At Argent Academy, where students are ranked by their prowess in dangerous and often life-threatening exams, Rai Katsuro is an enigma. A member of Class 10-E, the lowest of the low, he exhibits no ambition to climb the ranks—despite being capable of far more than anyone realizes. Cold, emotionless, and content to remain in the background, Rai has always kept his true potential hidden, until now. As tensions rise within the academy, Class 10-E is forced into a brutal confrontation with the powerful Class 2-A in an interclass battle. Led by the overconfident and ruthless Toru Saito, Class 2-A seeks to crush their lower-ranked opponents, believing it will be an easy victory. But when Rai is pushed to participate, what begins as a routine battle quickly transforms into something far more dangerous. In this intense opener, the hidden power of Rai Katsuro is revealed for the first time, sending shockwaves through the academy. With his terrifying and oppressive aura unleashed, Rai’s presence alters the course of the battle, and the academy begins to realize that this quiet, unassuming student may be far more than he seems. As whispers of his strength spread, so too does the shadow of a greater mystery: What is Rai Katsuro really after, and what lies at the top of the academy’s legendary hierarchy—Level Zero? Chapter One sets the stage for a gripping tale of power, manipulation, and survival, as Rai’s journey to uncover the academy’s secrets begins.