This sucks. I left the village about an hour ago, and now I'm stranded in the middle of nowhere. I'm attempting to hitchhike, but no one is offering me a ride. Pulling my thumb out is so dumb. It feels like I'm giving a like to the damn road. I wonder how people even travel to Hash Village. Oh, I have an idea. If I use my Oculus to speed up time, then I'm sure someone will pick me up. The backlash is going to hit me hard if I have them activated for too long though. Screw it, I'm just going to risk it. I activated my Oculus and speed time a little; I see the cars passing by a lot faster, and thankfully, someone did pick me up. By the way, I may not be able to travel in time, but I'm able to reverse it 5 minutes at a time. Well, let's go meet our driver.
I entered an SUV (I think that's what people call it; the books I read don't give much info about cars) and saw a middle-aged woman driving. She wore makeup and also wore a professionalized business dress. She has long black hair and has white tone skin. I wonder if she lives far. I entered and greeted myself.
"Hello there, thanks for the lift," I told her a bit nervously. I was never fully associated with people other than my grandparents. I just got to relax and answer her questions. "No problem. May I ask where you are heading?" she asked politely as she continued driving. "I'm from Hash Village and my grandfather sent me to a high school in Hydra City." I just need to breathe in and out to avoid any possibilities of being socially awkward.
"You're in luck then. I'm a teacher at Hydra's Technical High School and I'm also heading there." I think I'm getting confident to start a conversation. "Oh, that's cool. May I ask what subjects you're teaching?" I smirked at myself for lasting this long without being awkward. "I teach Literature and English. I also like your dark blue eyes. I don't think I've ever seen those before."
My eyes widened realizing that I haven't turned off my Oculus. Shit, I got to make something up. I quickly deactivated them, looked directly at her eyes, and pretended to be oblivious. "Um, my eyes are light blue like any normal person with the same eye feature." She looks confused, probably wondering if she's turning blind. I immediately tried to change topics. "Literature and English huh? At Hash, we barely have any electronics, so I read a ton of books from my grandmother's library. It was so big that for the past 10 years I've been reading, I have never finished them all. The books were mostly school textbooks and research made by psychologists." In high school, I want to avoid attention so I'll just acknowledge my dumbness. "Even with the many years of reading, I never understood the concept from the school textbooks." I let out a little kitty smile to make it more believable.
"I see. I'm sure you'll enjoy the teachings at your new school. Classes will reopen on Monday, so everyone in your class will be new to each other. There are also 3 years of high school, so most students will be graduating at 18." Hmm, that sounds reasonable. I hope I'll survive the next three years. "Alright then. I understand."
I looked out the side view of the car and noticed that we're entering Hydra. The outskirts look so beautiful. Everywhere I look with my enlarged eyes, I see the suburbs looking magnificent. The orange bricks are used instead of the typically cemented roads and each house has its unique color and structure. The tall palm trees planted on each house makes it look more intriguing, and the night lights look so dazing. There's also a massive mall in the middle of the suburbs. The geographic terrain is kind of weird though. The highway heading towards the Downtown area is on top of a hill. At the bottom of the hill, there are the suburbs on the right, but on the left side, there are only industrial areas. They are known for pollution so living in the suburbs won't be as fun nor good for the people's health. We passed the suburbs and I started to notice tall skyscrapers and towers. We're probably approaching the downtown area, but where's the high school?
"Umm, may I ask where the high school is?" I asked the teacher beside me. Now that I'm thinking about it, I never got her name. I'll probably find out eventually at my new school. "The high school is located on the East side of Hydra. We're on the Southside, so we need to go around the Downtown area. The Eastside is a smaller version of the South so it won't be as much astonishing." She explained while maintaining her focus on the road. "Not trying to sound impatient, but how long will that take?" I sweatdrop asking her this question. I don't want to sound desperate but hey, I'm comfortable talking to someone now. I noticed that my emotions are slowly dissipating the longer I use my Oculus. That makes sense, because the stronger the emotions, the stronger my prowess gets. "It's not too long left; I'd say around 10 minutes left" She responded smiling. I kind of feel empty being alone. My grandparents died not too long ago, and here I am hitching a ride with a teacher at 11 o'clock in the night. These eyes are cursed. I sighed at this thought and it looks like the teacher noticed.
"What's wrong, is something troubling you?" I'm not going to tell her the truth so I'm going to change it up a bit. "It's my first time out of the village and to be frank, I'm just feeling a bit lonely." I lied to her but quickly learning her personality, she would try to cheer me up. "It's normal to leave your home to live in a new place, and besides, I'm sure you'll make new friends. There's a first time for everything, and sometimes it just takes time to adjust." Would you look at that? She's a soft one.
"Do you have any children, Mrs.?"
"I have two daughters, why?"
"You have a personality who always tries to maintain positivity. You're also the type of person who always looks out and tries to cheer someone up from the younger generation. You may be going through a lot of stress, but you always put the younger ones before you" Saying that she's shocked was an understatement. Her eyes widened a bit and glanced at me.
"H-How do you know that?" She probably underestimated me a bit. "It's just a hunch" I smiled at her wondering if I'll ever have that kind of life. I envy her two daughters. I sometimes wish to be loved by my actual parents. I decided to use my Oculus to reach the high school quicker. The backlash is already affecting my emotions quite a lot. I don't want to watch the view; all I want is to meet this Charles Warbston. My emotions are slowly going away, but it's a good thing. I don't want to know what's true happiness. I don't want to be sad again or know what it feels like to be embarrassed or ashamed. I was probably destined to be a lone wolf. The scenery around me started moving a lot quicker, and in 10 seconds, we made it to the school.
It looks like a mini-city. I assume that no student will be allowed to leave the premises unless you're expelled or graduated. I got out of the vehicle exposing myself to the cold midnight air and took out the suitcase that I failed to mention. I had all my clothes in there. I also inserted a pair of slippers and a pair of running shoes. I held my suitcase on the side and walked to the entrance of the school. "Here we are, young man. I hope to see you in a class soon" she approached me while I was observing the compound. I smiled and responded, "Likewise, may I ask where's the chairman? My grandfather told me that he should be the first person to contact me when I arrived at the school" She was a bit surprised that a mere student would want to see the 'boss'. She simply nodded and started walking. Was she afraid of the chairman? A simple nod and lack of verbal communication show that something is up. We headed towards the actual school grounds where all the classes are held.
To be honest, it looks completely normal. There's nothing too high tech or boorish. We headed to the teacher's lounge where I see different teachers. At the very back of the lounge, I noticed a door with a sign that says 'Chairman's Office'. First of all, why are the teachers here at midnight, and secondly, why am I being stared at? Is it that weird to see a new student wanting to meet the chairman? Anyway, I made a small bow and said, "Hello everyone, I have a small appointment with the chairman. Can someone lead me into his office please?"
Someone came out from the chairman's office, who I assume is his secretary, approached me, and said, "Mr. Perseus, the chairman has been expecting your arrival. Please follow me." Welp didn't expect her to be that formal, and the teacher's faces were priceless when she addressed me as Mr. I bet the secretary never addressed a student like that before. "Thank you" is all I said as I followed her into the office, still being stared at by the teachers.
"Here he is, Mr. Chairman," the secretary said as I entered his office. She left and closed the door leaving me alone with the chairman. To my surprise, he looks pretty normal. Charles has long blonde hair, brown tone skin, and he looks pretty young to be the chairman. His physique is quite muscular as well.
"So, you're Faris Perseus, I presume?"
"And you must be Charles Warbston, isn't that right?" I answered back looking directly at his face as I stood there.
"You must have balls to answer me like that kid."
"All I'm doing is showing the superiors that I should not be underestimated." I let out a smirk as we had a childish staring contest. Maybe I have a little too much pride.
"You pass." The f##k now? I'm confused. I guess my face made it obvious. "You're exactly what Tansho explained to me, and to be frank, I never expected him to raise such a talented young man" he lets out a smile completely changing his tone of voice.
He stood up from his chair and...hugged me? "Look kid, I know about his death, meaning I'm not the only one who is feeling empty. From this moment forward, I'll be taking you in personally." I hugged back and I can't believe I was crying on his shoulder. I let out all of my remaining emotions that I have left. My Oculus automatically activated but because of the hug, Charles couldn't see them. I cried and cried on his shoulder knowing that this will probably be the last time letting out such emotions. I never thought I'll be 'cared' for again. It feels pretty good. I thought everything was lost after my grandparent's death. I deactivated the Oculus and broke our hug.
"Thanks, Charles. I guess I'll be under your care" I smiled at him and he responded with a little pat on my head. "Enough with the names, just call me pops. The staff and students will certainly be surprised about that, but having each other is more important." Right, I don't need the unnecessary attention, especially from the students. Might as well bring it up now. "About that, I don't want to cause any unnecessary attention. I highly dislike it. My grandfather probably told you that I always lived alone reading without any friends, and I grew quite fond of that." I might as well be honest with him, and I can tell that his personality is kind of similar to the old geezer.
"Eh, that's understandable. My school has 4 levels based on their academic record: Alpha, Beta, Charlie, Delta. The highest being the aces and lowest being the 'scrapers'. You can probably keep yourself hidden there." I nodded at his suggestion. That's beyond perfect. All I need is to act dumb and don't socialize. This will be easy.
"Pops, where will I be sleeping? If you haven't noticed, it's bloody past midnight."
"Oh, right. The teachers are up preparing for the reopening of classes in the next two days; we don't normally stay up this late. I'll personally take you to the dorms. Let's go. Man, the teachers will flip over the announcement." I sweatdrop as I heard Pops made this remark. We headed out of the office and teachers faced our direction. Pops put his arms around me and said "I'd just like to inform you all that Faris Perseus will be treated as my son and is going to be a new student at this school. Please add him to our records immediately."
The faces on the teachers were once again priceless. Each one of them looks so damn shocked; it's funny to see them like this. They nodded and went back to whatever they're doing; however, I find it weird that no one objected or at least welcomed me. They were either extremely busy or the chairman is just scary to them.
"Let's go see your new dorms, Faris."
"Sure thing, Pops" I can see some eyes widening at this as we left the teacher's lounge. Oh well, not my problem.
~•~
"Here we are, the male's dormitory," Pops said looking at the building with his hands on his hips. Two buildings are facing each other. The right side is the males and the left are the females, and both buildings are two stories tall. In the middle, there's like a little campus that contains a supermarket where students can socialize and buy their necessities.
"Before we go in, I need to mention that the top floor is reserved for special students, like the Student's Council and students who are related by blood to the main staff. You'll be staying there, but if anyone asks, just tell them that you were told to stay in the VIP area. By Monday, most teachers will already know that you're getting special treatment, so it shouldn't be a problem."
I simply nodded as we entered the building. It looks like an ordinary mini-hotel; a ton of rooms with different numbers. I noticed that it is quite big to be a dormitory, so I assume that every male from the different years will be living here. "Are females allowed to roam the male dormitory?" I asked Pops wondering if it's allowed. I know for a damn fact that I won't be able to get a girlfriend. My dissipating emotions are already affecting me internally. It won't be too long before I show it. "They are, but if you get them pregnant then both couples are expelled. I hope you won't fall victim to this." I noticed him glancing at me letting out a small smirk.
"Tch, I'm not into such petty behavior."
"I hope you're right kid, but just know that as your new fatherly figure, I'll be here to either support or knock some sense into you."
"Thanks, Pops" he looked pretty serious when he said 'fatherly figure'. I let out a small smile thanking him for being there for me......even though we just met 10 minutes ago.
Pops headed towards an elevator that leads to the second floor. We entered and it has a keypad beside the up and down button. "I already have your room ready; your password is 200409." Every key Pops pressed, it made a repetition of little beeps. It was pretty cool since I'm experiencing technology firsthand. The elevator started to lift while playing some kind of music. In less than a minute, there was a ding indicating that we've reached the second floor. The shafts open revealing the second floor looking like a luxurious lodge.
The floor is covered with red carpets and the walls are painted white with some crimson red zig-zag designs. I exited the elevator, but immediately felt a wave of claustrophobia. I probably wasn't used to the narrow hallways; I just hope I'll get used to it. Pops lead me to my room which was surprisingly right beside the elevator. I noticed another keypad that was beside the long silver handle, and there was even a translucent pane of glass that covers the exotic wooden door in length.
"It's the same password. Just make sure you won't tell anyone. Having the same password for two locks is reckless of me" Pops chuckled as he entered the password. He opened the door and allowed me to go in first.
I entered the room and I was beyond speechless. Saying that I am stunned was an understatement. The room has some ridiculous luxury. There was a queen-size bed with Egyptian woolen cloth, I believe. There was a huge flatscreen TV that was attached to the wall with some surround speakers. There's also a small office table with a lamp on it, which I assumed is for students to do their homework. The carpets are soft as well. I went to check out the bathroom, but it looked a bit ordinary. The bathtub is made out of marbles and there were two showerheads. One that is fixed into the wall and another is extendable. The sink and the mirror are nothing fancy but it does its job. I exited the bathroom and noticed a room beside the bathroom door. I opened the door and saw a closet on the left-hand side and the washing machine with a dryer attached. I have no idea how to use these things. I only read them in books. Grandmother always washed my clothes by hand.
"I take that you've never seen such stuff before huh?" I nodded and he simply sighed. I don't blame him. It's literally like I was previously living in the stone world, which was kind of true. I lived in a wooden house and we had water installment, but we didn't have electricity. Only the supermarkets and accessories stores had them.
"Well brat, I guess I'll have to find the time and teach you those kinds of stuff. I'll pass by tomorrow since I believe I'm free."
"Alright then. I don't see any telephone in the room. How am I supposed to call you in case of an emergency?"
"Don't worry about that. After teaching you the basics about the appliances, I'll take you to the school mall to buy your necessities. With that said, I'll be taking my leave. Try messing around with the tv to understand its mechanics."
"Ok Pops. Thanks for everything. I'll see you tomorrow." Pops gave me a mocking salute and left.
My suitcase, which I failed to mention once again, was by the door so I retrieved and set it on my bed. I took out all my clothes and placed them neatly inside the closet. I also set my slippers and running shoes near the door.
"Sigh, this is my new life for the next three years huh? I just hope classes are as relaxing as this room." I told myself aloud. I then decided to mess around with the TV. If technology is advanced, I wonder if I can use my voice.
"Tv on!" I yelled looking blankly at the TV, but nope, it didn't work. I then noticed a little receiver that was beside the Off light located on the bottom right corner. If my speculations are correct, then that little receiver is an IR sensor. That means that there will be some kind of device to send out IR signals to the TV.
I looked around the room and noticed a little black device that has many buttons on it, but the first thing I noticed is the big red button that says 'Power'. I pressed it and the TV turned on. I turned it off afterward because changing channels are self-explanatory with the remote.
I laid down on the bed noticing that my analog watch reads '1:30'. I received this watch as a present for my 14th birthday from my grandparents. It's been really useful many times in situations like these.
Sigh, I still can't believe my grandparents died over 4 hours ago. I also discovered my Oculus then. The only reason how I managed to kill the villagers is because of the massive spikes of emotions I went through. If I use my Oculus now, then I'm only able to use it for 5 minutes before my 'mental age' grows older and my emotions start to fade. My mental age is around 50 by now. Using my prowess on the villagers and using my prowess to speed up time twice took a lot out of me. I was lucky to meet that teacher who was on her way to school. Who knows how much older I would get if I used the time to reach faster. There are still many anonymities I'm confused about. Such as, why do I travel faster when I speed time on myself, instead of growing old. I may be extremely smart but even I'm confused with this cursed power. For the next three years, I'll try my best to avoid using them. I'm already gifted with prodigious talents. The worst-case scenario is that I turned completely emotionless at the end of three years. Let us see what classes have in store for us.