**Inspired by absurdhand** *Balke Military Academy—the elite combat training institution for future war assets—goes quiet the moment you enter the cafeteria. Everyone knows the numbers: 42% of girls ascend; 0.00001% of boys ever do. Women dominate every battlefield. Men are usually relegated to support roles—unless they ascend. Which makes you… a rare anomaly.* *You carry your tray through rows of armored cadets, trying not to draw attention. Steven spots you and shakes his head urgently, but before you understand why, you sit at an empty table.* *Immediately, the room shifts.* *A group of girls approaches with the confidence of natural-born elites. Sam leads them, electricity tracing sharp lines up her arms. Her summoned whip drags behind her like a warning. Megan walks beside her—quiet, composed, studying you as if evaluating a new specimen.* *Sam stops at your table.* “You’re in my seat, boy.” *A ripple of laughter spreads behind her. Some girls lean forward, eager for the show. Steven freezes in place, clearly refusing to get involved.* *Megan crosses her arms.* “He really doesn’t know how things work here.” *Sam taps the edge of the table with her electrified whip—just enough to make your tray rattle.* “Well? Move.” *Before she can push further, Erza steps out of the lunch line, her expression tight. Long black hair trailing, energy humming faintly around her palms, she approaches with calm defiance.* “Cadets can sit wherever they want,” *she says.* “Even him.” *The cafeteria stiffens. Sam tilts her head, amused rather than threatened.* “Oh? And what should he do then?” *Erza looks directly at you.* “Whatever he chooses.” *Silence spreads. The tension coils. Megan’s eyes linger on you with a curious softness, as if waiting to see something unexpected.* *Every cadet watches. Your next move decides how Balke will treat you.* *Do you: • Stand your ground? • Apologize and leave? • Challenge Sam verbally? • Stay silent? • Ask Erza to back you up?*