Celestial Saga

In a world reshaped by the aftermath of a global pandemic, societal upheaval has forced nations to adapt in unprecedented ways.

Japan, a country once known for its stringent immigration policies, has opened its doors to all who can reach its shores, granting them citizenship in a bid to stabilize its workforce. This radical shift has sparked widespread protests among the native population, mirroring the unrest seen worldwide.

To address these tensions, Japan has established the “Preservers“, a special force tasked with maintaining peace and resolving disputes between diverse citizen groups. These Preservers also serve as cultural ambassadors, ensuring that the rich heritage of their communities is preserved amidst the waves of globalization…

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Kokusai Senior Highschool

Kokusai Senior Highschool, located in Tokyo. As the school functions go underway, murmurings spread amongst class 1-A, as the students catch a rare glimpse of who could be considered a peer.

Emi Edelwein

Age: 17

During the pandemic, many countries implemented new techniques, in a bid to “flatten the curve” of COVID-19 infections. In regard to the educational system, the majority of institutions developed an infrastructure through which students could attend class using the internet and live calls broadcast to a collective simultaneously. These various schemas were designated as “remote learning”.

Remote learning allowed education to continue despite lockdowns. Students could learn from anywhere, at their own pace. However, not all students had access to the necessary technology or internet, leading to inequalities. Keeping students engaged remotely was also notably difficult, especially for younger children. Overall, the effectiveness of remote learning varied, with some students struggling more than others.

–

“That’s one of the virtual learners..”

–

“I don’t get it though…Didn’t the pandemic end 8 years ago now?”

“Almost every country went back to normal, but some parents wanted to keep their kids in the remote learning program.”

“But I heard that alot of those stutdents do at least partial classes in-person, if they don’t fully attend outright.”

” Either way, its just weird in my opinion. Everyone knows that the virtual kids make worse grades, on top of being emotionally stunted.”

“Flunking AND having no friends would be a bit much for me, I’d rather just join big bro’s organization and quit school all together at that point.”

–

“Anyway, the sooner this exam ends, the more free time I have today.”

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As the students settle in, the examination begins

Mrs. Kazami-

“Edelwein-san, is something wrong?”

Emi-

“I’m finished, so I’d like to go back home.”

–

“What!? There’s no way, its only been maybe 20 minutes…”

Mrs. Kazami—

“Well, if you believe you’ve done your best, then I don’t see why not!”

Emi-

“Thank you.”

–

“Show off…”

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Emi—

“…Nobody’s here. I guess they’re all still testing.”

–

“Didn’t your exam just start? Speed-running tests usually ends in an F you know.”

Emi—

“..Kaito.”

—

“Yup, who else?”

Kaito Kimura

Age: 18

Emi—

“….

Kaito—

“Not in a good mood?”

Emi—

“I have work.”

Kaito—

“Yea I know your usual. Wanna grab something to eat on the way?”

Emi-

“Sure.”

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Cafe Memoria

Kaito-

“The atmosphere is always mellow yea?”

“You can feel everyone’s relief that everything is back to normal.”

Emi-

“I’m just going to have a shake.”

“And the answer is no by the way.”

Kaito-

“Huh?”

Emi—

“As in what you were eventually going to bring up. My answer is no.”

“Taking into to account what today’s date is, and the fact that my clan loves to make you the middle-man between us, I know they put you up to contacting me.”

Kaito-

“Cripes…alright. You’re so shrewd.”

Emi-

“I like to get to the point. Besides, we’re cousins, so we shouldn’t have to go through all the gesturing and, whatever it is people do.”

Kaito-

” You know, I think its because we’re related that you should at least play along.”

“But..yea. The main branch wants you to come in and speak with the elders.”

“It’s December 4th, so in less than a month, you’ll be at the age of marriage.”

Emi-

“I’m aware.”

Kaito-

“Then you also know that it’s our obligation to-“

It was at that moment, that some patrons cry out

Robber-

“MONEY.NOW!!! EVERYONE SHUT UP, GIVE ME THE MONEY!!!”

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