Welcome to Solaris
I stared out the window of the bus, watching the place I called home disappear into the distance, becoming a blur of familiarity. The air was thick with anticipation and the nervous energy of the students around me. I could almost taste the mix of excitement and trepidation that filled the bus. As the vehicle rumbled on, the grandeur of Solaris Academy came into view, its towering walls and elegant architecture sprawling in every direction. The campus was as imposing as it was beautiful, with meticulously detailed flower gardens dwarfed by monumental structures.
As the bus slowed to a halt at the entrance, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the new chapter that lay ahead. The crisp scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the distant hum of campus activities as I stepped off the bus. The courtyard was a bustling hive of activity, students streaming in and filling the air with excited murmurs and whispered introductions. Hundreds of returning students and the new class—my class—swirled around me, creating a cacophony of eager anticipation.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" A voice cut through the buzz. I turned to see a silver-haired girl standing behind me. Her eyes sparkled with a mix of pride and curiosity. "Apparently, they spend hundreds of thousands every month to maintain the grass and flowers. I personally think it's a waste of money—no one appreciates the flowers and grass here, just a bunch of rich snobs. But I guess they do it for people like you."
Her words were spoken with a self-satisfied smirk. She seemed older than most students here, perhaps a third-year or even fourth. Her confident stance and gleaming smile suggested she was well-acquainted with the intricacies of Solaris Academy.
"Are you going to just stare at me?" She held out her hand, her smile widening slightly. "My name's Lilian Romanov. What's yours?"
I shook her hand, trying to mask my surprise at her directness. "I'm Kai, Kai Blanc. Nice to meet you, Lilian. But I'm curious—why approach me?"
"What a nice, respectful new student, questioning me already," she replied, her tone almost teasing. "If you must know, I saw you from the courtyard. You seemed interested in the wrong things—glancing at the buildings and the views while shunning yourself to this corner. Usually, students try to make new friends on their first day. I wanted to see what kind of student you were. Now pay attention; you're about to be sorted into your groups. But before you leave, let me leave you with some advice, be weary of who you befriend and who befriends you, this school isn't just a challenge of academics."
As Lilian spoke, an announcer's voice echoed across the courtyard, directing all first-years to the front of the building. What did Lilian mean by her cryptic advice about friendships? As I looked around at my fellow new students, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension, I couldn't help but wonder how I would navigate these new social waters. The enormity of the school and the weight of Lilian's words made me question how best to approach the challenges that lay ahead. But I didn't have enough time to think much as we were assorted into groups, about 30 per, with 4 in total. We were going to be toured around the building. I looked around, all the students none of the students in my group seemed to be as prideful or confident as Lilian, perhaps I would have to initiate conversations with people first if I wanted friends.
A senior student stepped forward to begin the tour. With a practiced smile, she gestured to the soaring ceilings adorned with intricate constellations and the polished marble floors that gleamed under the soft, warm glow of ambient lighting. The gentle hum of the air conditioning was the only sound as the new students looked around in awe. "Welcome to Solaris Academy," she began, her voice carrying a mix of pride and enthusiasm. "This is the heart of our school, where you'll find the administrative offices and the grand library, our intellectual sanctuary. The library houses an extensive collection of texts—academic, historical, and scientific—reflecting the breadth of knowledge you'll encounter here. The scent of aged books and polished wood will soon become familiar, a reminder of the rich academic tradition you are now part of."
Moving through the hallways, the guide led the group to the dormitories, each named after celestial features like Nebula Hall and Celestial Quarters. The soft chatter of excited students filled the air as she opened the doors to reveal spacious, well-furnished rooms. "These are your new homes," she explained, gesturing to the panoramic windows that framed stunning views of the surrounding fields and gardens. "Each dorm has its own common area where you can relax, study, and socialize. The dorms are designed to foster a sense of community while providing a comfortable space for rest and personal growth. You'll find that each dorm has its own unique character and traditions that make it special. Take a moment to appreciate the cosy, inviting atmosphere that will be your sanctuary throughout your time here."
We were then taken through towards the campus grounds, where the guide pointed out the sprawling fields and meticulously landscaped gardens. The sound of distant laughter and the sight of students engaging in various activities brought the space to life. "These grounds are not just for show," she said, her tone becoming more serious. "They're part of our curriculum, used for physical training, environmental studies, and various extracurricular activities. You'll also notice the impressive athletic facilities over there." She gestured to a modern complex in the distance, the clanging of gym equipment faintly audible. "These spaces are designed to help you balance academic rigor with physical well-being and personal development. Remember, your journey here will challenge you in many ways, but it will also offer countless opportunities for growth and discovery. Embrace each moment and find joy in the process. We're excited to see how you will make this place your own."
As the tour continued, the guide led the students through a series of classrooms, each showcasing the academy's state-of-the-art facilities. "Here you can see various classrooms designed for different subjects," she explained. "Despite the differences in course content, all classrooms are equipped with advanced technology and ergonomic furniture to create a conducive learning environment. Whether you're in a science lab or a lecture hall, the design ensures that every class is interactive and engaging." The guide pointed out features like interactive whiteboards and collaborative workstations, emphasizing the academy's commitment to modern education.
The next stop was the dining hall, a vibrant space filled with natural light streaming through large windows. "This is where you'll enjoy your meals," the guide said as they entered the bustling area. "We serve three meals a day, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided on a set schedule. The dining hall also remains open for snacks and late-night options. Our chefs prepare a diverse range of meals to cater to different dietary needs, ensuring that you have the nutrition and energy required for your academic and extracurricular activities. It's a lively place where you can socialize and relax between classes."
As the group approached the end of the tour, they entered a grand hall where other groups were finishing up. The hall was filled with a buzz of anticipation and the scent of fresh paint. At the front, a stage had been set up, and standing behind the microphone was the familiar face of Lilian Romanov. Her commanding presence and the soft rustle of her attire drew the attention of all the new students. "Welcome to Solaris Academy I am Lilian Romanov, the youngest student to ever be awarded the Steller Prime" Lilian's voice resonated through the hall, rich with authority and warmth. After her boast about being a Stellar Primus, a few students started muttering with admiration, shortly before being hushed by faculty members. "You should take immense pride in being here. This institution is more than just a place for academic excellence; you will encounter challenges that go beyond the classroom. Building relationships and forming strong bonds now will be crucial as you navigate these challenges." Lilian's gaze swept over the crowd, her eyes glinting with a mixture of pride and a hint of challenge. "Let me introduce you to the Orbiters, the elite students who represent the pinnacle of achievement here." Her tone was both reverent and inspirational.
"First, we have Aiden Reyes, The Sun: The Light of Solaris. Next, Lila Harper, Mercury: The Swift Messenger. Then there's Sophia Patel, Venus: Guardian of Harmony. Isaac Martinez, Earth: The Life Giver, follows. Zara Blake, Mars: Warrior of the Red Storm. Liam Sterling, Jupiter: The Mighty Protector. Finally, we have Maya Chen, Saturn: Keeper of the Cosmic Rings." Lilian concluded her introduction with a resolute nod, her expression a mix of pride and encouragement. "You'll find that interacting with these individuals and learning from their experiences will be invaluable as you embark on your journey here." With that, she stopped talking briefly, allowing the new students to absorb the gravity of her words and the impressive stature of the Orbiters. The atmosphere in the hall seemed to crackle with a new energy, as students absorbed the significance of Lilian's speech and the weight of the names she had introduced.
"With that, I welcome you to Solaris"