuckled softly. "Of course. Saint Queen's is all about refinement and exclusivity. You'll see once we arrive—it's worlds apart from CherryWood Academy."

As they approached Saint Queen's Academy, the limousine pulled through towering iron gates, revealing manicured gardens and polished marble statues lining the driveway. The school's imposing architecture loomed ahead, a mix of opulent grandeur and modern design. Eliza led the way as they stepped out, confidently gesturing toward the massive building as if unveiling a priceless artifact.

Inside, everything gleamed with spotless, high-end furnishings, and the hallways were lined with portraits of prestigious alumni. But there was a stark, almost clinical feeling to it all, and Riku felt the eyes of other students watching them—watching, assessing, and judging.

"Eliza!" A voice called, and Rhea, the student body president, walked over with a welcoming but slightly smug smile. "These must be the CherryWood transfers you mentioned. Welcome to Saint Queen's," she said, extending a hand.

Saya shook it politely, but Riku held back, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Thanks, but we're not transferring. Just here for a visit."

Rhea's smile wavered for a moment. "Oh, of course. But we're confident you'll see the advantages here," she replied smoothly, a hint of persuasion in her tone.

Eliza quickly added, "Right! How about we start with a tour of our science labs and technology rooms? We've got state-of-the-art equipment, completely unrivaled by any other school on Comoros."

They were ushered through sleek, glass-walled labs and lavish study halls, each room more immaculate than the last. Students dressed in pristine uniforms barely spared them a glance, their expressions cool and composed. Despite the grandeur, Riku and Saya couldn't shake the sense of formality that permeated the place.

At one point, Riku leaned over to Saya, muttering, "This feels more like a museum than a school."

Saya nodded slightly, whispering back, "I know. It's... impressive, but there's something off."

The tour ended in the expansive dining hall, where rows of perfectly set tables awaited lunch. Rhea and Eliza both turned to the twins, awaiting their reactions.

"So," Eliza said, eyes gleaming with anticipation, "what do you think?"

Riku exchanged a look with Saya before answering. "It's... impressive, for sure," he started diplomatically, "but I think CherryWood has a more laid-back vibe. I kinda prefer it there."

Eliza's expression faltered, and Rhea's polite smile tightened slightly.

Saya added, trying to soften the blow, "It's really beautiful here, though! We appreciate the tour."

Eliza's voice turned a bit sharper, though she kept her smile. "Well, if you ever decide you want more than just 'laid-back,' Saint Queen's doors are always open."

The twins nodded politely, but both knew they'd made their decision.

Riku and Saya's jaws dropped as they entered Saint Queen's cafeteria. The room was immense, with polished marble floors, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and an assortment of gourmet food stations that wouldn't look out of place in a high-end restaurant. Freshly prepared sushi, grilled steak, a salad bar that seemed to have every vegetable on the planet—it was almost overwhelming.

Eliza and Rhea noticed their reaction, and Eliza smirked slightly, satisfied. "See? Our cafeteria isn't just any school lunchroom," she said, gesturing grandly toward the food. "Saint Queen's believes that exceptional students deserve exceptional meals."

Riku, however, wasn't just distracted by the food. He leaned toward Saya, whispering, "Notice anything weird?"

Saya nodded, glancing around. "No Warrior Class students... at all. I thought every school on Comoros had at least a few Warriors. It's almost like they're intentionally left out."

Rhea overheard them and laughed a little too brightly. "Oh, you're observant! Well, Saint Queen's is... selective about the types of students we admit. We pride ourselves on maintaining a certain standard, you know?" She waved her hand dismissively, as if Warrior Class students weren't even worth discussing.

Riku frowned. "Selective? You mean you don't allow Warrior Class students?"

Rhea's smile became strained, and Eliza stepped in smoothly. "It's more that Saint Queen's has a focus on nurturing certain talents—arts, diplomacy, sciences. Those are our priorities. Warrior Class students just... don't often fit that mold."

Saya raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "That sounds a lot like discrimination."

Eliza's expression soured. "It's not discrimination; it's specialization. We're simply structured differently than other schools. Besides, isn't it better for Warrior Class students to go somewhere they're more... suited?"

The twins exchanged an uneasy glance. Saint Queen's Academy, with all its grandeur, suddenly felt less impressive and a lot colder. The lack of diversity and the thinly veiled elitism left a bitter taste.

Just then, the head chef spotted them and rushed over with a freshly prepared plate. "Please, try our signature dishes! Only the finest ingredients for our students and guests," he said with a beaming smile, oblivious to the tension between the twins and their guides.

Riku shook his head politely, nudging Saya. "I think we're good, thanks. We've got our own favorites back at CherryWood." He turned to Eliza and Rhea. "We appreciate the tour, but I think we've seen enough."

Eliza's smile finally slipped as she registered the rejection. "Well, if you ever change your mind, you know where to find us."

Saya gave a small, polite smile. "Thanks, but I think we're already where we belong."

With that, the twins made their way out, leaving Saint Queen's Academy and its marble halls behind.

As Riku and Saya approached the exit, a tall Average Class girl stepped into their path, blocking their way. She had an air of authority and confidence, with dark blue eyes that looked them up and down critically. Her hair was pulled back in a tight bun, and her glasses rested perfectly on the bridge of her nose, giving her a sharp, intellectual appearance. Everything about her seemed meticulously maintained, from her clean, sharp fingernails to the polished edge of her uniform.

"Leaving so soon?" she asked, her voice calm but authoritative. "I'm Hiyori Ikezawa, the Vice President of the student body here at Saint Queen's Academy." She didn't offer a hand to shake; instead, she just folded her arms, watching them closely.

Riku raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Yeah, I think we've seen what we needed to see."

Hiyori narrowed her eyes, glancing toward Eliza and Rhea, who were still lingering nearby. "Interesting. You're from CherryWood Academy, correct? Our... 'neighbor.'" The word was laced with a slight hint of disdain.

"Yes, CherryWood," Saya replied evenly, not letting Hiyori's attitude shake her. "It's a school that values all its students, regardless of Class."

Hiyori's expression remained impassive, though a faint smirk flickered across her face. "CherryWood certainly has its... charms," she said, her tone not quite masking the sarcasm. "However, our focus here at Saint Queen's is a bit more refined. Perhaps, after some consideration, you'll find that our environment would better suit you both, especially with the opportunities for personal growth and... elevated company."

Riku clenched his jaw, sensing the unspoken dig. "No offense, Hiyori, but we're not really interested in 'elevated company' if it means leaving people behind just because they don't fit some narrow definition of success."

Hiyori's eyes glinted with a sharp edge, but she held her composure. "How very noble. Though I wonder if you'll feel the same when you start to see how... limiting CherryWood's inclusivity truly is." She adjusted her glasses, leaning closer as she added, "If you're here, you must at least be curious. And curiosity can lead to ambition, can't it?"

Riku met her gaze, unwavering. "Curiosity doesn't mean compromise. We're not interested in a place that excludes people just because they're different."

Saya stepped forward, her expression equally firm. "Thanks for the offer, but we'll stick with a school that respects everyone for who they are."

Hiyori's gaze lingered on them for a moment, as though calculating her next move. Finally, she took a step back, offering a small, tight smile. "Very well. I hope you don't regret your decision."

Without another word, she turned on her heel and strode back down the hall, her movements precise and controlled. Eliza and Rhea gave the twins a last lingering glance before following Hiyori, their expressions unreadable.

As Riku and Saya walked out of Saint Queen's Academy, they felt a renewed sense of gratitude for CherryWood. Whatever challenges they faced there, they knew it was a place that embraced them—and all its students—without judgment.

After boarding what they thought was the right bus, Riku and Saya soon found themselves watching unfamiliar streets and buildings pass by. They exchanged uneasy glances as the scenery grew more industrial and less welcoming than they were used to.

After nearly half an hour, the bus finally came to a stop in front of an imposing structure. A large, metallic sign read, "Nissin Tech Academy" in bold letters. The building had a tough, gritty look, with faded paint and various students milling around—many with intense, competitive expressions and wearing rugged-looking uniforms.

Riku sighed, rubbing his temples. "Of all places... we end up at Nissin Tech."

Saya gave him a half-hearted smile, trying to make light of the situation. "Well, at least it's not Saint Queen's Academy."

They exited the bus, hoping to catch a new one quickly and avoid any unnecessary encounters. But just as they were looking for the nearest stop, a group of Warrior Class students from Nissin Tech spotted them. One of the boys, tall and built like a tank with a heavy scar across his cheek, raised an eyebrow as he looked at them.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" he called out, grinning as he stepped closer. "Lost CherryWood kids?"

Riku straightened up, trying to appear unfazed. "Yeah, we took the wrong bus. Just passing through."

The Warrior Class boy chuckled, glancing back at his friends, who were all smirking in amusement. "Passing through, huh? You don't look like you're from around here. CherryWood's got a... softer reputation. You sure you can handle a place like this?"

Saya held her ground, refusing to be intimidated. "We're fine, thanks. Just trying to get our bearings."

The boy's expression shifted to something more mocking. "Oh, don't be shy. Why don't you let us give you a little tour of our campus? Show you what real training looks like. It's not all pretty paintings and flowers like CherryWood."

Just then, another voice cut through the crowd—a Warrior Class girl with wild hair and piercing green eyes.

She looked tough, yet somehow more grounded than the others. "Knock it off, Kenta. They're just trying to find their way back. No need to intimidate them."

Kenta rolled his eyes but shrugged, stepping back. "Whatever, Reina. Just having a little fun."

Reina turned to Riku and Saya, her gaze a mix of curiosity and mild annoyance. "You two really should be more careful around here. Not everyone's as... restrained as I am."

Riku gave her a nod of appreciation. "Thanks. We didn't mean to intrude."

Saya, trying to ease the tension, added, "CherryWood may be softer, but that doesn't mean we can't handle ourselves."

Reina smirked, folding her arms. "Is that so? Maybe we'll find out someday." She gestured toward the nearest bus stop. "Your best bet to get back to CherryWood is that way. Try not to take any more wrong turns."

As they made their way to the bus stop, Saya whispered to Riku, "Let's get out of here before they change their minds about being helpful."

Riku chuckled under his breath. "Agreed. Let's stick to the familiar from now on."

As the bus pulled away from Nissin Tech, they both felt a wave of relief, happy to leave behind the rough atmosphere. They'd had their fill of rival schools for one day—and they both agreed CherryWood was definitely where they belonged.

As the bus disappeared down the street, Reina turned back to the group of boys with a hard glare, her hands planted firmly on her hips.

"Kenta," she began, voice dripping with irritation, "what the hell were you thinking, intimidating Earth humans? And middle schoolers, no less!"

Kenta shrugged, rubbing the back of his head as he looked away, clearly annoyed but unwilling to talk back. "We were just having a little fun. Didn't know they were Earthlings at first."

Reina rolled her eyes, stepping forward, and without hesitation, delivered a firm slap to the back of his head. The others snickered, only to receive their own well-deserved smacks right after.

"Fun?" Reina scoffed, crossing her arms. "You know how important Earth humans are around here. The headmaster would skin you alive if he found out you were trying to 'have fun' with any of them."

The other boys grumbled, rubbing their heads, but they couldn't hide the sheepish expressions creeping across their faces.

"We didn't mean anything by it," one of them mumbled, trying to save face. "Didn't think they'd get all nervous."

Reina gave him a hard look. "Intimidating middle school kids who are new to the planet is low, even for you lot. And don't think for a second that the headmaster or anyone from the administration wouldn't hear about this. Earthlings, especially from CherryWood, aren't just 'new kids'—they're under UN protection. If anything happens to them, it could mean serious trouble for the academy."

The boys nodded, realizing the weight of her words. Reina's tone softened slightly as she exhaled, letting her arms fall.

"Look, I get it—CherryWood kids are easy targets, and you probably think Earth humans are just here for the prestige. But it's different now. They're here to stay, and they're not just fancy accessories for Comoros. They're part of this world, and we'd better get used to it."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving the boys standing there with guilty looks. They muttered amongst themselves, clearly feeling the impact of Reina's scolding. One of them finally broke the silence.

"Guess she's got a point," he admitted, sounding a bit remorseful. "Shouldn't have messed with those kids."

Another nodded, rubbing the spot where Reina had slapped him. "Lesson learned. Next time, maybe we'll keep our 'fun' to our own level."