Icarus

The scene before me was unprecedented: two grown men engaged in a brutal fight. One appeared to be a ticket controller, while the other seemed to be a random civilian, presumably without any money, which is why they were embroiled in the dispute. They neither had any apparent personal connection, at least that was what I thought. The altercation was reminiscent of street fights I often see on television. Neither man demonstrated a trained martial arts technique, nor did they display a refined street-fighting style, suggesting that both were likely unskilled combatants. In essence, they appeared to be ordinary individuals caught in an extraordinary confrontation, " Should I intervene", I wonder if that is the right course of action to take, is it something a normal person would do? I think not, from what I know people tend to follow norms and trends, and to deviate from this path of what is considered right makes you abnormal, this abnormality can cause isolation and seclusion. People would not want to associate with you and your abnormality because that makes them a target for this isolation. Furthermore, right now some of the people standing and filming on the train might be my new classmates, if I act rationally it might backfire. 

"Stop! What are you guys doing?" A voice, stronger than the scuffle, pierced through the air. The girl wove through the onlookers, striving to reach the fight. She appeared to be my age and wore a formal dress as if she were preparing for an event. Her waist-length hair was a striking hue between blonde and white, and her designer clothes and shoes seemed rather expensive, even I could tell that they were likely worth several thousand dollars. However, aside from her ideal physique and form factor, which many women would envy and pay a fortune to replicate, her most captivating feature was undoubtedly her eyes. They were a mesmerizing blend of white and silver, almost glittering with an ethereal quality that left me spellbound. 

"This behavior is unacceptable!" Her scream was loud enough to break the spell that had immobilized me, restoring my consciousness. As my clarity returned, I noticed that she was dangerously close to the fight. If she came any nearer, she risked being involuntarily dragged in, and given the size disparity, her chances of withstanding the confrontation were slim.

The physical strength differences between girls and boys can be attributed to a combination of biological, hormonal, and social factors. Boys generally have higher levels of testosterone, a hormone crucial for the development of muscle mass and strength. During puberty, boys experience a surge in testosterone, resulting in greater muscle growth compared to girls.

While biological and hormonal differences significantly contribute to the general disparity in physical strength between the sexes, social and environmental factors also play a substantial role. It's crucial to acknowledge that these differences are averages, and individual variation is considerable. Many girls and women achieve high levels of physical strength and athletic performance, often surpassing their male counterparts. However, in this immediate context, these distinctions are irrelevant.

She was simply too young. Even if she possessed martial arts experience that would only prolong her suffering, but the disparity in strength was insurmountable. Even combat experience couldn't bridge that gap. "Doesn't she realize that?" I wondered.

Standing within arm's reach, I knew I should intervene despite the potential consequences. As I reached out to pull her by the shoulder, I noticed she stood her ground, unmoved by my attempt. She was stubborn. I had expected my initial effort to be enough, but as I tightened my grip and prepared to move her more forcefully, I was interrupted by the train's arrival at my intended station.

Realizing that this fight was not worth partaking in I released her, choosing to push through the crowd instead, determined to reach the exit. Despite the ongoing dispute I had to make it to the entrance ceremony, I'm sure that she was strong enough to hold her own for a while, I came to that conclusion from our interaction. Nevertheless, I had more important matters to worry about. 

As I walk, I find myself contemplating my future. I possess a unique quality that could significantly simplify my academic pursuits within this school. However, I am concerned about forming lasting friendships. While I have made friends before, these connections have never endured, they were more a friendship built upon usefulness, which is something I do not want to endure, but I might not get as I pleased.

True friendship is built on trust, admiration, duty, and other essential factors. Yet, it can be fragile and easily broken despite the time invested and spent together. I have come to understand the importance of friendship; without allies or a support system, school life can be quite challenging, especially in the social aspect of school life.

At this particular school, however, the process of making friends may differ from that of conventional schools. as it operates as a social experiment of sorts. Specifically, this elite school was established by the left-wing government with the aim of cultivating intelligent individuals who are expected to shape England's future to a righteous path. This initiative serves as a more open and accepting alternative to the alleged ongoing right-wing approach that from what I heard is a lot more extreme. In truth, this school is designed to counter the right-wing regime by investing money in students, with the hope that this will create a new generation of leaders. In essence, both political sides are investing in the development of future leaders, and although their methods differ, they intend to surpass each other, and this is only one of many ways they plan to do that. It is likely that most students are unaware of this broader agenda, and the fact that they are just a piece of the chess board. Most likely only a few possess this information, but it may be disclosed to them upon graduation. However, this was only speculation, there were no guarantees that this was the correct evaluation, and only the feature with its unpredictable events could reveal the truth. 

Beyond the focus on academic excellence, this school also embodies a deeper philosophy of success. According to what I have heard, there is a definitive path to achievement that the school endeavors to instill in its students. However, I realized there might be certain aspects that still remain unknown. This school is shrouded in mysteries yet to be uncovered, but I am determined to unveil every secret, no matter the challenge.

As I stood before the school, I was struck by its impressive scale, far larger than I had initially anticipated. The campus appeared to be meticulously organized into various sections, all interconnected by a network of indoor bridges that facilitated easy movement between the buildings for both students and teachers. Encircling the entire campus was a beautifully landscaped fence of manicured grass, creating a harmonious blend with the natural surroundings. The only interruption in this vibrant barrier was the grand entrance, where I found myself standing. With a sense of anticipation for my unwrapping feature, I began my ascent up the broad stairsteps that led into the heart of the school grounds.

Upon crossing the fence, I quickly realized that my initial assessment of the school's scale had been entirely mistaken, likely skewed by the imposing fence itself. Inside the enclosure, a picturesque trail leading to one of the main buildings was lined with cherry blossom trees. These trees had already bloomed, their branches adorned with ripe cherries. I could only imagine how breathtaking this path would appear when the trees were in full bloom, their blossoms creating a canopy of delicate pink petals. Apparently, I was not alone in appreciating the delicacy this school has produced, other students were also eying the laid-out path, either standing still or walking. Forcefully tearing myself from the imaginary world I continued to walk with a firing resolve. 

Upon arriving at the entrance of the building, I was greeted by staff members in suits who appeared to be distributing letters to students. They were seated in cubicles, with a prominent sign that read, "Take a letter; this will grant you permission into the school." 

As I approached one of the cubicles, a staff member asked me for an identification code. At first, I was unsure about what he meant, but then I recalled a lengthy serial-like number that I had received on my phone a few weeks prior to my enrollment at the school.

Remembering the number I was given, I recited it, making sure to indicate which letters were capitalized and which were not: "The serial number I was given was Q3n9pl0756-1245." My ability to recall the number from memory seemed to surprise the staff member. Such a reaction was understandable, even I was taken aback by the complexity of the code when I first reviewed it.

"I'm impressed," he said after looking up from the computer. "It looks like what you said was correct. This letter contains important personal information; do not lose it."

With his warning in the back of my mind, I proceeded to the school.

The corridors were adorned with back-to-school signs and other welcoming decorations, presumably by students who were guiding us to the ceremony. The interior of the school had a distinctly university-like atmosphere: immaculate, with no graffiti or other markings on the walls that signified that it had not been taken care of. For an elite institution, this level of cleanliness was not unexpected, but it was still a commendable achievement by both staff as well as the students. While I was walking, I passed by classrooms that appeared typical, equipped with whiteboards, desks, and windows—everything one would expect in a standard classroom. However, much like the corridors, the classrooms were pristine and meticulously organized, exuding a sense of calm. 

The hall itself even carried the fragrance of flowers and nature, as if I were outside, and enjoying nature.

After some time, I encountered one of the bridges connecting the different campuses. This indoor bridge featured expansive windows and even a sunroof instead of a sealing, this made it possible for sunlight to flood in from all angles, making it light up without lights. The bridge was approximately twenty meters long and situated one story above ground level, this was an uncommon architectural feature for a school. 

The primary reason for schools not choosing this architectural choice lies in the cost. Installing an indoor bridge of this design is an exceptionally expensive endeavor. When considering the numerous bridges within this school, the overall expenditure is almost unimaginable. Additionally, the expansive windows, which themselves require a significant financial outlay, add to the substantial costs, not to mention the inclusion of an infinity sunroof.

This level of investment serves as a testament to the substantial resources the government has allocated to this institution. It reflects their commitment to ensuring that their investment yields a fruitful outcome. The sophisticated architecture and luxurious amenities underscore the extent to which the government is willing to go to provide an exceptional educational environment, emphasizing their dedication to the success of their investment and the well-being of their students. 

Upon exiting the building, I was struck by a larger structure that housed cafeterias, bars, libraries, and more. While I could not explore nor see all these amenities in person, a sign with a map and brief descriptions provided me with a comprehensive overview of the campus facilities.

Upon reading the sign, I located the hall designated for the ceremony. The room was resemblant to a theater, with tiered seating rising towards the back and a large stage featuring a white screen for projecting images on. Even though a few people were already seated, I arrived at the perfect time—not too early, and not too late. 

Navigating down a few stairs along the side of the hall, I opted for a seat in one of the top rows to not be seated too close but also be quite high up, to gain a broader field of view compared to those seated below. I selected seat 15:19, likely named according to its placement within the hall. I chose this particular seat because it was the second last in the row; naturally, people tend to avoid sitting next to someone unless necessary, therefore no one would sit beside me, at least on my left side. Even so, the hall comprised twenty-two rows with thirty seats each, which made a total of 600 seats. With approximately around 120 students enrolling, a quick calculation indicated that about one-fifth of the seats would be occupied, allowing for an average interval of four empty seats between occupants. This ensured I would not have to sit rigidly beside a stranger.

As I patiently waited, more students trickled into the room, similar to ants walking to their anthill. Many of them were engrossed in their phones, playing games, or chatting with friends. Without the luxury of such distractions, I found myself simply waiting. My preferred preference for solitude left me feeling somewhat lonely and uncomfortable. But in the midst of my self-depression, the entrance door suddenly closed, and the lighting softened, creating a more inviting atmosphere that reminded me of the autumn's brown-yellow colors. Amidst the students' confusion and bewilderment, I noticed that a single person had taken the stage, and was now patiently waiting

With a sudden clap, the lighting intensified and turned colder, nearly blinding me with the stark contrast from the previous soft and comfortable illumination. As the brightness filled the room, all eyes slowly were drawn to the person standing on the stage. 

"Welcome everyone, to the most prestigious high school you will ever enroll in. I am the vice student council president, and I will be providing a brief overview of the school and the rules you need to follow," announced the neatly dressed boy at the front of the stage. His calm demeanor was impressive, especially considering the large audience he faced. In his place, I would have crumbled under the pressure.

He began, "To start things off, this school is divided into seven campuses, connected by bridges. Each campus, or house, has unique features that set them apart. For example, the building you passed through to reach this hall is where all the classrooms are located." 

He continued to elaborate on the distinctive characteristics of each house, detailing their specific functions and amenities. After covering some less critical information like where to find water and information about different club activities, his tone suddenly shifted to a more serious note.

"As you may already be aware, this school operates quite differently from traditional educational institutions, this is primarily due to its unique hierarchical structure. The hierarchy here is fundamentally based on a point system, where the points serve as a form of currency within the school. Your standing and privileges are directly correlated to the number of points you can accumulate or earn. These points are not only a measurement of your status but also a medium through which you can purchase various items and services within the school. To facilitate your transition, each new student is initially awarded 1,000 points which you can do whatever with. 

Apparently, that was how this school differed from ordinary educational education, a system like this allowed countless loopholes that can be exploited to one's heart's content, but this was perhaps what the school strived for, in hopes that people would show who they really were, exploring what humans are capable of, to push boundaries.

This distinct system sets our school apart and introduces a range of opportunities and challenges. The framework is designed to allow numerous strategies and approaches that previously were unknown, some of which can exploit potential loopholes in our own system. This might seem like a flaw, but it is an intentional feature of our system. This school aims to encourage students to demonstrate their true nature as well as their capabilities, thereby exploring the full spectrum of human potential.

Earning additional points is a crucial aspect of thriving here and to climb the social ladder. Throughout your time at the school, you will encounter various tests and challenges specifically designed to provide opportunities to gain or lose points through the exploitation of the rules. This dynamic environment demands strategic thinking and adaptability. As you can imagine, everything in this system is ripe for exploitation, and indeed, the school encourages a degree of cunning and deceit as part of your learning process. This is reflective of the competitive nature we wish to instill in you, preparing you for real-world scenarios where resourcefulness is key to survival.

However, it is important to note that there are measures in place to maintain balance and fairness. For instance, attending classes requires a payment fee of twenty points, ensuring that students remain engaged and contribute to the academic community. This rule is just one of several designed to challenge you and ensure that the environment remains rigorous and equitable. The rest of the rules are something you will have to discover."

"We understand that this system may initially cause confusion and concern, as evidenced by the reaction you people gathered here today have. Nonetheless, it is essential to embrace this structure as it is integral to the educational philosophy of our institution. We believe it cultivates resilience, innovation, and a deeper understanding of both individual and collective human behavior."

Following this explanation, the entire hall fell into a profound silence, as if reflecting the gravity of the situation. Breaking the indefinite silence, a single student's question resonated through the room, capturing everyone's attention: "What happens if you run out of points?"

His response came with measured seriousness: "If you find yourself without points, you will be unable to attend classes, due to the entrance fee, thereby missing the opportunity to learn and progress. This situation leads to what we term 'exile,' meaning as the exile you are effectively barred from continuing your education within the school until you find a way to make money again."

"In the event that you cannot find a way to earn points within a week, you will face expulsion from the institution. The rationale behind this one-week grace period is to allow you to devise innovative solutions and strategies to earn points and avoid expulsion. As I said before, this system is designed not only to challenge you but also to encourage creativity, resourcefulness, and resilience, if you can not match the standards that this school has set—you can not continue here.

This revised version conveys the information previously said in a clearer manner, emphasizing the seriousness of the point system and the consequences of running out of points while also highlighting the underlying educational philosophy. In short, if we can't make money we will be expelled, and our facilitation of 1000 coins would only last fifty lessons, which is about two weeks of classes. Within that time period, we have to make money or find a stable source of income, if not, our expulsion would be imminent.

The environment at this school seems to compel students to do whatever it takes to accumulate points, including betraying their classmates and friends. This dynamic fosters a pervasive atmosphere of mistrust, regardless of any apparent camaraderie and trust that might exist. The underlying cause of this distrust is the constant pressure of earning points and to everly climb the hierarchal ladder, the ever-present threat of expulsion is also an underlying cause for this fear. If the competition were structured as classes battling classes, students might find solidarity and support within their groups, rather than feeling forced to fend for themselves.

Superficially, the school appears to promote individualism and self-reliance, but this approach can be self-destructive. True friendships and mutual trust offer significant advantages in this system, such as sharing points in times of need and forming alliances during exams. However, achieving this ideal is challenging due to the pervasive lack of trust that inevitably would grow like a tumor in your brain. Even when students recognize the benefits of cooperation, the fear of betrayal can undermine their judgment, leading them to act preemptively against their allies in fear of the betrail they themself might face.

Surviving in this school without allies will be extremely difficult, so it is imperative to quickly identify and build trust with dependable individuals. But even I have to come up with a way to ally myself with others without them betraying my trust, after all, it is impossible to determine the underlying nature of a person by gauging them once. "How annoying"

" Now that you have gained a better understanding of our esteemed institution, I sincerely wish you all success in your academic journey here. In recognition of your good fortune in being admitted and in anticipation of your forthcoming perseverance, the Student Council President has arranged an opportunity for you to earn additional points to support your expenses at the school, and to make your life here easier."

"If you don't mind, please check your phones, you should have received a message from the school, about a little test, and the transfer of either one thousand points, five thousand points, or none. 

On this test one-fourth of the students in this hall have been awarded a bonus of one thousand points, while one individual, referred to as "Lucky," has received a special bonus of five thousand points. It is imperative for those who received these points to keep this information confidential. If the details about your points leak, the awarded points that were given to you in this exam will be deducted.

For those who did not receive any points, your objective is to identify the recipients of the points and provide me with concrete evidence of their identity. The same applies to identifying "Lucky." Once you present valid evidence, you will be exempted from further participation in this exercise. At the end of the test, any points you have earned will be transferred to your primary account, accessible through the card provided in your envelopes. That was all, now try to hide and seek."

This unexpected opportunity to acquire points is exciting, but it also presents a significant challenge. It seems the school is already attempting to create divisions among us. This test is particularly precarious, as many have likely realized that your current points will only suffice for about two weeks, assuming no additional expenses. An increase of one thousand points could be transformative for us in the short term. They phrase and emphasize that it is a detrimental increase of points, however, in the grand scheme of things, such an amount may be trivial, in half a year one thousand points will most likely be pocket change.

This examination appears to have an underlying layer of complexity and manipulation that is not immediately apparent. It is likely filled with hidden loopholes and strategies yet to be uncovered. Despite these challenges, I intend to participate and try to earn points, but I have yet to decide through what methods.

Upon checking my phone, I realized that I had not been awarded any points, which I found quite disheartening. Looking around, I noticed that everyone had dimmed their phone screens or concealed their devices. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds—I thought while opening my letter.