《World of Demi-Humans: Freshmen Orientation [Daily Upload]》 Part 0001 Class 09J01 - Bell, Gwendolyn [Evaluation Day] ¡°So long as there have been humans there have been others, and with this co-existence has come unions between us. The offspring of these many possible unions are collectively called ¡®demi-human¡¯. Half Human; Half Something Else.¡± -Benjamin Franklin, 1784, The First Sentence of ¡°The First Edition of the Complete History of Demihumans.¡± Evaluation Day The sun had reached the midpoint of its rising over the mass of young freshmen gathered around the courtyard of West Progress High School. They chattered among themselves. Some boasting about their strength, power, and skills and why it made them the best there. Some didn¡¯t mingle with the crowd but rather stood off in smaller cliques whispering their own gossip and telling jokes of the boasters. Further off still, hidden in the shadow of a tree trying to not be noticed was a small girl with a crown of plain flowers braided in her hair. Gwendolyn Bell sat dreading the day. She didn¡¯t want to be here, but she didn¡¯t want to be anywhere. Gwen tried to remain unnoticed as other students tried to show themselves off. She saw them summoning power and conjuring forces. They tossed balls of fire between their hands, shot sparks of lightning around, and simply struck one another in the games of mercy. They were like beasts finally allowed out of their cage. Finally allowed to roam. Their games ended when a whistle cut through the chatter. The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°Alright, listen up.¡± An average-looking man called for silence from a platform. Looking over a clipboard he addressed the crowd, ¡°My name is Simon Mirmen. You can call me Mr Mirmen, Mr Simon, or Sir. Anything else is detention. Now today we¡¯ll be testing and gauging your physical and mental potential as well as assessing the nature of your demitypes. The test will start with physical traits, gauging speed and strength, followed by mental traits, your knowledge and intelligence, and then independent interviews for special traits. Any questions?¡± Simon Mirmen was sharp, firm, and quick with his words. One young man towered over the others around him as he stepped forward and started to ask ¡°Do we really have-¡± ¡°No, you don¡¯t have to take our evaluation. You can leave and never return, Mr¡± Simon checked his clipboard, ¡°Robert¡­ Tartar. Like the fish sauce?¡± Simon raised an eyebrow. ¡°It is pronounced tar-tar. It¡¯s a proud name from-¡± Robert started to boast but was cut off. ¡°Okay, Mr Tar-tar. No, you¡¯re not forced to be here. You can leave whenever you want, but if you want to attend this school you¡¯ll do the evaluation without complaint. Understood?¡± Robert huffed but nodded quietly before taking a step back into the crowd. ¡°Now, we¡¯ll begin with a simple foot race. Everyone will be lined up and set to make their way to the next test site.¡± Simon explained as he stepped down and headed around the school, ¡°Come along everyone.¡± Part 0002 They headed to the side of the main building. Its towering frame casting a shadow over them even so close to noon. Stepping out of the shadow and back into the sun they arrived at a large field just behind the school. Further still there was a large fenced area housing a huge forest. Simon walked up to a large sign that held a map of the school grounds, ¡°Okay, pay attention, the test is simple. Make your best time around the forested area and return to the field. And don¡¯t even try to cut through the forest to skip the track. We have an automated check-in station on the other side. Now I¡¯ll be picking people at random to begin and I¡¯ll be sending you on a steady stream. As soon as you make it around you¡¯ll be tested on strength. Now, it should be impossible to get lost, but we¡¯ve learned there¡¯s no such thing as impossible, so check the map and don¡¯t lollygag. You¡¯ll only be hurting yourself.¡± The students walked around in a disorganized fashion. Gwen had managed to remain unnoticed standing in the shadow of the school. Hoping if she could just keep it up until the physical test was over she would manage to go the whole day unnoticed. Several students were studying the simple map of the school¡¯s field. An abnormally short boy of African descent with what seemed to be a metal backpack was examining it. ¡°By my calculation,¡± the boy spoke in a foreknowing tone, ¡°the track we¡¯re supposed to take is five miles. Which would take about an hour at a mild jog. Well for those of us at average leg strides.¡± This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Yeah, kind of weird to ask a midget to run anywhere.¡± An average-height boy with brown skin commented next to him. ¡°Indeed. In fact,¡± The short boy called out, ¡°Mr Mirmen, do we have to go the whole way on foot or are we allowed to use¡­ physical aids?¡± Simon called back, ¡°You¡¯re allowed to use any resources that are available to you independently. So if you brought some personal tools you¡¯re welcome to use them. But no outside help. Does everyone understand that?¡± He asked the crowd and received nods and yes sirs before returning to his clipboard, ¡°Now let¡¯s go ahead and start this, and let¡¯s do it with you, Samuel York, and you too, Quetzalcoatl Zapotec.¡± ¡°I go by Kevin.¡± The brown boy corrected bitterly as he walked to the line. ¡°Yes. Says that just under your name. I apologize.¡± Simon looked over the crowd of students and started pointing them out, ¡°You. You. You. And you in the back.¡± The final point was at Gwen sending a spike of fear shooting through her. Paralyzed from the fear she couldn¡¯t breathe, yet alone move. She didn¡¯t want to be the first. In front of everyone. If she turned and ran she could easily escape, but then what would she do then? What would she tell her parents? ¡°Come on now, we have all day to do this, but that doesn¡¯t mean we can waste it. Hustle young lady.¡± Simon repeated his call knocking Gwen out of her paralyzed state. Part 0003 She timidly approached the starting line. To her horror, her hesitation had drawn attention from the others. The whispers varied. Some not even bothering to hide their words. They talked about her size, her frame, and the flower wreath she wore in her hair. Eventually, someone said their point directly. ¡°Holy fuck. She¡¯s a fucking fairy.¡± ¡°Quiet Robert! Ms,¡± Mr Simon checked his clipboard, ¡°Bell is a half fairy, which makes her a demihuman just like everyone else here. So zip it and wait your turn.¡± Gwen stepped up to the line next to the boys called Kevin and Samuel. Next to them was a lean girl with a single braid that had jewels woven into it. By her was a boy in a tracksuit stretching. Next was a massive girl, the tallest by far with the muscle of a warrior, she also stretched in preparation. Gwen could only berate herself. If she had just walked up without hesitating they probably would have outshined her. The six students readied themselves. The tall girl and boy at the end took professional stances. The bejeweled girl and Kevin seem to mimic them. Samuel took an almost squat stance. Gwen bent her knees just enough to seem ready. On Simon¡¯s mark, they started. The large girl took off taking the lead. She was over seven feet tall with a stride that made the feat easy. The boy in the tracksuit was only a few paces behind. York and Kevin started with York using a scooter that he pulled from his backpack that propelled itself forward. Alongside them, the lean girl kept pace as they made their way around the field and to the forest edge. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Gwen took up a mild jog that would hopefully keep her unnoticed, but her doubts were heavy. Yet she continued to follow the path of the others around the field and then around the forest. If she just kept a decent pace, didn¡¯t catch the attention of the other runners, and caught just enough of a break, then there shouldn¡¯t be any more problems. This was the strategy Gwen decided on as she made her way across the bend. Her progress was halted soon after losing sight of the main building. In front of her were the three students who had taken off together. Kevin, York, and the bejeweled girl had stopped soon after they were out of sight of the teachers. For some reason, Kevin was hanging off of the top of the fence. ¡°We¡¯re not supposed to go into the forest.¡± the girl shouted. ¡°And for the fifth time Samantha, I don¡¯t care.¡± Kevin yelled back to the girl apparently named Samantha, ¡°I¡¯m not wasting time going around.¡± ¡°Do you really believe that going through a wooded area would be faster than simply going around?¡± Samuel asked one foot on the ground. ¡°You saw the map. There are paths cut through the woods,¡± Kevin explained, ¡°A straight line is faster than a curve. That¡¯s math.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll get in trouble,¡± Said Samantha. ¡°The paths in the forests are also curved,¡± Pointed out Samuel, but this seemed to be ignored. Part 0004 ¡°Only if you snitch on me.¡± Kevin looked over and saw Gwen. ¡°Great, I¡¯m wasting time. Listen, fairy girl! You don¡¯t say anything. If you do, you¡¯ll regret it.¡± With that, he was up and over leaving the two others with Gwen. The girl, Samantha, sighed and turned to face Gwen. She smiled and waved. ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Sam, and this is also Sam.¡± She pointed to York. ¡°Samuel is my name.¡± He clarified, ¡°And I believe we should be getting along.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be rude,¡± Samantha said and stepped over to Gwen and extended her hand, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°Gw- Gwen.¡± Gwen said, nervously taking the hand, ¡°He¡¯s right. You should be trying to make your best time.¡± Samantha shrugged at that and smiled, ¡°I don¡¯t care too much about that. Like my grandmother always says, it¡¯s better to have company at the bottom than to be at the top alone.¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯m very slow and don¡¯t want to bother you.¡± Gwen tried to let go of her hand. ¡°It¡¯s no bother.¡± Samantha kept up her smile. ¡°Everything is more fun with friends.¡± ¡°We¡¯re not friends,¡± Gwen pointed out. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°We can be. We have all day after all.¡± Samantha countered, ¡°And I¡¯m sure other Sam won¡¯t mind-¡± ¡°I said, leave me alone!¡± Gwen nearly shouted leaving Samantha quiet. Trying to shrink down where she stood Gwen whispered, ¡°Please, just go.¡± ¡°Okay then.¡± Samantha said recovering, ¡°But I¡¯ll talk to you later. Okay?¡± She took off at a run. Samuel stood there watching her go. ¡°Active passivity is a poor long-term strategy.¡± He turned his scooter forward, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll come to adapt.¡± With the push of a button, Samuel launched forward and caught up with Samantha. Gwen watched them disappear around the bend again. After a moment she continued her jog and was soon passed by some other students who she knew were giving her dirty looks over their shoulders, but she just kept her eyes on the ground before her. So long as they just left her alone she would make it. Gwen continued her steady pace keeping to the outer edge of the path as the inside was getting used by students who had greater than average speed to pass by. It was about a quarter of the way when she heard the stomping feet behind her and a boy shouting ¡°Out of my way fairy!¡± The boy came up directly behind her and back-swung her pushing her over the track line and into the surrounding ditch. ¡°Sorry,¡± He stopped to loom over her, ¡°but you really shouldn¡¯t be so pathetic while in other people¡¯s way.¡± ¡°I was out of the way.¡± Gwen tried to defend herself as she looked for a way out. ¡°Shut up!¡± The boy kicked dirt at her, ¡°Something as pathetic as you is always in the way. I don¡¯t know why they even allowed you to come here.¡± ¡°I belong here,¡± Gwen said with false defiance as she gained her footing. ¡°Like hell you do.¡± The boy lifted his boot and set to hit her, ¡°You fairies don¡¯t belong anywhere.¡± Part 0005 Just as Gwen flinched covering her face for the kick a blast seemed to sweep over her and as she peeked out she saw the boy was gone. Looking around she saw the boy had been blown away and lying in the same ditch as her. ¡°I would like to hear your arguments for that belief.¡± another voice came from down the track, ¡°But I warn you I have had this debate before and I have some very convincing counterarguments.¡± She flew in on obvious fairy wings. Her dress seemed to be cut from a single flower petal and on her head was the most beautiful flower wreath Gwendolyn had ever seen. She was small, but with her attitude and fluttering height, she seemed giant to Gwen. ¡°I am Mercedes. Daughter to the Fairy Queen. To what may I address you as?¡± She said with vicious politeness. ¡°You little¡­ The name is Adrian Priest, and I¡¯ll be happy to explain to you why your kind aren¡¯t welcomed here.¡± The boy had climbed out of the ditch and was now facing Mercedes. In the blink of an eye, Adrian had leapt the distance and swung at Mercedes only for her to dodge by flying up just as fast. She waved her arm and summoned a gale force to throw Adrian back again. He landed on his feet solidly and immediately leaped again at Mercedes. Clearing the height and distance easily she was forced to dodge again countering with another gale force straight down this time. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. ¡°Wind magic. Is that all you got?¡± Adrian yelled, lifting himself from the dirt, ¡°Why don¡¯t you fight for real?¡± ¡°Fight? I thought we were having a civil discussion. This is how you demons communicate, right?¡± Mercedes put a finger on her chin in thought, ¡°Although, you are just a half-breed, so maybe¡­¡± ¡°Shut your fairy mouth!¡± Adrian reached into his pocket and seemed to throw something at Mercedes. One of the flowers on Mercedes¡¯s head exploded causing her to gasp in shock, ¡°Thought I was just a dumb brute? Well, surprise!¡± He held out what looked like a marble made of metal, ¡°Ball bearings. Real cheap and real painful at mach one.¡± He threw another one, but Mercedes jumped out of the way before it hit. ¡°Fine then. I¡¯ll be happy to put you in your place.¡± Mercedes flew over to the inner ring of the course and started to make hand gestures. Soon the ground started to shake as vines shot out of the forest and attacked Adrian. Adrian showed off his strength as he punched and chopped at the vines and managed to defend himself fairly well while throwing a ball bearing in a counterattack, but the vines kept up and eventually grabbed a hold of him. He continued to struggle, ripping the plants apart cursing and swearing. ¡°You think you¡¯ve won? I haven¡¯t even been trying. Let me show you what I can really do!¡± The air seemed to become laced with sulfur as it shifted around Adrian¡¯s body, but before he could unleash whatever hidden power he had, another voice chimed in, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Part 0006 Everyone turned to see another boy, shorter and leaner than Adrian. With plain clothes, he didn¡¯t seem like a threat to anyone. Except maybe to Gwen. ¡°I don¡¯t know what this is about but you need to keep going.¡± ¡°This fairy attacked me out of nowhere.¡± Adrian barked pointing at Mercedes. ¡°Whatever dude, just keep going now.¡± was the boy¡¯s response, ¡°I don¡¯t care and it doesn¡¯t matter. Wasting time just hurts yourselves, remember?¡± ¡°You want to lecture me you punk-ass-¡± Adrian wasn¡¯t able to finish his comment as the lean boy bolted at lightning speed to him. Hitting him hard in the face before doubling back around him and getting the back of his leg causing the bulky boy to drop. ¡°No. I don¡¯t. Get back to the course.¡± was all the boy said as Adrian rolled over to his feet. ¡°Whatever.¡± Adrian spat just to spit and turned away, ripping off the remaining vines, and continued his way. ¡°Thank you for helping us.¡± Mercedes came down to eye level, ¡°I am Mercedes. And you are?¡± ¡°Carl Star.¡± he answered, ¡°You¡¯re welcome, but I need to finish this up. Sorry, but later.¡± Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Carl Star bolted again at full speed leaving a vortex behind him, leaving Mercedes and Gwendolyn alone. Gwen climbed out of the ditch dusting herself off. As Mercedes landed and walked over to her. Gwen started, ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that.¡± ¡°Of course I did.¡± Mercedes said, ¡°It is my duty as the princess to all fairies to-¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a fairy!¡± Gwen cut in harshly, ¡°I¡¯m not one of your subjects. I don¡¯t need your help or protection. Okay?¡± Mercedes¡¯s eyes became sad as Gwen rejected her fairy status, ¡°Yes, regardless, I am obligated to aid those in distress, as a noblewoman. Your heritage means little to that vow.¡± ¡°Okay then. You helped. Goodbye.¡± and Gwen took off again at her same steady pace. Before long Mercedes flew up by her, ¡°Gwendolyn was it. Do not allow that boy to shape your perception of this place. True, humans look down on fairies and their brood, but those of infernal influence have always been harsher to us. Some others are like him, but most here are content with simply allowing us to be. Keep your spirit and know that you can call on me if you need to.¡± With that, she glided forward leaving Gwen alone. Gwen kept her steady pace which eventually got her to the end of the track while still allowing other faster students to pass her with some regularity. Checking the time she saw it took her an hour and a half to make the whole way around, including the attack from Adrian. Gwen stood at the end of the track and thought to herself. The very first day and someone had openly attacked her. She wasn¡¯t worried about getting hurt, but she hoped that it was just a fluke. It was likely because he was half demon like Mercedes said. Still, she didn¡¯t want others to even notice her, and she was very good at being unnoticed. Until today at least. Part 0007 ¡°Ms Bell?¡± A voice called her name. Looking up she saw Mr Simon waving her over to a number of odd-looking machines. Other students were still being sent off around the course on the far side of the field by another teacher, but those who had made it were nowhere to be seen. ¡°Ms Bell, you finished. Now we¡¯ll test your strength. If you would come over here.¡± Gwen nodded and walked over. The first machine wasn¡¯t a machine at all. Not at first glance at least since it was just two poles in the ground about six feet apart. There wasn¡¯t even a bar between the two to lift one¡¯s self. Luckily Simon explained. ¡°This is a simple gravity well enhancer. Please don¡¯t do anything to break it. What I want you to do is simply,¡± Simon took up a spot in front of Gwen, acting the exercises out, ¡°squat down and touch the ground, and then stand back up, reaching up as much as you can, and then repeat. The weight is going to increase a little bit every time you reach up, so just do it until you feel uncomfortable. Okay?¡± ¡°Yes sir.¡±Gwen nodded and started with one swift touch and reach followed by another. Already she felt too heavy and halfway up on the reach she fell and the weight disappeared. ¡°Two cycles. Reached a hundred ten percent weight.¡± Simon noted down. ¡°Alright then. Let¡¯s keep going.¡± Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. There were five stations in total. The second was another two-pole setup but was set up to detect the movements of push-ups. The third was for sit-ups. The fourth had a pull-up bar set between two poles. The last one was the most complex. A ladder climbing machine that rotated bars like a vertical treadmill. All had the same increasing force and Gwen was only able to do one or two before she lost her strength. ¡°A hundred ten percent, again.¡± Simon said with a tone that could have been disappointment, ¡°Alright then Ms Bell. Your physical test is done. Please, head inside and the upper-class men will guide you.¡± Gwen nodded as she tried to not breathe heavily. She started to the back door when a voice yelled behind her causing her to look. ¡°Alright! I made it!¡± The darker-skinned boy, Kevin, had just passed the finish line with heavy breath. ¡°Mr Kevin, I¡¯m glad you finally made it,¡± Mr Simon said with tones of sarcasm, ¡°I thought you were in the first wave of students. It took you over one hundred minutes to make it around the whole course?¡± ¡°What? No, it didn¡¯t. I¡­ um¡­¡± Kevin stumbled for words. ¡°I hoped you didn¡¯t go off the track. Since that would be against the rules. By penalty of expulsion.¡± Mr Simon lifted his head and looked down at the annoyed boy. ¡°Of course not! I just tripped! A lot.¡± ¡°Well, it does look that way.¡± Mr Simon said, and that¡¯s when Gwen noticed the injuries on Kevin. He was scraped up and bruised across his arms and face as if he had fought something. ¡°Regardless, let¡¯s start your strength testing. Over here.¡± Part 0008 Mr Simon explained the exercise with another physical display. Gwen thought about Simon doing all those exercises for each student. Even without increasing gravity, those constant strains must have pushed his stamina. Of course, she knew little of the limits of the human body, but just the few sets she had done had sent aches across her body. She had always been on the small side though. It was better to just forget it. She entered the school building. Inside she saw a sign with Follow The Line in tile letters, and on the ground was a long white line going further into the building. Following the instructions, Gwen walked along the line until it guided her around a turn where an older girl stood. She saw Gwen immediately and called, ¡°Over here. The test will be held in here.¡± Gwen entered the room where a number of other students sat at desks waiting with mixed patience. She counted fourteen other students in a four-by-four square and even noticed that one of them was the boy who attacked her. The half-demon, Adrian Priest. He sat at the front of the furthest row and seemed to be laid back napping. Which was good as only the last two furthest from him were open. So long as he didn¡¯t notice there should be no issue. ¡°Please take the next seat.¡± The older girl instructed, and at first Gwen tried to take the very last seat, but the girl called, ¡°I said the next seat. Please do as instructed.¡± Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Gwen hesitated. Her mind ran through the possibilities. What could she do? She didn¡¯t want to be in clear view of anyone. Gwen blinked her eyes and quickly concluded that it was better to risk one person sitting behind her than to risk an argument in front of everyone. Hesitation drew more attention so she stood up nodded her head and sat in the seat in front of her, but the worry didn¡¯t leave her. She sat as still as she could. Waiting and hoping the last seat won¡¯t be filled. But it was. ¡°Over here.¡± the older girl called out into the hall, and Kevin walked into the class with annoyance obvious on his face. ¡°Take the next seat.¡± Looking at the last desk he commented, ¡°There¡¯s only one seat left.¡± ¡°Yes, and now we can begin.¡± The older girl closed the classroom with a bang bringing everyone to attention. Adrian jerked and yawned, causing a wave through some of the other more bored students. ¡°Now please pay attention. This test isn¡¯t just one test. You will be taking, in fact, six tests. Each with ten questions.¡± The older girl pulled a stack of papers out of the teacher¡¯s desk and started walking around the room handing one to each student, ¡°You are to answer each question to your best ability. We ask that you do not consult any outside resources you may have. This includes data banks in omnitools or books with wells of knowledge. We ask that you use your own personal, individual, isolated well of knowledge. And of course, no cheating off other students.¡± Part 0009 She handed each student a test and returned to the teacher¡¯s desk. From underneath she lifted out a black cube just over a foot wide. ¡°When you finish a test you will walk up to the test grader, put in yours, and then your next test will be given to you.¡± She explained, pointing to where the tests went in and out, ¡°Any questions?¡± ¡°Yeah, why?¡± Kevin nearly yelled over the class, ¡°This seems really weird. Even for demihuman standards of weirdness.¡± ¡°Excellent. You may begin.¡± The older girl instructed, ignoring Kevin¡¯s question completely. Although Kevin wasn¡¯t satisfied with that, ¡°Hey! Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡± ¡°No more questions, young man.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my first question!¡± ¡°Young man, if you do not stop talking, I will call the disciplinary officer.¡± ¡°You¡­¡± Kevin started to rebuttal but sat down muttering swears and curses as he started on the test. This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Gwen looked over the questions. They weren¡¯t very hard for her. It was a multiple-choice test on relatively common subjects. The makeup of the atmosphere. Basic vocabulary. Commonly known history. Even simple math. The class didn¡¯t seem to have any difficulty with the test. Everyone circled their answers in silence. Until Kevin spoke again, ¡°Hey, this stupid test has a mistake on it!¡± ¡°No talking during the test.¡± was all the older girl said. ¡°The last question doesn¡¯t even have the right answer as a choice!¡± Kevin stood up and waved his paper. ¡°It¡¯s asking when the American Revolution happened, but the revolution was from seventeen seventy-six to eighty-something, but none of these are even in that range.¡± Gwen skipped down to the last question which was the same for her: What year did the American Revolution take place? For the answers, it listed: a. 1619 b. 1688 c. 1728 d. 1770 e. 1792 f. 1821. Kevin was right. The test didn¡¯t have the right answer for an option. The older girl did not acknowledge the complaint. Simply telling Kevin, ¡°There is to be no talking during the test. Mark an answer, or don¡¯t. If you burst out again I will not hesitate to call the disciplinary officer.¡± Kevin sat again with another wave of rude muttering. Gwen looked over the question and tried to think. If the correct answer wasn¡¯t available, then what was she supposed to put? How could the school make such a simple mistake? Gwen sighed and chose option d since it was the closest and turned in her first test. The next four had the same multiple-choice setup with harder and trickier questions, and with one always being without the right answer for an option, but the sixth and final was the worst. It had ten written answer questions about different subjects and at the top the instructions said, Answer with as many or as few words as you see fit. Part 0010 Some were straightforward. Like, Explain the water cycle in detail beginning with precipitation. Some were unbelievably complex and would take a month just to explain the basics. Like, what were the ramifications of the Peace Day Treaty? A document that shapes every part of the world and beyond. One paper wasn¡¯t enough to explain it. An entire book couldn¡¯t hold the effects of the Peace Day Treaty. Especially since itself was the largest known document ever written. She knew it was the reason she was allowed to attend this school. Why all of them were allowed here. She knew it kept international violence to a minimum. She knew it was the main reason why the world still existed at all. How was she supposed to lay out all of that? She thought about it before considering, that maybe she didn¡¯t have to. Maybe simple and as few words as possible was the right way to answer. Gwen put her pencil to paper and wrote: The Peace Day Treaty brought the world to peace, and continues to hold that peace to this day. With that Gwen was done. She put her pencil down and turned in the final test. She wasn¡¯t the first to finish, but others were still deep in focus, and the older girl instructed, ¡°If you are finished then please exit the room and follow the red line.¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. Hiding her startled jump Gwen did just so. On the floor outside of the class was a red line that she didn¡¯t remember being there. It stretched down and deeper into the school. Following it Gwen arrived at another classroom and stepped inside. There she saw a man with golden blond hair sitting at a desk with only one chair in front of it. He waved her in, ¡°Come in and take a seat, Ms Bell.¡± ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Gwen nearly tiptoed to the chair and sat. ¡°Alright then. I¡¯m Mr Thompson. I¡¯m the Vice Principal here, and no that doesn¡¯t mean anything right now. I¡¯m helping to do the job of interviewing every student that came today. There are many more students than teachers after all.¡± He explained directly and firmly. ¡°Now, if there isn¡¯t anything else, let¡¯s begin.¡± End of Chapter Part 0011 Class 09J02 - Bittir, Mary [First Day of school] ¡°It is to note that a great deal of issue is caused by the very classification that is suppose to ensure the rights of mutants. Whenever we awaken our power we lose the legal camaraderie of the mundane community to which we are born to. Overnight we go from native to foreign with no map of how to get home.¡± -Signatories Without Signatures: A State Without A Nation, 1989 First Day of School My name is Mary Bittir, like the flavor, and I was born a mutant. I didn¡¯t know I was a mutant until I was eight. I always had the ability to remember things better than other kids and even help them remember things. None of us thought this was strange. It wasn¡¯t until one day in art class when we were told to draw a picture of a wedding. My teacher told me the story of her own wedding when I said I had trouble imagining a real one, and I saw it in my mind. The way I always saw stuff in my mind. I turned it in and the day after I was called into the counselor¡¯s office. My teacher, the school counselor, and two men in suits were there. The men were from the Department of Demi-Humans. Apparently, I drew my teacher¡¯s wedding in a detail that should have been impossible unless I was there. A week of testing later it was confirmed. I was a mutant. Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Now here I am on my first day of high school at West Progress High. I survived evaluation day. Though I didn¡¯t excel in any field. Which was perfectly fine by me. I walked up to the school door ready to make this the best day possible. That¡¯s when a voice spoke up. ¡°Nervous?¡± said the voice. It was deep and seemed to know the answer to its question. Turning I saw a well-built and rather tall man carrying a crate that was as big as him on one shoulder. ¡°No. What makes you think that?¡± was all I could say back. ¡°Because the school doesn¡¯t even open for another hour.¡± He said going by, ¡°The nervous ones either show up late or way too early.¡± ¡°Oh.¡± I checked the door and it was in fact locked. I turned and looked around the schoolyard. It was empty, and I had noticed that, but I had simply thought I was the first one here. Which I was. Which is what I wanted. I had planned on making a good impression on the teachers, but now it seemed I was just making a fool of myself the very first chance I had. Maybe he won¡¯t remember me. ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much about it. More of you will show. Happens every year.¡± the man shouted as he walked on waving, ¡°And don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯m just Old Bob the Janitor.¡± So here I was. Standing in front of the front door of the High School I was going to attend for the next four years. I looked up at it and began to think about my last school, and all the people I knew. I was deep in thought over my decision to come when another voice snuck up on me. Part 0012 ¡°Hello.¡± Said a blonde-headed girl. She was likely another student as she was wearing the school¡¯s uniform. She continued, ¡°I¡¯m Alice Hansen. I¡¯m new here. This school I mean. But also this country. I¡¯m from Denmark. Which I realize means I¡¯m new to everything here.¡± She laughed showing her nervousness, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. You are? Did I say my name was Alice Hansen¡± ¡°Oh! Umm¡­ yes you did, and I¡¯m Mary. Mary Bittir. I¡¯m also new.¡± I introduced myself, ¡°To this school, and also the city. But not the country.¡± ¡°That makes sense. Most people here likely live here. I mean I live here too. Well, now I do. Live here. I didn¡¯t before though.¡± She coughed and cleared her throat, ¡°Sorry. We should head on inside.¡± ¡°It¡¯s locked,¡± I said as she reached for the handle and pulled it down. It made the clanking sound of a door not allowed to be opened. ¡°Oh.¡± Was all Alice said as she smiled nervously. That was when I noticed it. A long object on her back tied under her backpack. I immediately asked, ¡°Is that a sword?¡± Alice turned to face me and tried to hide the sword behind her, ¡°What? No. I mean, yes. It is. A sword, but it¡¯s not¡­ that is to say¡­¡± This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± I cut her off, ¡°I was just surprised. I mean, they let you have a sword.¡± ¡°Well,¡± Alice seemed to be ashamed, ¡°It¡¯s kind of important that I keep it with me. Actually, that¡¯s the reason why I go here now. Instead of my old school. It¡¯s what makes me a demihuman.¡± She went quiet. Clearly thinking about the decisions she had made in her own life. I struggle to think of something to change the mood, ¡°So¡­ do you read any books, or comics?¡± Alice¡¯s eyes widen, ¡°Oh yes. Do you know the Snowstar series?¡± I did know it, ¡°Yeah, I really liked it when I was little.¡± ¡°When you were little?¡± Alice deflated, ¡°Oh, okay.¡± ¡°I mean, I still do.¡± I blurted out trying to save the conversation, ¡°I just like other stuff too. Stuff in addition to Snowstar. I read all the books and everything.¡± ¡°You read all thirty-two books?¡± Alice seemed renewed. I hadn¡¯t. I only knew about twenty-four books in the series. ¡°Umm¡­ no. I guess I¡¯m behind a bit.¡± Although I revealed I wasn¡¯t up to date about the series Alice still kept her energy. We sat on the steps and started talking about the series and all its publishing. An hour went by. A few more nervous students showed up and made their own groups until a man arrived to unlock the door. He walked with a level of authority that marked him as in charge. Head high, arms behind him, and stride even, this man stepped to the front door and unlocked it with a click. After he turned and addressed the courtyard of nervous students. Part 0013 ¡°Good morning students. I am Vice Principal Haruto Thompson. I¡¯m commonly called Vice Principal Tom, but you may address me how you wish so long as you remember the title of my position when you do. Now, please head to your homeroom classes, as the majority of the school¡¯s facilities won¡¯t be available until tomorrow. Lastly, I¡¯m looking forward to everyone enjoying their first day. I expect everyone to be on their best behavior. You only get one first impression.¡± The students had all gathered around the front steps during the Vice Principal¡¯s speech. We all just stood there for a moment until he stepped aside and gestured to allow us in. He continued to simply stand there as we entered. Perfect stance, simple smile, and watchful eyes that scanned every student that passed him. It was then I noticed that Vice Principal Thompson didn¡¯t seem to have any keys on him. They could have been hidden in a pocket, but I didn¡¯t see a key before, nor did I hear any jingles, and there didn¡¯t seem to be any key-shaped bundles on his clothes. ¡°How did he open the door?¡± I asked in a whisper hoping only Alice would hear. We had been the first to enter and there were many other students moving about, which is why I was shocked to see the Vice Principal turn his head just enough to catch my eyes in the corner of his. Unfortunately, that¡¯s when my own stride was stopped by Alice who had stopped in the middle of the hall. I tried to apologize before seeing what had stopped Alice. This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. There at the end of the hall where the path split into two more hallways, two flights of stairs, and two open entries for bathrooms stood two people. A man and a woman. The man was taller than the already towering woman. They wore seemingly heavy coats made of dark leather with bright metal buttons. They had hard expressions on their face and stood the same stance as the Vice Principal did. Remembering for a moment I turned back to see that the front door was closed and only other students were in the hallway, also looking at the pair ahead. ¡°Report to your homeroom now.¡± The man boomed, ¡°Lollygagging is not appreciated.¡± ¡°Lollygagging?¡± A boy said stepping forward, ¡°Who the hell still says lollygagging?¡± ¡°We do.¡± The woman also boomed, ¡°Now cease your lollygagging, and report to your homeroom.¡± ¡°Ha!¡± The boy laughed. He was average height and build, with jet black hair, and he seemed to have some kind of aura around him. He stepped closer to the man, ¡°And just what the hell are you going to-¡± The man punched him. More than punched him. The speed was so fast that only his fist hanging in the air where the boy¡¯s face was a moment ago was the only evidence of the movement. The boy was sent flying down the hallway. ¡°That.¡± the man returned to stance, ¡°Now report to your homeroom. Before we make you. Now!¡± The crowd started to move in different directions. I checked my schedule as I also moved down the hall opposite of where the boy was still lying. Part 0014 ¡°Are they allowed to do that?¡± Alice asked surprising me. I had almost forgotten about her. ¡°I mean, I heard they could be tough here, but that was¡­ a bit much.¡± I didn¡¯t have an answer. I had also heard that the school had a more hands-on approach to punishing students, but I was just as concerned. ¡°Not even a little. In fact, he got off light.¡± Another boy spoke up. He was scrawny with wild golden hair. ¡°They¡¯re the disciplinary officers, and I heard from my sister that those two are ruthless.¡± ¡°But he didn¡¯t do anything.¡± Alice protested. ¡°What? You mean you didn¡¯t notice he was focusing his will?¡± the boy asked. ¡°I did.¡± I said, ¡°But was that really enough to justify that?¡± ¡°Maybe not, but that wasn¡¯t the point.¡± ¡°He was made an example of.¡± Alice said dropping her gaze to the floor, ¡°They wanted to show everyone that they could.¡± ¡°Yep.¡± The boy confirmed, ¡°and I don¡¯t disagree. Everyone needs to learn that power doesn¡¯t make them powerful.¡± This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience. We walked in silence down the halls until we reached our destination and we all stopped at the same classroom. Alice looked over her schedule asking, ¡°Are we all in Class J?¡± ¡°Apparently.¡± The boy walked in. Alice and I followed. The room was a simple setup. It had twenty-eight desks for students in four neat rows with a large desk at the front for the teacher. There was a chalkboard and cabinets along the walls. On the desks were index cards folded to prop themselves up. On them, names were written. ¡°Seems like we have assigned seats.¡± The boy held up one of the cards showing a neat font ¡°09J17 Prince, Abraham¡± which also I assumed was his own name as he then sat down at the desk it was on. I went to the front of the first row and there I was. Just behind ¡°09J01 Bell, Gwendolyn¡± was my own ¡°09J02 Bittir, Mary¡± and I sat down. I started to unzip my bag when I heard Alice behind me. ¡°Oh no.¡± Alice was looking at another name card on the last desk in the row. Showing it to have her own name on it. Her eyes showed the disappointment she felt, ¡°I was hoping we could have sat next to each other.¡± ¡°Well¡­ It¡¯s only for this class.¡± I said, ¡°We can hang out between classes, and maybe we¡¯ll sit together in them?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t switch classes.¡± Abraham said, getting his own desk set up, ¡°Not for the most part anyway. We¡¯ll cover the main subjects with different teachers as they go between classes, and then maybe electives, but we mostly stay here.¡± ¡°But most high schools have the students go from class to class,¡± I said. ¡°And most high schools aren¡¯t attended and staffed by demihumans.¡± Abraham countered. ¡°I guess that makes sense,¡± Alice said and seemed to accept the situation as she sat down and stared at her name card. Part 0015 I went back to my own set which included a notebook, some pencils, and a large eraser. I then looked at the clock. There was another half hour before class was supposed to start, and I hadn¡¯t brought anything to do. I looked over to Abraham. He was looking over a leather-bound book that seemed to be glowing slightly from the pages. I turned to look at Alice. She had produced a book as well, but it was paperback and worn. It was a copy of one of the earlier Snowstar books. The third I guessed, but wasn¡¯t sure. I turned back just in time to see another student enter the class. It was a girl. She was small. So small I thought she was either a teacher¡¯s kid, or was very lost, but she strolled in swiftly and went straight to the back of the class. I didn¡¯t really pay attention as I opened my notebook and started to draw, but she caught my eye again as she returned to the front of the class looking at the name cards. Apparently, she was Gwendolyn Bell as she took the seat directly in front of me. She then seemed to try to shrink into the seat and become even smaller than what she already was. I thought about it for a while. She seemed scared. Not just nervous or anxious. I decided that I should say something. Introduce myself. Make myself not a stranger in a strange place. I lifted my hand to tap her shoulder just as the door opened and a huge figure entered the room. It was massive, covered in scales, and had fangs and claws that could rip any mundane human apart. Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators! ¡°Good morning.¡± The massive form said in a soft and kind tone, ¡°Is this Class J?¡± Abraham answered him and he gave his thanks before entering fully and started searching for his own seat right next to mine. I then realized that he was just one of the lizard aliens that crash-landed in Russia centuries ago. I took a breath. I had lost my nerve. I still wanted to talk to Gwendolyn, but now I was shaking just slightly. I lost my chance as soon more and more students entered the classroom, and the range of them was shocking. I had lived in the mundane world until just a month ago and now I was seeing the strangest things. A huge boy who looked like he could have been made of stone. Another equally large boy with a massive gut, but walked through the desks with grace. A girl with jewels braided in her hair carrying a trident taller than her. A boy who carried a book and a smug look. A short girl who seemed to not have anything special about her but walked with god-like confidence. What seemed to be a robot. Even more students entered, and most seemed somewhat normal, but all seeming to have something more. I seemed to be the most normal person in the room, but even I had something more. Something that made me not fully human. That was the purpose of this school after all. The last student to enter was a boy with an earthy skin tone and black hair. The first thing he did was yawn out of boredom rather than being tired. After he faced the class, and with no care said, ¡°Class J.¡± Part 0016 Taking the final desk the class was complete. Twenty-eight desks, twenty-eight students, twenty-eight demihumans all of which had their own flavor of abnormal. Maybe this was a mistake after all. I thought to myself. Yes, I wasn¡¯t a mundane human, but maybe I didn¡¯t belong here either. These people weren¡¯t just not normal. They were beyond normal, and I was just a mutant. Of course nothing could have prepared me for what happened next. The classroom was buzzing with everyone introducing themselves and setting up for the day when the door opened again. Entering the room was a man wearing black. Not a suit, but what seemed to be a sweater with jeans and sneakers. With only a scarf and belt of golden yellow to break the dark silhouette. The class was stunned as he walked to the blackboard and started to write. ¡°Good morning class. My name is Mr Galacto.¡± He said in a flat tone and stepped back to reveal his name written on the board, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m sure many of you already knew that. I¡¯m your homeroom teacher. I will also be teaching history. Let¡¯s take attendance.¡± ¡°No fucking way.¡± a boy shouted from the back, ¡°You can¡¯t be the Mr Galacto.¡± ¡°Mr Quetzalcoatl Zapotec, I see you¡¯re here.¡± Mr Galacto checked a box, ¡°Alright then, Gwendolyn Bell.¡± You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Before Gwendolyn could confirm herself the boy shouted again, ¡°First off, it¡¯s Kevin. Second, you can¡¯t be Mr Galacto. He¡¯s a world class guardian.¡± ¡°Yes I am. That is something to remember. Whenever I get called away to handle situations I¡¯ll have a substitute that you will treat with the same respect you treat me, but we¡¯ll go over that later. Now where was I?¡± Kevin shouted even louder, ¡°You really expect us to just accept that the most powerful demihuman ever is just going to teach a high school class?¡± ¡°Yes, since that is what¡¯s happening. Gwendolyn Bell.¡± Mr Galacto never looked up. As Gwendolyn raised her hand and tried to speak Kevin started to say something again, but was cut off. Mr Galacto swept his arm through the air in a sharp move almost too fast to see and Kevin was knocked back to the ground. ¡°Enough. One more outburst and I will call the disciplinary officer to handle you. Now, Ms Bell.¡± Gwendolyn finally squeaked out a ¡°here¡± before he called, ¡°Mary Bittir.¡± I didn¡¯t respond at first I was still in shock. It wasn¡¯t until the third time he called, ¡°Mary Bittir!¡± ¡°Yes?¡± I said. ¡°Are you here?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°Good. Jessica Black.¡± Mr Galacto continued the call as a thump sounded out. A chalk eraser was thrown at the board from the back of the class hitting the chalkboard. Turning I saw the boy Kevin rubbing his chest as he took his seat again. The class sounded off one by one as they were called. Some were excited and others halfhearted. At the end of it Mr Galacto set the role down, ¡°And Mr Kevin, we already know you¡¯re here. Now, moving on.¡± Part 0017 The room erupted. A dozen students had started yelling questions. They were unintelligible as they simply tried to ask their question louder than the rest. ¡°Enough.¡± Mr Galacto lifted his hand and the room quieted, ¡°That¡¯s one of the first rules, no speaking unless called on. Raise your hand if you have a question and I¡¯ll call on you.¡± A wave of hands went up. ¡°First things first, as I said I¡¯m your homeroom teacher. I¡¯ll be managing your schedules and student files. If you need anything you can always come to me. Additionally, I¡¯ll be your history teacher. Any questions so far.¡± Not a single had dropped. Mr Galacto seemed to sigh and point to a girl on the other side of the class, ¡°Can I have your autograph?¡± ¡°Any school-related questions?¡± Mr Galacto scanned the room. ¡°Why are you teaching high school history?¡± Kevin asked without being called on. ¡°Because I have extensive knowledge about world history. If I wasn¡¯t qualified to teach this class multiple people would have ensured I didn¡¯t.¡± Mr Galacto said, ¡°Now let¡¯s go over the daily schedule.¡± The day went on until a bell rang. Mr Galacto left the room and a new teacher entered. Simon Mirmen went over the English agenda for the year and dodged questions about Galacto. Another bell introduced us to Arthur Hall with his Math syllabus, and one more for Madeline Turner with Science. After her came the bell for lunch. Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author. Alice quickly came up to me, ¡°Want to have lunch together?¡± ¡°Sure.¡± and the two of us started to the cafeteria. A section of the school in the middle of the building. It acted as the auditorium with multiple rings of floors around it. The two of us got trays and found a spot. We ate in silence. Both with the same question, but neither wanting to ask it. Luckily others joined us. The jewel-haired girl sat by us and blurted out, ¡°Can you believe it? The Mr Galacto! At our school!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± Said Kevin sitting next to her, ¡°Something has to be up. No way the world¡¯s greatest champion is just teaching high school history.¡± ¡°As unlikely as that sounds that is the exact scenario playing out.¡± An even and knowing voice spoke up. The source was revealed as another student joined the table by literally hopping up on the seat. He was clear African descent, but had an incredibly short stature, ¡°Greetings. Samuel York. I suffer from achondroplasia. My bones simply do not grow as they are supposed to. I am classified as a mutant, and my mutation is an increase in cerebrum activity and efficiency.¡± ¡°Fuck that mean?¡± Asked Kevin. ¡°I¡¯m a super genius midget.¡± Answered Samuel. ¡°I thought the word for short people was dwarf?¡± Was the jewel hair¡¯s response. ¡°There are many terms for it. Dwarf is one, but dwarves have filed complaints in the past.¡± Samuel¡¯s response was quick and sharp, as if he had the answer prepared before the question was asked. Which apparently he did. ¡°Now I believe that takes care of the majority of opening questions for me. Would someone else like to go next?¡± Part 0018 ¡°Oh, I¡¯m Samantha! And I¡¯m a warrior of legend!¡± Samantha said stepping up on the table. She pointed her trident into the air, ¡°Chosen by the greater forces of the universe, I am the embodiment of the Aquarius Zodiac!¡± All the nearby students had turned to look at the outburst. They all seemed to be looking at Samantha, but I still felt like they were boring down on me. Like they were going from her to me and noticing that I didn¡¯t belong around someone so bombastic. I glanced over and saw Alice was having a similar experience. Her cheeks at least were turning pink. A yell came through the room. It was the disciplinary officer, the female one, telling Samantha to sit at the tables. Samantha returned to a sitting position only a bit embarrassed. She turned to Kevin, ¡°What about you? What kind of demihuman are you?¡± ¡°Fuck you.¡± Said Kevin, ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡± He leaned back as Samantha tried to convince him to tell, ¡°I don¡¯t care about whatever it is that they call you, and I don¡¯t want to tell what I am. I¡¯m not mundane. That¡¯s all you need to know.¡± ¡°Fine.¡± Samantha huffed and then turned to Alice, ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°Oh, me? I, umm¡­ Well¡­ See¡­¡± Alice started stumbling over her words. She went on and I looked over to Kevin. I wondered if he was going to say something. Try to tell Samantha to back off, but he just sat there. What was his deal? Was he just that selfish? My thoughts went like that as Alice finally recovered, ¡°I have a sword. It was my mother¡¯s. And her mother¡¯s. And her mother¡¯s. For generations.¡± If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Like a legendary weapon of destiny?¡± Samantha¡¯s eyes were almost sparkling as Alice agreed, ¡°Oh man! That¡¯s so cool! Let¡¯s be friends.¡± She scooted closer until she was next to Alice, ¡°We can train together.¡± Kevin made a noise of dismissal at Samantha and Samuel chimed in, ¡°What about you? I remember your name to be Mary Bittir.¡± The table was looking at me as I said, ¡°Me? Oh. I¡¯m just a mutant.¡± The weight of the air increased as everyone at the table looked at me. I didn¡¯t dare look around, but I could feel glances from everywhere. As if they all knew my confession. After a while, Samuel said to me, ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as just a mutant. What¡¯s the significant result of your mutation?¡± ¡°Yeah! What¡¯s your power?¡± Samantha leaned over the table and Alice, ¡°Do you shoot fire? Lift things with your mind?¡± She gasped with a thought, ¡°Can you read minds?¡± She went quiet with an intense stare directly at me. I only realized later that she was likely trying to speak to me in her mind. ¡°No. I just¡­ remember stuff.¡± I said. ¡°Not much of a power,¡± Kevin said with an edge of suspicion in his voice. ¡°I remember stuff really well.¡± I quickly added, ¡°Also, I can remember stuff for other people.¡± ¡°That sounds like mind reading, but more,¡± said Alice. ¡°It¡¯s not. I can¡¯t just invade someone¡¯s mind, but I recall experiences with great detail, and share that with others.¡± I explained, ¡°Does that make sense?¡± Part 0019 ¡°Nope.¡± Answered Kevin who decided to just eat his meal and ignore the rest of the table. ¡°How do you trigger this power?¡± Samuel asked. ¡°I just do, and I have to touch others to share it,¡± I answered. ¡°Well, that sounds like studying will be really easy for you,¡± Alice said with a chuckle. ¡°It won¡¯t.¡± I started to eat my own meal as the table fell silent. It was broken by Samantha talking about food. Kevin didn¡¯t react. Samuel entered only a few words. Alice picked at her tray for the hour. Soon the lunch period was over and everyone started moving back to their classes. ¡°Well,¡± Kevin stood up, ¡°it¡¯s not that I didn¡¯t enjoy this, I didn¡¯t but that¡¯s not important, but I¡¯m heading on out. Tell Mr G I said.¡± He walked off without saying a message, which I realized was probably the message. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Samantha called. ¡°Wherever I want.¡± And that was all Kevin gave us as he left for the front of the school. ¡°Is he¡­ leaving the school?¡± asked Alice If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation. ¡°Seems like it.¡± said Samuel, ¡°If you remember, after homeroom we have standard classes. Then lunch, then another homeroom period. Which is followed by our elective classes. I assume he has no electives, and thus is simply skipping the rest of the day.¡± ¡°We can do that?¡± Samantha was shocked at the idea, as was Alice and me. ¡°No.¡± Samuel literally jumped down from his seat and waddled in the direction of their classroom. We all joined him. Entering the hall Samuel pushed a button on his belt and asked if he could hold on to one of our belts. ¡°I have wheels in my shoes to easily match anyone¡¯s pace. Kevin was my ride here, but now he¡¯s gone.¡± Samantha volunteered, ¡°That¡¯s cool Sam. Can I call you Sam? You can call me Sam. Or Sammy. Sam and Sammy.¡± ¡°Actually I prefer either my full given name, Samuel, or my family name, York,¡± Samuel said. ¡°What if I gave you a kiss?¡± Samantha asked with a coo. ¡°Well, I am open to negotiation.¡± Samantha busted out in laughter at that. Alice leaned over me. ¡°I don¡¯t get it. Are they flirting?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± I said back, ¡°I think maybe.¡± We returned to class and there was Mr Galacto. Sitting at the front reading a newspaper. We took our seats and waited. When the bell rang again Mr Galacto stood up and turned to the class, ¡°Alright then. Your first day of school is almost done. In five minutes you¡¯ll be allowed to go to your extra classes. Those who don¡¯t have extra classes are welcome to leave for the day, but you don¡¯t have to. The library, gym, and any other non-restricted part of the school is still open to you until eight o¡¯clock sharp. With that said, please note that you are still required to attend this closing-day class. Something Mr Kevin will be notified of tomorrow. Now, any other questions?¡±