I'm a man of the north as they say. I've lived up in northern Norway my entire life. Going to a school one hour away from home. Coming home to eat the usual, Then to the workshop and making all sorts of tools and decorations. That is what i've done unil now.

Then a certain project was started by the Japanese government. It was on the other side of the planet, so at first I didn't think too much of it. The chances that I would be chosen as Norway's representative was meager if not zero, right? Well lucky me I guess. I hit it off with that 0,001% chance of getting chosen! My parents came in with a envelope in their tow. It was a little wet on the corner and had this 'ancient library' kinda look on it, and it was already opened. We sat down on the black skin-sofa in the livingroom. and this is where we start.

"So we have been given a request, or you rather, We don't know too much about it, but it seems to be a great opportunity for you!" Says my mother with a soft voice. She grabs the letter and hands it over to me with her rough hands. I take the paper and look at it, it says:

23.05.2028

TIAJ Office - Tokyo - Japan

To Logan

You have been chosen to represent Norway in The International Academy of Japan.

We have constructed an academy in Tokyo - Japan for the sole purpose of getting students from all over the world here to our capital. You will be able to learn about other cultures through social interaction. You will go through a three year course and learn all sorts of stuff. In the end you will also earn an opportunity to go to any Japanese university. Living-space and food will be paid by the Japanese government. This is a one in a lifetime opportunity, and will need an answer within a month.

Sincerely, TIAJ staff

There was a lot of other rubbish in this letter about dorms and schedules and such. A lot of the letter seemed like speculation, like the fact that they will pay for everything. One day I'll probably learn of some secret loan set on me for the dormroom and all that. And the letter didn't seem to say anything about any allowance of any kind. This feel more like an invite to a prison than to a school, as if they are different anyway.

"I don't feel like I have any use for this. Why do they even want me of all people? I'm just some distant student, I am no prodigy either." I say with a frustrated tone.

"I understand how you feel, but this time around it is not a matter of choice. This is too good of a chance. Just think of where you can go with this!" Comes out of my dad's proud mouth.

They don't seem to understand my concern. Or rather, don't want to understand my concerns. Again, even in a situation where I might never come back, they still don't listen to me. It feels like im just their tool or something, maybe this is a good chance to get away from that?

Should I do it? Leave this country, and seek the new?

"I need time to think about this, even though you don't give me much of a choice anyway." I leave the house and go to the workshop. There is all sorts of tools here, the floor is rugged and the walls are covered in tiny burns from the smithing. This is home, this is where I belong.

I finish a project and clean up the place before going to sleep. Sleeping peacefully. Nothing unusual should happen tonight. Totally, nothing at all!