In the virtual classroom of Black Hole City, the walls around us appeared transparent, giving the illusion that we were floating directly in the vast cosmic expanse.
It was my first day here, and I was at a loss. My name was Johnson Maxwell, and I had just entered this prestigious college, where people were supposed to be at the forefront of technology and science. However, I was different. I had just arrived from Earth, a land that most people had only seen through stories and virtual simulations. As a rare "Earthling," I quickly attracted everyone's attention.
"Is he really wearing glasses?" another snickered, their voice dripping with mockery.
It was true. Unlike the others, I wore a pair of old, scratched glasses, a necessity due to my poor eyesight.
The whispers and laughs made my face heat up. I tried to ignore them and looked down at my desk, pretending not to hear. But then, our teacher stepped forward, his gaze falling on me, and he smiled. His calm voice cut through the noise like a blade, but with a softness that surprised me.
"Maxwell, would you mind introducing yourself to the class?"
I stood up, feeling every eye in the room turn toward me. My throat went dry, and for a moment, I wasn't sure if I could find the words. But I took a deep breath, remembering why I had come all the way from Earth.
"Hi everyone. My name is Johnson Maxwell. I come from Earth." I continued, and the room fell silent. "Well... actually, everyone comes from Earth. Oh, we know that we have the same... ancestors."
"That is quite an experience coming here. Earth is different from what I see around me now. The city, the technology... it's incredible. But I'm here because I want to learn. I want to explore the universe - just like all of you."
The silence in the room became heavy, almost uncomfortable. I could see some of the students still smirking, but the teacher's expression remained encouraging.
"Thank you, Johnson," the teacher said warmly. "Your journey here, coming from Earth, is no small feat. In fact, it is admirable. And I believe you'll bring a unique perspective to our class. You're here to learn, just like everyone else. And remember, curiosity and knowledge are far more important than appearances."
His words lifted the weight from my shoulders, if only a little. I nodded and sat back down, still feeling out of place but also strangely reassured.
After a brief introduction, the teacher transitioned to the lesson for the day, his voice resonating with authority as he began to describe the solar system.
"The solar system is like a huge garden," he explained, gesturing toward a holographic display that filled the room with vibrant images of planets. "Among the many planets, Earth, this blue planet, was the cradle of countless life stories and the birthplace of human civilization."
He continued, "Of course, when humans entered the Millennium and embarked on the journey of exploration, Earth gradually became farther and farther away in our eyes. Even the last encounter has been separated by forty-two Sabbatical years. Although Earth has lost its former splendor and has been eroded by time, it is still the irreplaceable paradise in the hearts of every traveler."
"The sun," he went on, "is the star and the source of life energy on Earth. Its surface temperature is stable at about 6000K, and it releases endless electromagnetic energy into the universe through black body radiation. Among these energies, the radiation in the green light band is particularly significant."
The hologram shifted to show vibrant green plants thriving under the sun's rays. "These energies are efficiently absorbed by plants on Earth and converted into the chemical energy required for life, driving the entire carbon cycle and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem."
I couldn't help but smile. He spoke with such passion about my home, a place that had become a mere memory for me.
"And now," the teacher continued, "let's explore the influence of gravity on various celestial bodies. This will lead us to understand how Earth, with its unique mass and distance from the sun, became the cradle of life. Gravity is the invisible force that holds everything together—planets, moons, and even us."
As the class continued, I found myself engrossed in the discussion. The initial nervousness faded away, and my heart began to swell with excitement. Perhaps I was not so different from the others after all.
After classes, I wandered the vibrant halls of Black Hole City, marveling at the advanced technology and architecture that surrounded me. Everywhere I looked, students and teachers engaged in lively discussions, holographic displays illuminating their conversations.
But despite the marvels around me, I felt a lingering sense of isolation. The students who had mocked me earlier were still in the back of my mind, and I often caught myself glancing at their groups, their laughter echoing in my ears like a haunting melody.
Just then, I heard a voice beside me. "You're from Earth, right?"
I turned to find a girl with short blue hair and bright green eyes. She wore a sleek, form-fitting suit that reflected the vibrant colors of the city around us.
"Yes, I am," I replied, a bit surprised by her directness.
"I'm Lyra," she introduced herself with a friendly smile. "Don't mind the others. They can be ... well, they don't understand you, and what it's like to be new here."
"Thanks," I replied, feeling a bit more at ease.
"Do you want to explore the city together?" she asked, her enthusiasm infectious. "I can show you the best spots."
I hesitated for a moment, but her sincerity was hard to resist. "Sure, that sounds great."
As we wandered the bustling streets of Black Hole City, Lyra pointed out various attractions, from floating gardens to impressive technological exhibits.
"You know," she said, her voice light and airy, "there's so much we can learn from each other. Earth has its own wonders, and so does this city. Different perspectives can really enrich our understanding of the universe."
I nodded, her words resonating with me. Perhaps my background was not a barrier but a bridge to connect with others.
As we reached a viewing platform overlooking a vast expanse of stars, I felt a sense of wonder wash over me. The stars twinkled brightly against the backdrop of the infinite universe.
"This is one of my favorite spots," Lyra said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "You can see all the celestial phenomena from here. Do you ever miss Earth?"
I took a moment to reflect. "Sometimes," I admitted. "But being here, surrounded by all of this, it's hard not to feel excited about the future."
She nodded, a soft smile on her face. "We're all on this journey together, Johnson. Let's make the most of it."