The air hung heavy with the scent of freshly cut grass and the murmur of excited voices. Adam had already introduced the facilities of the campus and continued to class. As they went to their classroom, having barely seen other students at all during the walk, made Nashimi contemplate how hard it is to get to this school.
"Adam, was this school always empty?" Nashimi said, her voice laced with curiosity. "We've only seen 7 fellow students and some faculty during the tour and now."
Adam responded, "As you know, the acceptance rate is probably the lowest in the world due to ridiculously high standards; when I talk about ridiculous, I mean Ridiculous. I'm surprised anyone, including me, got accepted."
Nashimi remarked, "I am inclined to believe that every student here is some sort of genius, either in intellect or physicality."
Adam agreed, saying, "You're pretty on point. Yes, everyone here is a genius in their own respective ways. Some could be technological revolutionists, some are medical/pharmaceutical virtuosos, others could be maestri of música, and another could be physical and combat innovators. This school might say 'institute of science and technology,' but it functions more like a university with multiple and different individual courses."
Nashimi then said, "I wouldn't expect less of the supposed 'Next gen of humanity'..."
Adam responded, "Ah...so you have heard that saying of the public, haven't you?"
Nashimi said, "It's a frequent conversation of the populace."
Adam replied, "Of course it is..."
The two students continued on, with Adam explaining more about the school and its students. When reminded about the previous topic of the "next gen," Adam said that it was a bit prejudiced. Nashimi said that perhaps it was a positive feedback. Adam then said that it was still pre-judging nonetheless.
When they walked into the classroom, they noticed that there were only 17 students present, not counting themselves. It may have been a small number, but these individuals were said to be on a completely different level. They were known as the "fallen students" because they were considered to be from the heavens, but fell to earth like Lucifer once did. However, her and Adam were also included in this exceptional group of said geniuses.
Adam kindly guided her to an empty seat, and she graciously accepted his offer. "There's a seat next to mine that's available if you'd like," he said in a soothing and friendly tone, but there was a hint of something hidden in his words, that cannot be described or deciphered with. Nashimi dismisses it as nothing but unneeded suspicion.
She thought for a moment and replied, "Having a companion or two on my first day would definitely be beneficial, and you seem like someone I could get along with really well."
After a few moments, the teacher finally arrived. As she entered the classroom, her eyes fell upon Nashimi, the new transfer student who had already taken her place among the other students. With a stern voice, the teacher called upon Nashimi to introduce herself to the class. She stood up, took a breath, and began to speak, "Hello, everyone. My name is Nashimi L. Rain, and I recently transferred here. My previous school was in Beijing."
She continued to talk a few things and details about herself in a very phlegmatic tone. Some students listened, but most didn't. After her introduction, the teacher asked her to go and sit back at her seat.
"Since Miss Rain is new here, I will once again explain to you all the rules and system this institute has established," Miss Hana Ferroce, the homeroom teacher, said.
Ferroce: "The school operates in 3 systems. The first is the 'Z-system.' The Z-system assigns students from a progression from the lowest "D" to "C," "B," then "A," and finally 'Z.' Students are ranked based on test scores, class placement, and special exams. A student will be transferred to a lower rank if their performance is sub-par to their current ranking and vice versa. Afterwards, they will be given 'rank points,' how much they will get corresponds to their ranking."
Nashimi raised her right hand, having a question in mind.
Ferroce: "Do you have something to say, Miss Rain?
Nashimi: "What rank am I?"
Ferroce: "Do you have your student ID card?"
Nashimi: "Yes, I do have it."
Ferroce: "That student ID card will show your rank and other details when you say 'Reveal;' it is voice recognition."
"Reveal," Nashimi said. Then her ID faded from the usual display of her name and her picture to letter and a number which reads "Z-5" and other information on the edges of the display.
Nashimi: "Z-5?"
Ferroce: "Yes, Z-5 is your current rank throughout the whole school. I haven't mentioned the sub-ranks yet. You rank high because Sir Dianoia placed you personally in 'Z' rank; he seems to see something in you, I'm sure. Continuing with the previous topic. The rank points have various applications. Allowing students to buy food and beverages in the campus without using money, can be used to buy scores for yourself or associates, or in rare cases used to expel another student. That is the Z-system, those who are at the top will have the most freedom while those below will strive to reach the ones above, allowing competition and participation to all students and will foster creative and intellectual growth, as what Sir Dianoia envisioned."
Nashimi thought to herself, "an interesting challenge that this school imposed...no, an endeavor I should say...".