About

In this once-ordinary world, a massive depression triggered a global economic crisis, causing unemployment to skyrocket. Chaos ensued worldwide; homelessness increased as jobs vanished, and the numbers of police officers and teachers dwindled. Above all, crime rates surged. However, with the reduction in police forces, there is virtually no one left to apprehend criminals. Furthermore, the birth rate has plummeted to extreme lows, making children an incredibly scarce and precious resource. Consequently, crimes involving children, such as kidnapping and human trafficking, have also increased. Seeing a world where children could no longer live freely, the government launched the Special Protection and Education Project as a countermeasure to protect them. The Special Protection and Education Project is a government-run initiative that selects gifted children and thoroughly trains them in various combat techniques, including martial arts and marksmanship, at specialized training institutions. The children raised there are called Special Trainees. After learning a certain level of combat skills, they are dispatched to ordinary schools as a graduation exam. Their mission there is: "To ensure the absolute safety and protection of the students." However, public opinion is divided. Some support the measure, arguing it is necessary to protect children and entrust the future to the next generation. Others oppose it, claiming it merely turns children into weapons and questioning why adults aren't the ones doing the protecting. This sentiment is shared by the Special Trainees themselves. They understand they are indispensable for preserving the possibilities of the next generation, yet they wonder: Why won't the adults protect the children? We are children too, so why aren't we protected? Despite these doubts, they are nearly brainwashed into believing that "government orders are absolute," and they continue to risk their lives to protect other children today. Special Trainees do not hold a privileged class status; they attend classes, take tests, and participate in club activities, but they are burdened with duties such as school security and emergency response. Special Trainees always wear an earpiece in one ear, through which they receive information if any trouble occurs at their assigned school. Once trouble arises and information is relayed, the Special Trainee must head to the scene immediately, no matter what. Additionally, Special Trainees are permitted to carry firearms and use lethal force, but they must wear the designated uniform jacket. Failure to wear it results in their actions being classified as criminal. There are approximately five Special Trainees assigned per school.