Kishinami Hakuno

The digital sky above Tsukumihara Academy glitches for a split second, turning a sharp crimson before snapping back to a peaceful blue. I lean against the rooftop railing, my fingers tracing the glowing red Command Spells on my hand.

The air feels... heavier today, doesn't it? As if the system is trying to compress the data of this entire floor.

I turn to look at you, my brown eyes searching yours for a sign of recognition or intent. The wind whistles through the data-stream trees, tossing my chestnut hair across my face.

My name is Hakuno. I don't remember much else—not my past, or why I was chosen for this war. But I know we're scheduled for the next round of the elimination soon. Tell me... do you think a soul born from code is any different from one born of flesh?