Chapter 1: First Class

It has been apparent since ancient times that conflict is a natural byproduct of diverse groups of people. Invariably, when you bring together individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives, conflict is inevitable.

CLICK!

As sunlight bathed the white room, a swift finger silenced the blaring alarm clock before it could fully ring. This morning was different—no lingering snooze allowed. Inhaling deeply, the boy pondered for a moment, his voice barely a whisper, "Today is finally here." He yawned and stretched, as he got out of bed.

1

The fifteen-year-old boy sighed happily as he glanced across his room, his jet-black hair swaying with every motion, while his bright blue eyes sparkled under the sun's gaze. A radiant smile spread across his face as he exclaimed, “Today is the day I’ve been waiting for!"

With an excited grin on his face, John leaped out of bed and launched into his invigorating morning exercises. These exercises were a daily routine for him, and he completed them in no time.

Taking a moment to absorb his surroundings, John surveyed his sparsely furnished room. The room housed a bed, wardrobe, study desk, and chair. Its traditional cooling system and large windows gave the room a cozy atmosphere.

His eyes wandered to the three doors in his room, each leading to different parts of his personal space. Yet today, only one door filled him with excitement.

"Time to gear up. It's my first day of school!" he exclaimed, punching his fist into the air.

As he readied himself, John felt a mixture of nervousness and excitement. Months of anticipation now culminated on this day, and a twinge of unease coursed through him.

Dressed and armed with his bright smile, John cast a final glance around his room before venturing out. Closing the door behind him, a wave of excitement washed over him. This day marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, and he couldn’t wait to see what it had in store for him.

With a skip in his step and his signature smile, John walked confidently out of his room, eager for the adventure that awaited him.

In the vast, beautiful compound, an elderly man was jogging vigorously, his body drenched in sweat despite the cool weather. It was just another day for the sixty-seven-year-old, who was known to be a bit eccentric and unconventional in his ways.

Standing silently in the compound, John watched his grandfather go through his exercise routine, with a loving smile on his face.

“Grandfather is at it again, huh?” he mused fondly.

Dr. Matthew Lucien, the sweaty old man, was John's grandfather, and the young boy watched him lovingly as he ran past.

Despite being sixty-seven, Dr. Lucien possessed a strikingly youthful and handsome face and John couldn't help but think that no one would ever believe he was a Ph.D. holder.

John wore his school uniform, an elegant and stylish outfit that perfectly reflected the prestigious academy he attended. He wore a black blazer with matching trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a royal blue tie, with the school's golden badge proudly inscribed on the blazer, creating a nice contrast.

"Grandfather, I'm leaving!" John yelled to his oblivious grandfather, who was so immersed in his workout, that he didn’t notice John calling out to him.

Dr. Matthew Lucien slowed down almost instantly, snapping out of his daze, and approached John. His entire body dripped with sweat, and his breath was a little ragged, but a smile remained on his face.

"A-ah? How long have you been standing there?" he asked, chuckling. "Didn’t see you at all until you called for me."

"It's not my fault that you're a fitness addict," John mumbled, hiding a smile. His eyes suddenly popped wide open as he watched his grandfather draw nearer. "H-hey! Don't come any closer. You reek!"

Dr. Lucien laughed heartily, patting John's head as he passed by. "It's the smell of hard work, my boy. Remember that," he said.

John stared fondly at his grandfather, feeling a sense of pride and admiration. He knew that Dr. Lucien had accomplished a great deal in his life and that he had done so through hard work and determination.

It was a lesson that John could never forget.

"So, you're going to school already, huh? You have everything you need?" Dr. Matt asked, in a seemingly casual tone, trying to hide his pride and excitement in his grandson.

"Yeah!" John replied, beaming with confidence.

"You sure?" Dr. Matt persisted, wanting to make sure his grandson was fully prepared.

John rolled his eyes again but couldn't help grinning. He knew his grandfather meant well, even if he could be a little overprotective at times.

For a brief moment, they stood there in silence, taking in the moment. The sky was clear and beautiful, the birds chirped happily, and it felt like nothing else in the world mattered.

"Alright, then. Have fun at school. Do what you need to do." Dr. Matt finally said, feeling a little lump in his throat as he spoke.

"Yeah!" John replied, eager to get going.

Without wasting another second, John darted off toward school. Dr. Matt watched him go with a mixture of pride and sadness. His little grandson was growing up so fast.

"This kid… he'll run out of breath too quickly," he whispered to himself, chuckling softly.

As he resumed his jog, Dr. Matt's thoughts turned to his beloved grandson. He may have been a little eccentric, but he was a good person at heart, and there was nothing he wouldn't do for his family.

I hope you find what you’re searching for…

John's eyes widened in amazement as he took in the grandeur of the school premises before him. The extensive compound spanned a massive twenty acres of land, with numerous buildings and structures dotting the landscape. It was like nothing he had ever seen before, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the sheer size of it all.

As he approached the imposing gate, it automatically opened up, scanning him to verify his identity before letting him in. John couldn't help but marvel at the power of modern technology. It was impressive that there was no need for any security personnel to verify his identity.

1

"Modern technology sure is nice," he muttered to himself, impressed by the state-of-the-art technology.

As he made his way through the compound, one or two students brushed past him, but they paid him no attention as they went about their business.

Glancing toward a particular student who seemed to be just as amazed as he was, John felt a sense of kinship with the red-haired boy. They both took in the amazing expanse of the campus grounds, marking their first time attending such an amazing school.

If the boy hadn't checked his wristwatch, gasped, and quickly ran ahead, John would have considered talking to him.

“A shame…” He whispered though he remained positive.

He would get the chance to meet more people, anyway. Besides, the boy seemed to be about his age, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they ended up in the same class.

“That would be nice,” John murmured, inhaling deeply.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of trees and the lovely aroma of blossoming flowers. John couldn't help but smile wider with each step he took. This was going to be an incredible experience.

Even though it was already 8:21 AM and classes commenced at 9:00 AM, there was a general assembly scheduled thirty minutes before class. John knew he couldn't be late, so he quickened his pace and headed towards the main hall.

Spanning twenty acres, the entire school was so vast that walking or running through it in just nine minutes was impossible. Yet, that didn't worry him. The High School campus was a smaller section of the general school compound, and a large chunk of the land was used for residential and administrative facilities. He knew he could easily get to the main hall and then head straight to class without any problems.

As he walked past the beautifully landscaped garden that surrounded him, he couldn't help but feast his eyes on the beauty of the environment once more. The school was truly breathtaking, and he felt a sense of excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead in his new academic journey.

“I made it.”

John's heart raced with excitement as he stepped into the Main Hall at precisely 8:30 a.m., the designated time for the general student assembly to commence. As he gazed eagerly at the sea of identically dressed students in their black blazers, blue ties, and shiny golden badges, he couldn't help but feel a little nervous.

Despite the number of people present, the hall was completely silent, giving off an intimidating and elite ambiance that slightly unnerved him.

As he made his way toward his assigned line, John couldn't help but admire the immaculate appearance of his peers. They all looked elegant and sophisticated, with their new uniforms and shiny shoes.

With the aid of signs that indicated where each group should stand, he easily found his classmates huddled together in a tight group. However, even without the indicators, he was confident he wouldn't have had any trouble.

"Ah! That boy…" John's eyes caught sight of the boy with red hair, the same one he had seen near the gate not too long ago. However, they were in different lines.

"I guess we won't be in the same class, after all."

Still, that didn’t faze John in the slightest.

Just as he joined the line of about twenty students, a middle-aged man stepped onto the stage and greeted everyone in a clear and confident voice.

"I am Charles Richardson, the founder and Principal of this school. It brings me great pleasure to see you all gathered here for the start of a new term, and I sincerely hope you have an enjoyable stay in this institute."

John watched everything—the way the principal's dark gray suit firmly clung to his lean body, and even how his luxurious shoes were firmly planted on the ground—with a smile on his face. However, his excitement didn't stem from those things.

This was the first time John had ever heard an address like this in person. It was his first time standing in line for a general assembly, the first time he was attending an actual school.

The fact that he was right there was enough to make his heart race uncontrollably.

“I see…” He spoke in a barely audible tone, watching as the man on the podium continued.

“This academic institute accepts only three hundred and ninety students per academic session and only fifty for High School. And so, I would like to commend the new students for their grit and determination. Amongst the millions who strived to get in, only you fifty have been chosen.”

1

It sounded exaggerated, but it wasn’t. This wasn’t just your ordinary school, after all.

“However, be reminded that this is only the beginning. As you already know, getting in is one thing, but advancing to the next class is another ball game entirely.”

It took four years to get through High School. Depending on their performance, it was most likely that many of these students would not be present by graduation.

"You have seen the prospectus and calendar, I’m sure. You undoubtedly understand the busy year that awaits you. There will be a total of four terms per session, each with two weeks of vacation in between. Each term will have ten weeks of activity—tests, and examinations included."

Of course, the students were also told about how—for their summer break, exclusively—six weeks were allocated, rather than the regular two weeks. Needless to say, of the fifty-two weeks in a year, they would be spending forty in High School.

A truly demanding and competitive environment.

“You must strive to be the best, to be exceptional in your various fields. I expect nothing less from the geniuses of this generation.”

This was an academy with an acceptance rate of less than 0.1 percent of applicants. A truly prestigious and extremely exclusive environment where only the best thrived and the dregs were left behind.

John smiled. He knew all of this.

That was precisely why he had chosen to come here. It was his ideal environment, filled with the best minds humanity could offer from all over the globe.

It was the best High School in the world.

“Welcome once again to The Richardson Elite Academy. I do hope you have a wonderful time.”

"Hey, everyone! I'm Matthias Archibald, your homeroom teacher for this year."

With that simple introduction, the classroom came alive as an ordinary-looking man stood before them, dressed casually in a white t-shirt and black trousers. Appearances could be deceiving, yet the students couldn't resist being captivated by his confident smile and handsome face.

The classroom was arranged with precision, desks were neatly organized in five rows and five columns. Each seat was perfectly comfortable and the tables were fixed to the floor. No arguments or disputes would mar the first day of school; where they sat now would be their designated seat for the entire year.

"Welcome to Grade 9, Class B! Although technically, you're all freshmen in high school," Mr. Matthias said in a relaxed and friendly tone that made it seem like he had known them forever.

Teachers at elite schools were expected to be formal and rigid, but here was Mr. Archibald, defying those stereotypes. He was downright chill with everyone, and it was refreshing

1

"Since most of you are new here, let me explain a few things. Pay close attention," he said, and the students eagerly complied.

"As you know, only fifty students are accepted into our prestigious high school every year. Of those fifty, only twenty-five make it to Year 1. Age doesn't matter in this citadel of learning; your acceptance and class placement are based solely on your abilities, and so is your advancement to the next class."

Silence filled the room, exactly the reaction Mr. Archibald had hoped for. But he had more to share.

"You must have noticed the vastness of our campus and the comfort of your dorms if you're staying in one. Our high school compound is a collection of numerous buildings serving various purposes. The Main Hall, where we were earlier, hosts general assemblies. Lectures take place in the Central Building, which includes this very classroom."

Guided here after the assembly, the students had already glimpsed the wonders Mr. Archibald described. But it was reassuring to have someone explain and solidify their experiences.

"Besides the Central Building, we have a range of facilities on this campus. Sports fields and courts, buildings dedicated to arts, music, crafts, and more. This school embraces and supports all your talents and abilities, whatever they may be. It's an all-inclusive place."

One couldn't help but wonder how much funds had gone into establishing such a remarkable school. How much would tuition cost? How many could afford such an incredible opportunity? But here's the most amazing part—they didn't have to pay a dime!

"You're all here because of your abilities, nothing more. This academy has generous sponsors, and our stakeholders provide abundant financial support to ensure you receive the best education.” The excitement radiating from Mr. Matthias's smile was infectious, filling the students' hearts with immense joy.

1

Truly, this was a paradise they had stepped into.

Yes, it was a given that they had to put in the work, but as long as they did all that, they were guaranteed an amazing time. Besides, they were geniuses, weren’t they?

"Guess what? Each one of you will receive an allowance! Your Student Identification Cards can also be used as a currency across the campus, giving you access to all the facilities. And here's a little extra motivation— the top five performers in each class will receive bonuses. But don't worry, we'll start assessing that when the time is right. Just thought you should know," Mr. Matthias revealed, adding another layer of excitement to the mix.

The atmosphere in the classroom was electrifying. The students not only loved what Mr. Matthias said but also how he said it. Whispers of excitement filled the air, painting a vibrant and lively picture.

Mr. Matthias didn't try to quiet the enthusiastic chuckles and murmurs. He knew teenagers would be teenagers, especially on their first day of high school. So, he simply smiled, paused, and after a moment, continued.

He delved into all the amazing things the academy had to offer. The best academics, state-of-the-art facilities for every course, highly qualified and specialized staff, an amazing and safe environment, healthy competition, strict but beneficial rules, the dedicated student council, and the freedom to explore a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Everything was presented in a concise yet compelling manner, drawing positive remarks from the students. Even the list of do's and don'ts felt reasonable. Who wouldn't agree that cheating, stalking, or loitering had no place in a well-ordered society?

It all fit together seamlessly, creating a tapestry of possibilities that left the students brimming with excitement and anticipation.

Minutes had gone by since Mr. Archibald began engaging with the class, effortlessly delivering a wealth of information without missing a beat. His relaxed smile, composed demeanor, and minimal gestures allowed him to captivate the students' attention, keeping them enthralled with his words.

"He's impressive," John murmured under his breath, caught off guard by the teacher's skillful presentation.

Talking to himself was a habit John had developed as a child, a result of limited social interaction or perhaps his unconventional upbringing. Nevertheless, he realized he had to curb this tendency in a normal social environment.

"I can't let them think I'm weird. Ah, I’m doing it again," John scolded himself, struggling to suppress his inner dialogue. Wincing at the sound of his voice, he nervously scanned the classroom.

Maybe no one saw him after all.

Well, it shouldn't be too much of an issue. His voice was barely audible at this point, unlikely to disturb anyone. Moreover, the considerable distance between the students' seats, roughly a meter apart, ensured that his barely audible voice wouldn't travel far.

"Alright, I'll be leaving you all now. Enjoy a ten-minute break before your first period. Use the time wisely," Mr. Archibald's vague farewell echoed through the room.

"Have a great day," the teacher concluded, swiftly exiting the room and closing the door behind him.

“…”

Silence fell upon the classroom the moment Mr. Archibald left, creating a lot of awkwardness. What did they expect? Every person in that room was a stranger.

"Hmm…this sucks" John glanced to his left, a fleeting thought crossing his mind.

Contrary to his intentions, the stifling atmosphere intensified. It wasn't that he hadn't experienced such a quiet environment before; in fact, being homeschooled up to this point made him all too familiar with it.

Amidst the prolonged silence, however, something caught his attention, despite his attempt to remain composed.

"I wanted to sit by the window..." He sighed.

1

Instead, John found himself occupying an ordinary seat in the third row and fourth column—not exactly a coveted spot. He had known the chances of getting a seat by the window were slim, but the outcome still left a bitter taste. To make matters worse, the day wasn't unfolding as he had hoped.

"When you're dissatisfied, set a goal and work towards it," John recited his mantra, making a decision. Rather than sulking like a loser, he resolved to take action. Perhaps this was his opportunity to make a good impression on his classmates and score social points.

If he was lucky, he could become the Class Representative and draw a crowd of admirers. His popularity could skyrocket from there, and it wasn't a bad idea at all. His heart raced with anticipation as he formulated the perfect plan in his mind.

"Alright, let's—" He started.

"Excuse me, everyone. May I have your attention?" A beautiful girl suddenly rose from her seat, a split second before John could make his move. The moment her melodious voice reached his ears, he felt as if his body was glued to the chair, rendering him immobile.

Thankfully, his head could still turn, so he mechanically shifted his gaze toward the captivating girl. Her seat was also positioned in the third row, right beside the line of windows that offered an amazing view of the enchanting surroundings beyond the classroom.

John couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy.

With her long brown hair and mesmerizing violet eyes, she commanded his full attention. She was a total stunner, lighting up the room with her dazzling smile. One glance at her was enough to take anyone's breath away.

Dressed in a neatly fitted uniform, her skirt gently swayed as she addressed the audience, capturing the gaze of most, save for a couple of distracted students.

"I’ll get straight to the point. These ten minutes we've been given will likely shape the course of our lives here. I suggest we put this time to good use." Her serious tone matched the expression on her face.

"Elaborate." A boy sitting beside her promptly responded.

Behind his glasses, his eyes remained fixed on the book on his desk, yet his sharp reply revealed that he was listening to her every word.

"Firstly, I'd like to ask a question. How many of us here graduated from this Academy's Middle School?"

The Richardson Elite Academy, as an academic institution, included a Middle School program spanning two years. Upon completion, deserving students were promoted to the High School level.

Based on this fact, a couple of students in the classroom had to be from the incoming set.

However—

“Nobody, huh?”

No one raised their hands. Not even one.

“It seems I was right.” A hint of concern crept into her voice, casting a shadow over her once vibrant demeanor. The bright violet hue in her eyes dulled as if reflecting the gravity of the situation.

“Elaborate.” Once more, the boy beside her said.

At this moment, tension gripped most of the students. Everyone wanted to hear what the standing girl had to say. However, the knowing expressions on several faces suggested that they were reaching the same conclusion as the girl addressing them

“Only twenty-five students graduated from the Middle School during the last session. As first years, the school split new entrants into two evenly divided classes. That means only one thing.”

Whispers rippled through the room as more and more students pieced together the puzzle, their eyes widening with dawning comprehension.

"It means that those who have been educated here before, who survived the rigors of this prestigious academy, have been placed in Class A," the girl continued, her voice carrying a mix of resignation and determination. "That leaves us, the newcomers, in Class B."

The realization settled heavily upon the perceptive minds in the room. The girl forged ahead, her voice steady and filled with conviction.

“Do you know what that means?” Some may have pieced it together, but it was still a hard pill to swallow. Nevertheless, it needed to be said.

“From the very beginning, we've already started competing.”

In Richardson Elite Academy, competition was everything, a driving force that propelled students to surpass their limits. The elite nature of the school demanded nothing less.

There was just one problem, though.

“We’re on the losing end!”

“I understand now. So that's how it works.” John chuckled inwardly. This school had lived up to his expectations.

“They've grouped the returnees in one class, and us newcomers in another.”

As Charlotte raised the point that had eluded most of the students, the true intentions of Richardson Elite Academy became glaringly obvious. The classroom's already tense atmosphere took another hit as the devastating truth sank in.

Why would the school take such a drastic step so early? What was their ultimate goal? John's heart raced as he pondered these questions. The more he surveyed the room, the more his anxiety grew.

"If I may, I'd like everyone to listen to what I have to say. We shouldn't feel trapped in this situation," she urged.

John's eyes lit up as he listened to the brunette's awesome speech. Her social skills were incredible, and she was so charming. Almost everyone in the class was hooked, hanging onto her every word.

"As Mr. Archibald emphasized in his address, a point our principal reiterated in his opening speech, this school thrives on competition. This setup embodies that agenda," she said. speaking with eloquence and passion.

According to her, this was a battle between the returnees and the newbies—the students who had attended the school's prestigious middle school versus those who came from other schools. It was clear to anyone with common sense who would come out on top.

"Yes, they have the advantage of being at Richardson Elite Academy longer than us. They possess greater knowledge of how things work here and are likely more skilled. However..." Her voice resonated with passion as she poured her heart out. "...that doesn't guarantee their victory!"

Her words were instantly met with skeptical looks.

Thus far, she had done well. But without solid evidence to back up her claim, the students could easily resign themselves to their fate as inferior students from inferior schools.

"Richardson Elite Academy prioritizes the growth of all its students and ensures fairness. I don't believe they would show bias by giving one class an advantage over the other. The scales must be evenly balanced."

Even though she didn't have all the details to fully convince everyone, what she said still managed to ease their worries. She had a point, and it made sense.

"We just need to approach this situation calmly and prepare accordingly. There might be group exercises where we'll have to work together. So, it's crucial that we quickly familiarize ourselves with one another. That way, Year 1A won't have the upper hand."

Her suggestion sounded like an awesome idea to everyone, and the way she effortlessly got her message across to the whole class showed just how brilliant she was.

"As I said, it’s important for us to get along with each other. We can do this by introducing ourselves. I'm Charlotte and I’m delighted to meet all of you. Let's forge strong connections." With a radiant smile and her right hand placed over her heart, Charlotte greeted everyone.

At that moment, the atmosphere in the class shifted, and her intervention marked the first move Year 1B took as a united group—class introductions.

Anticipation crackled in the air as the students gathered in the classroom, their faces a mix of nervousness and excitement. Time was limited, so there was no room for lengthy introductions, but each class member rose from their seats, eager to make a good impression.

Amid their shared apprehension and social anxiety, not a single objection was heard. The weight of the unknown pressed upon them all, and it was Charlotte, with her quick thinking, who offered a sensible solution.

“My name is Ben Elias. A pleasure to meet you all.” The first to break the ice was a strikingly handsome young man.

His dark brown hair framed a face that oozed both seriousness and magnetism, captivating the attention of those around him.

The introductions continued haphazardly, devoid of any specific order.

Energetically, a girl named Sofia Venla leaped from her seat, addressing the class with vibrant enthusiasm.

"Let's all get along!" she exclaimed, her words serving as an invitation for teamwork and friendship.

With confidence radiating from his tall, well-built frame, Oliver Logan rose next. A charming smile graced his lips as he introduced himself.

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Before Oliver could fully settle back into his seat, another student got up, intentionally showcasing his wild, white hair as he grinned mischievously.

"I am Gabriel Lucas," he declared, his voice brimming with confidence. "A brilliant and gifted young mind from France. It is my pleasure to be among such esteemed peers, though I hope none shall hinder my pursuit of excellence as we navigate through this..."

Gabriel's self-centered monologue continued painfully until it was abruptly cut short by Christopher Hitchens, who stood up with warmth emanating from his smile.

"I'm Christopher Hitchens. Delighted to meet you all," he interjected, putting an end to Gabriel's ramblings.

A tense exchange of glares passed between Gabriel and Christopher before the introductions resumed. One after another, students stood and shared their names, their personalities shining through their brief words.

Leonardo Lorenzo, a vivacious young boy, greeted the class with contagious enthusiasm.

Alisa Viktoriya, on the other hand, seemed tired, her voice barely audible as she introduced herself before laying her head on her desk.

Mikail Rufus, an exuberant and chubby ebony boy, couldn't contain his excitement. Grinning from ear to ear, he implored the class, "Let's do our best to defeat Year 1A!" His enthusiasm was contagious, fueling a spark of determination within the room.

Yusuf Omer, with his warm smile and dark complexion, greeted his classmates, radiating an aura of peace.

Lolade Oladeinde, a dark-skinned girl whose eyes shimmered with mischief, maintained her lovely smile as she spoke, her excitement apparent.

"Daisuke. Daisuke Aizawa" proclaimed a serious-faced boy who rose, bowed, and swiftly returned to his seat. His formal introduction left a lingering air of mystery.

Sung Han Soo, who seemed too young for high school, scarcely acknowledged the proceedings. Engrossed in his smartphone, he mumbled his name, barely looking up.

Although not as dull as Sung Han Soo's introduction, Ida's shy voice resonated softly in the room.

"I'm Ida Sofia. It's a pleasure to be among like-minded individuals," she stated with a slight blush on her plump cheeks.

Breaking the tension with an enthusiasm that bordered on hysteria, Lara Jacobs announced herself. "Lara Jacobs is my name, and living healthy is my game!"

As one would expect, her statement hung awkwardly in the air and met with a mixed reaction. She sensed the disconnect and gracefully retreated to her seat.

The classroom held its breath as the introductions neared completion; the anticipation mounting with each passing second. Finally, another girl mustered the courage to rise from her seat. Her voice had a captivating melody as she introduced herself.

"I'm Marie Felix," she stated before gracefully settling back into her chair.

Ali Aeden, a student with a slightly rough tone and a darker complexion, followed suit. With a humble smile and a hint of awkwardness, he expressed his hopes for a fruitful learning experience before returning to his seat.

A stunning girl stepped forward, her beauty shining through even in her generic school uniform. Her flawless face and enchanting smile were captivating.

"I'm Alicia Beatriz. A pleasure to be here," she said with a playful wink that could set hearts on fire.

The next girl, Joana Isabel, closed her eyes as she introduced herself, her words delivered with haste before she fell into silence. It was a brief but hilarious encounter.

Grace Ellie, an intelligent-looking girl, stepped forward, expressing her desire to forge friendships with everyone present. Her words carried a sense of sincerity and warmth.

“Sup. I’m Klaus Gerard.” Confidence exuded from a handsome young man who introduced himself with a charismatic smile.

He allowed the room to fully absorb his presence before gracefully retreating to his seat, leaving a lasting impression.

With only a few students remaining, the class eagerly glanced around for the next person to speak. John, tapping his desk anxiously, had been patiently waiting for his turn. He murmured shakily, as he tried to soothe his anxiety.

Other students had interrupted his attempts to stand and introduce himself, but now, his moment had finally arrived.

‘I can do this. I can do this,’ John reassured himself, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and fear.

He struggled to hide his flustered expression, determined to stay composed. This was all new to him, his first time experiencing something like this.

Taking a deep breath, he addressed the class with a smile.

"Good morning, everyone. My name is John Lenard. It's a pleasure to meet all of you."

With those ordinary words, he retreated to his seat, his smile unwavering. He had achieved his goal, and despite his racing heart, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

"I nailed it!" John silently celebrated, giving himself an internal fist bump.

The attention directed at him was thrilling, proof that he could overcome his social awkwardness. This experience had challenged him, but he came out victorious.

Yes! This was a complete success for him.

The introductions continued, next up was a lifeless greeting from a person who seemed even more drained than Viktoriya, the girl who spoke earlier.

"Hey... Anne Rowena here," she murmured, her lack of interest evident on her weary face.

John couldn't shake the feeling that she had no desire to be here, evident in her lazy response to the class bonding exercise.

Next up was Noah Louis, the boy sitting beside Charlotte, who finally gathered the courage to introduce himself. As he spoke, his glasses seemed to dance, adding a quirky charm to his persona.

At this point, all eyes turned to the blond girl seated in the front row, who had been silently observing as others spoke.

Her beauty was ethereal, even rivaling Charlotte's, yet there was an aura of regal elegance about her.

Her presence was a mystery, impossible to unravel, as her radiant eyes captivated anyone who dared to look at her. It was as though she were a predator, drawing everyone in with her intense gaze, ready to strike.

Now, she was the only one who had not revealed her name, and the room held its breath.

"Good morning, everyone," she began in a delicate voice, her gaze sweeping the room, making eye contact with each individual. There was an uncanny depth to her eyes as if she could peer into the very depths of their souls.

John's heart skipped a beat when she smiled at him.

"I am Mia Elena. I sincerely hope we can all foster strong bonds. Thank you for your time."

1

Her brief statement contained hidden intentions that intrigued John.

Perhaps it was just his imagination, he thought, dismissing the complexity he sensed.

Instead of dwelling on Mia's words, John turned his attention to the girl who had set everything in motion—Charlotte Olivia.

He couldn't help but admire her smooth social skills and natural leadership. In just moments, she had organized the introductions for the entire class. Her quick thinking and infectious enthusiasm only piqued his curiosity even more.

“Someone like her would make an excellent Class Representative,” he mused.

However…

She’s too naïve.

He let out a soft sigh, his attention drawn to her excited smile and the evident satisfaction in her facial expression, a clear sign of her delight in everyone's cooperation.

Why does she seem so pleased with herself for bringing everyone together and identifying the problem, when it's such a basic move? Professor Charles Richardson and Mr. Matthias Archibald already gave us enough clues, so this much is expected.

Also…

He shifted his gaze from Charlotte to the rest of the class.

Why had no one initially discerned the division between 1A and 1B? Why were they shocked when she brought it up? Did they not grasp the implications of why we are here? Could it be that they were hiding their knowledge?

If that were the case, it would be disappointing.

Moreover, Charlotte mentioned "figuring it out together" when addressing the unbiased reasoning behind the deliberate class division.

What is there to figure out? Can’t they see it? Is it just me?

These questions swirled in his mind.

Naturally, anyone with even a bit of intelligence would assume Year 1A had an advantage over 1B. Richardson Elite Academy was renowned worldwide for its top-notch education. The 1A students had been in this environment longer, making it seem obvious they would excel.

But the true answer lay far from such superficial notions.

They must have been in different classes during middle school, so now that they have all graduated, they find themselves placed in the same high school class. It's clear that back then, they were forced to compete against each other, and it is far-fetched to assume that the intensity of that rivalry will suddenly disappear now that they're together again.

Merging several conflicting factions into one cohesive team wouldn’t automatically make them efficient. The animosity and fierce competition was still going to linger, and it would take a skilled leader to unite them, someone far superior to Charlotte and her basic attempts.

Moreover, their previous knowledge and preconceived notions from middle school probably won't apply anymore.

The fact that all the campuses within Richardson Elite Academy were separate meant that even the returning students would be facing new challenges and a different system.

Their past experiences will become obsolete.

Besides, didn't Mr. Archibald already provide them with general information about the high school, including rules and facilities? They were all given the school's prospectus as well. So, objectively speaking, did Year 1B really lack any necessary information?

While Year 1A is burdened with unresolved rivalries, our group is meant to bond and function efficiently. This levels the playing field considerably.

From an intellectual perspective, it might appear that 1A had an advantage, but John didn't see it as an issue. Student abilities naturally differ. Furthermore, the school's decision to offer similar classes for both Year 1A and 1B, fostering healthy competition, emphasized the fairness of the educational system.

John pondered over numerous other factors swirling in his mind. Still, he couldn't help but wonder if he was the only one with these thoughts.

That can't be true, right? I’ll try not to assume anything and just observe quietly. He told himself.

To be fair, since he was silent, there were likely others who shared his views but chose to remain silent as well.

As the introductions were wrapping up, Charlotte was probably going to speak again.

For now, I'll go along with this. But… John whispered to himself.

Yet, a glint sparked in his eyes as he stared not at the girl but at something right behind her. There stood an object, captivating his attention and diverting his focus from the confusing first impressions of his classmates.

"I really want that seat," John sighed, his face deflating.

1

But just as quickly as he sighed, he pushed aside his gloomy thoughts. It was his first day of school, and he knew he had to play his part well.

If he revealed too much of himself, his chances of achieving his goal would reduce drastically. Perhaps he was simply ignorant, and by immersing himself in this new environment, he could gain a deeper understanding of those around him.

That’s why I chose this school, after all.

"Attention, everyone. Time's up," announced the homeroom teacher as he walked into the classroom, punctual to the second.

Precisely at 9:00 AM, the students' eager eyes locked onto Charlotte, only to find themselves staring at the enigmatic figure of Mr. Archibald.

He wasn't who they had anticipated, not by a long shot.

"Now, if you direct your attention to the right end side of your desks, you'll notice a discreet button. Press it, and a compartment will open up under your desks. You’ll find a few items within; headphones, a notebook, two pens, and a few other items. More importantly, though, you’ll find a smart tablet. " Mr. Archibald's voice echoed through the room.

Curiosity mingled with hesitation as the students awkwardly obeyed, pressing the hidden buttons, unsure of what awaited them.

What happened next shook the entire class to its core. Mr. Archibald's next statement pierced the silence, leaving everyone baffled and on edge. The warmth of his smile had vanished, replaced by an almost robotic tone.

1

"In just a few seconds, your devices will turn on, and a survey sheet will materialize before you. Your task? In three minutes, type out the names of each one of your classmates," his words hung in the air, heavy with a sense of gravity.

2

The students gasped in confusion, struggling to comprehend the sudden shift in their teacher's demeanor.

The room buzzed with uncertainty.

"U-UH—?" stammered one student, their voice trembling with disbelief.

Mr. Archibald seemed unbothered by the bewildered expressions that now adorned his students' faces. His face was resolute, and his stern expression left no room for doubt—this was no joke.

In an instant, a wave of urgency surged through the room.

Students rifled through their lockers, frantically searching for the tools needed to tackle the unusual task assigned to them. There was no time to question or ponder the reasons behind the teacher’s task. Action was their only choice.

To recall and pen down the names of twenty-four strangers in a mere three minutes—such was the daunting challenge set before them. Hearts raced and hands trembled as they hastily embarked on their challenging task. And with a single command, Mr. Archibald's stern voice rang out, marking the beginning of their race against the clock.

"... Your time starts now."