Today the noise started very early. I could hear carriages moving, people shouting— the whole school seemed to be in complete, organized chaos. Already prepared to head to the coliseum, I check my things one last time. The most important thing is not to forget the student card and the teacher card.

The first impression when leaving the building was the sight of hundreds of people going from side to side, most of them wearing the school uniform. Light blue trousers, a white shirt, and a sweater of the same color as the pants. The upper part of the uniform has embroidery identical to the ring Susan gave me. The girls not only receive the same trousers; they also get a skirt above the knee, though at a quick glance I've seen some of them wearing trousers too—surely because of the cold.

This uniform is for classes where no physical effort is required; it's used in lessons where you'll only stay seated, listening to the teacher and taking notes. The counterpart is a pair of shorts of the same color, with a white T-shirt and a light blue jacket. That one is used for classes that require physical effort inside the classrooms or school facilities.

When it comes to going into a dungeon, it's recommended to wear whatever clothes you feel most comfortable in. They only require you to wear a band tied under your shoulder to show that you're a student of the school. In most of the clothes or garments, you'll find the school's embroidery.

Teachers get almost the same things. The only different pieces are the sweater, the jacket, and the band—those are black and have the words Professor and each person's name embroidered on them. I received my uniform two days ago. Right now, I'm wearing the student uniform; all the garments are made of a material that is waterproof and very difficult to stain.

The school gives you two sets of clothes just in case one gets damaged. If you end up ruining both, there are only two options: buy new ones or complete certain missions to exchange points for another set. At least they give you the option to exchange them by doing basic tasks, like cleaning or helping out—something useful for people who got in with a scholarship or don't have enough money.

The students are already in groups moving everywhere. I can hear some of them making plans to go to one of the most popular bars at the school or to try to conquer some girls to start the new year "on the right foot." On the way, I greet a few people I've come across repeatedly in the restaurants before continuing my way alone.

None of the people I greeted invited me to join their groups. After all, they're just acquaintances I've seen a few times. Most of the time I've been like a library rat or training like a maniac in the domes.

"You have pretty eyes." A cute girl about my height stares directly at me. Her group of friends seem a bit interested too and make similar comments about my face or features.

"Thanks, your hair is pretty." I can't help but answer her compliment with something casual, before apologizing and continuing my way. I've always received compliments for the particular color of my eyes; I'm already used to it, and I've avoided most conversations with girls who stop me because of my appearance—because immediately I think of Sol, Arisa, and Marga.

If they were here, they would've already marked clear territory beside me. They probably would've asked Susan for a large apartment or a small house to live with me. I have free permission from them; I just don't plan to use it right now.

Finally, I arrive at the school's magnificent auditorium. I feel like an ant beside this construction. It's gigantic, capable of holding all the students, teachers, and every kind of staff member who came to make the inauguration as perfect as possible. I approach the staff member at the entrance to show my card and be allowed in.

"Dear student Maki Vichag, you may look for a seat in these marked areas." She points to all the light blue ones, which are for students.

"Thank you. What happens if I'm also a substitute teacher?" I show her my other card. She looks a bit confused, staring at the two different cards, then looks back at me again. After a few seconds, she reacts.

"Teachers have reserved seats in strategic areas. We're not authorized to know how they're organized. You can ask that directly to the teacher in charge." She apologizes for not being able to help me.

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

"Don't worry, I just wanted to know which areas they are." I also apologize for having bothered her with more questions and leave. There are dozens of people like the lady who helped me just now. All of them are wearing green vests next to dozens of maps that show all the areas where we can sit.

"I arrived too early…" I check the time and look up to see all the empty seats. Two hours left. My assumption was wrong when I thought all students would come early to get good seats; they must still be organizing with their friends before coming.

In the distance, I see a group of three teachers walking in a totally different direction. I decide to follow them to see where they're going. If I'm lucky, they're heading to a private area for teachers. My intuition was right; they're going to a room where only teachers can enter.

I attach the card to my chest, scan it, and enter. Some of the people inside look at me for a moment before returning to what they were doing. When they see the substitute teacher card, they ignore me immediately, though I still notice some of them glancing at me from the side while whispering something.

I decide to ignore them completely. The rumors about a new substitute teacher who's very young must have already spread among the teaching staff. As long as they don't decide to confront me directly, I don't plan to look for any kind of fight.

I take the chance to eat some delicious sweets that are on the table and drink a refreshing juice. I don't know how to find the only two people I can share these moments with—Areci and Shawu must be waiting to be introduced as part of the student council. It's better to stay in this room, where there's food, drinks, and I can enjoy a bit of peace.

All the seats began to fill quickly. In about an hour and a half, the whole auditorium was packed to the brim. From my privileged position, I notice some groups of people desperate to find consecutive seats. Most of the remaining ones are for single people or couples. I can't help but let out a small laugh seeing them.

A soft melody begins to play. Just as it's about to end, hundreds of images start projecting all over the auditorium. All of them are from the stage where the presentation will be held. A breeze runs through the entire place, and most of the students who weren't paying attention get the full wind in their faces. The soft breeze stops with the words of the presenter: "Please stand to welcome the school director, Susan."

All the students stand up immediately, not only them—the teachers also stand while clapping softly. The applause continues until Susan reaches the microphone in the middle of the stage. "You may take your seats, dear students, teachers, and everyone in general."

Susan gives a speech worthy of a politician. She hasn't made a single mistake, she keeps the rhythm of her tone at all times, moves across the stage as if it were her own home's courtyard, and maintains a perfect balance between seriousness, calmness, and humor. Handling such a big audience isn't easy, but Susan makes it look simple.

At first, I was surprised by her stage control, but then I came to my senses—how many years has Susan been doing this? This is like a morning routine for her. Even all her jokes, wordplays to keep the audience awake and motivated, were fluid, all part of a great show.

Speaking of shows, there were also light effects and music bands in between. Everything was very entertaining. "Let's welcome this year's student council." All the students clap loudly while whistling.

A group of five people steps forward, all of them led by Areci at the front, followed by Shawu. I'm a little surprised not to see the two boys I saw with Shawu the other day. Don't they like being part of the council? Are they not interested in these kinds of events? I just shrug because I can't know; I'll ask later.

"Welcome, students of the best school on the continent. It's a pleasure to be the one representing you for the second year. It's a shame this is my last year as a student." She pauses, moving the emotions of the audience with her gestures and authoritative voice. "I'm sure of one thing, and that's why I'm leaving without regrets: each one of you will keep striving to be better and keep the pride of this school high." The students' cheers rise.

Areci also knows how to handle the crowd well in speeches, but her style is totally different from Susan's. The first shows great power and authority with every gesture or strong movement, her voice always firm and loud; Susan is the opposite—every movement she makes is smooth, meant to relax the spectators and remove the tension of standing before someone like her.

Both did great. Areci gave one of the best motivational speeches I've heard in both of my lives. I imagine myself in her position, and my head hurts just thinking about it. I gave many press conferences in my previous life and could speak naturally in front of reporters, but I don't know if I'd be able to do it in front of thousands of students.

Surely something would come to mind. I don't know if I'd do it as well as them, but I wouldn't make a fool of myself… "Or so I hope…" I whisper while applauding Areci as she says goodbye along with her group.

There will be a pause for one last speech from a teacher, and then Susan will close with a few words. There will be some performances in between to stretch everything until lunchtime. I imagine almost all the students here woke up with motivation and are now just waiting for the inauguration to end as soon as possible. "I'll go find them…" I already have a general idea of where I can find them; I'll try to join their group so I'm not alone and an easy target.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.