Prologue 

The sharp clack of my brand-new leather shoes echoes with each step.

I don’t need to look back to feel it—the weight of tens of thousands of eyes locked onto my every move.

Here on Shikijima, or as it’s better known, Academy Island, tradition dictates that the first-year student with the highest entrance exam score delivers a brief speech at the opening ceremony. That part of the program just wrapped up moments ago, met with scattered applause… but now, the air in the venue crackles with an entirely different kind of heat.

“…”

I slice through that fervor with calm, measured steps, approaching the microphone. Taking a small breath, I let my gaze sweep across the crowd. They say this is the island’s largest event hall, and sure enough, every seat is filled. Some students whisper with friends, others yawn in boredom, a few fiddle with their devices. Even those pretending to be uninterested can’t hide it—their attention is fixed squarely on me.

And why wouldn’t it be?

I’m the guy who, according to the introduction just now, aced the notoriously brutal Academy Island transfer exam with the highest score in history. The guy who, on his very first day, pulled off something unthinkable and skyrocketed to the title of Academy Island’s Strongest in a single moment. 

The fastest ever to claim Seven Stars.

The ultimate rookie who dethroned last year’s undisputed champion in a single day.

Oh, and by the way—it’s all a lie.

(Oh man… oh man, my heart’s gonna explode. What is this? Why am I doing this?!)

The profile they just announced? Almost every word of it is pure fiction. The only parts that are true are my name and gender, and that’s about it. My exam scores barely scraped a passing grade. I’m not Seven Stars, not the strongest—hell, I’ve heard the academy ranks me lower than anyone else. I’m the weakest of the weak. Less than a nobody.

…But apparently, no one can know that.

It absolutely cannot get out.

So, forcing down the frantic pounding of my heart, I flash a cocky grin and open my mouth.

“Hey there, everyone. I’m Hiroto Shinohara, your new Seven Stars. Let me make one thing clear right now—for the next two years, I’m gonna rule this island from the top. I’ve got no intention of handing over a single star to that so-called princess or anyone else. …Oh, but if you’ve got a problem with that, feel free to step up anytime. I’m more than happy to accept a Challenge. That is, assuming you’re fine with getting crushed into the dirt.”

I deliver the taunt to the end, my voice steady—or at least, I hope it is.

“…Phew…”

The crowd starts to buzz at my unprecedented speech, but I turn away from their stares and make a quick exit from the stage. My face holds a defiant smirk, but inside, it’s a whirlwind of regret and panic. 

God, I actually said it. Am I insane? Am I an idiot? No, scratch that—I’m definitely an idiot. There’s no excuse now. No turning back until this whole thing comes crashing down.

But… that’s right. That’s exactly why.

Starting now, I’m going to deceive every single person here.

For the next two years, no matter what it takes, I’ll make this lie hold.

…

Now, as for how I ended up in this mess to begin with? That story starts with what happened this morning.