Like waves, the students got into the two elevators. There was enough area for all the students to get inside without being crammed.
“Woah, this looks insane from the inside,” Arthur muttered as he got inside the elevator. The giant glass structure was overwhelmingly huge. It made him feel like he was a small ant. The other students shared the same reaction to what they were seeing.
Then, when all the students got inside, the glass doors started closing slowly and the platform slowly took off into the sky. Some gasps of shock echoed inside the elevator as students started panicking. After all, everything around them was completely made out of glass so they felt as if they were flying in the air.
Slowly, the two platforms lifted them from the foot of the mountain to the higher peaks. Everyone watched in awe at the majestic view and the beautiful scenery of the middle Island from high up there.
The giant city, the forests beyond it, and even the glistening sea in the distance reflecting the sunlight.
Arthur approached the glass and peeked outside. ‘So this is how the island looks? Damn, so beautiful.’ He thought to himself. He had never seen the middle island as a whole from afar even when he was on the plane so this was a completely new sight to him.
A few minutes later, the platform started slowing down as it entered through a dark tunnel. Everyone went silent as they waited for the elevator to stop. The excitement was taking over their heads.
Slowly, the platform reached its destination and stopped. Then, the glass gates started opening slowly. The moment it fully opened, the students were met with a giant hall stretching into the distance. Large pillars filled rose from the ground, holding the high ceilings. Large windows covered the walls, giving a 360 degree view of the mountain and the island as a whole.
At the end of it, complex systems of stairs spread everywhere, leading to many different sections of the academy. It was by far the most beautiful open hall they had ever seen. Something that looked like it came straight out of a fantasy world.
But, their attention was quickly diverted toward something else. A few feet away from the elevators, a few people stood in order. They were all wearing formal academic attire and had stern looks on their faces.
There were at least 12 of them, 6 men and 6 women. Then, one of them stepped forward and stared at the two groups of students with a calm expression.
“Welcome, dear students to the Institution. My name is Theodore and along with my colleagues here, we are the administration body of the academy. We are honored to see all of you here today. I hope you had a good week and you’re well rested and ready for today.” The man said in a cold tone. “Please, follow us. We shall explain what is going to happen today on the way.”
Saying that, the man turned around and started walking. His peers followed him.
“So quick… Did he say administration body?”
“Yeah, I heard him. So those are the people in control. They look terrifying…”
“He said to follow him…”
“We should do that.”
Some whispers echoed around the student body. Then, one by one they started walking out of the elevator, moving after Theodore and his colleagues. Nobody dared to make a single noise as they felt the oppressing aura of these people.
‘Such a strong presence.’ Arthur squinted his eyes. ‘They’re oozing with pressure. How are they even doing that?’
Arthur couldn’t wrap his head around it, but he felt something he never expected to feel in this place… Threat. Those people made the alarms in his head turn off and he didn’t know why.
“This is the main hall of the institution. It is built as the main area where everyone can enter and exit the institution. Then, the stairs will lead to different sections of the academy. The map in your Bluelinks should’ve been updated the moment you entered the institution. You should be able to know where you are and navigate the place effectively.” Theodore explained as they walked.
Everyone immediately pulled their devices out and noticed that there was indeed a new notification that said their map had been updated. Opening it, they found a detailed map of the institution, in 2D and 3D for precision.
There was also a search feature that will lead you to your desired destination through thorough trailing guides.
‘This is almost overly detailed. If you still get lost with all of this… You remind me of a certain green-haired man.’ Arthur laughed to himself as he closed the device and looked up. Through the windows, Arthur could see several different sections linked to this place through wide passages hanging in the air.
‘I wonder if those things are really safe to go through. Oh well, they probably are. There is no way they would design it that way if they weren’t sure of its safety.’ He shrugged.
“If you need any help with directions, you shall find guards walking around the entire place. They will help you find your way.” Theodore explained as he pointed at several men and women walking through the area. They stopped and bowed respectfully before continuing on their duty.
“Any questions?” He looked over his shoulder as he asked.
The students were a little hesitant to ask any questions as they were still terrified of this man. However, there were still the cocky and ignorant students in there, and those didn’t seem to be aware of what was happening.
“Where are you bringing us?”
“Good question. Lift your hand next time to ask.” Theodore said. Those words were simple and fleeting, but the boy instantly went silent as his smile vanished. He felt something really off in his heart.
“We are heading toward the ceremonial hall at this moment. It is an important part of the first day as there, you shall be assigned your class based on the data we collected from each individual.” The man explained.
“What?”
“Based on data?”
“How?”
Gasps of surprise echoed everywhere around Arthur. The students were taken aback by what they heard.
‘Bingo, as I expected.’ Arthur thought to himself as he licked his lips. ‘These people live and die by hierarchy. There is simply no way they won’t implement it in the academy. We are about to witness something truly interesting.’
Arthur had already predicted this outcome days ago and while he doesn’t agree with it, he was certain it will make his time in the academy far more entertaining than he could ever imagine.
It was very easy to see the war about to ensue between students to take the top spots and become the best. It was a miniature example of how things will go in DO on a larger scale.
Reaching the stairs, the man led them to the right-wing stairs up several floors. As they went higher, they found themselves in a completely different section of the institution, right above the main hall. There, they found themselves in front of several wide gates. The signs above them indicated the location.
‘The ceremonial hall.’
A//N: Don’t forget to give the book some golden tickets for good luck! :3
