NSE Dorm

The aroma wafting from the kitchen signaled dinner was ready, and it wasn't long before Zero and his father found themselves seated at the dining table, a sumptuous spread laid out before them. The main dish was a roasted rosemary chicken, its golden-brown skin glistening under the soft lighting of the dining room, accompanied by a medley of roasted vegetables, sprinkled with fresh herbs and light seasoning. Alongside, there was a fresh green salad with crunchy croutons, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette dressing. For drink, a jug of refreshing lemon iced tea took center stage.

As Zero reached for the salad, he smiled at his mother, "This looks delightful, Mother. It feels good to have home-cooked food after eating cafeteria meals for so long."

His mother laughed, "I bet. The academy might teach you many things, but I doubt culinary arts is one of them."

His father chimed in, "That's true. When I was at the academy, the food was—let's just say—less than stellar. Things haven't changed much, have they?"

Zero chuckled, "Not in the slightest. But that's what makes coming home even more special."

Dinner proceeded with light chatter about their days, discussions about the upcoming arrival in the family, and the memories they'd unearthed from the storage room.

As the meal came to an end, Zero excused himself to freshen up. The warmth of the shower relaxed his muscles, washing away the fatigue of the day. Dressed in fresh clothes, he approached his parents in the living room.

"Father, Mother, I should head back to the academy," Zero announced, the reluctant tone evident in his voice.

His father, ever the protective figure, quickly responded, "I can drive you there."

Zero smiled, appreciating the gesture. "Thank you, Father, but I have something to take care of before returning to the academy. It's best I handle it alone." Internally, he didn't want to trouble his father further after the day's exertions.

His mother nodded understandingly, "Alright, Zero. Just promise us you'll be safe."

Zero smiled, hugging his parents. "Always."

Stepping out into the evening breeze, Zero dialed for a taxi. Within minutes, he was on his way to the NSE Academy. As the city lights zoomed past him, his thoughts returned to the academy's dormitory. The structure was imposing, a blend of contemporary design and functionality. It was a five-story building, with each floor dedicated to students based on their year of study. The exterior was adorned with vertical gardens and LED lighting, which illuminated the building in a soft, enchanting glow.

As the taxi pulled up in front of the NSE Academy dorm, The twilight sky was painted in hues of purples and oranges as the taxi pulled up to the NSE Academy dormitory. Zero paid the fare, stepped out of the vehicle, and took a moment to gaze upon the towering structure that was his new abode. With its sleek modern design, vertical gardens, and LED illumination, the building stood as a testament to the NSE Academy's commitment to providing its students with nothing but the best.

Upon entering the main lobby, Zero was greeted by the hum of activity. The first floor, with its spacious design and state-of-the-art facilities, was a haven for social interactions. To his left, a glass-walled gymnasium showcased students actively engaged in their physical routines. The pulsating beats of workout music, mixed with the rhythmic pounding of treadmills, set an energetic backdrop.

On his right, he noticed a sizable gathering room where students laughed, chatted, and discussed their projects. Floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the room to be bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, casting a warm glow on everyone inside. The gentle hum of conversation was punctuated by occasional bursts of laughter, indicating a joke shared or an amusing story recounted.

Continuing further, Zero came across an arcade section, where students unwound by competing in games, the screens flashing vibrant colors while playful chimes and beeps filled the air. Every corner of this floor, it seemed, was meticulously designed to foster camaraderie and relaxation.

Navigating his way past the arcades, Zero approached the central elevator. The elevator's design was an engineering marvel in itself: a clear, glass compartment, giving occupants a view of the building's inner architecture and the bustling activity of students below. As he waited, he couldn't help but overhear students speaking about the newly adjusted rankings. Whispers about the top rankers, particularly those lucky enough to have access to the exclusive fifth floor, were rife.

As the elevator doors slid open, Zero stepped in and pressed the button labeled "5". The elevator responded with a smooth ascent, quickly passing the second, third, and fourth floors, each signifying a different echelon of the academy's hierarchy.

Exiting the elevator, the fifth-floor corridor presented a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere below. Here, tranquility reigned. The hallway was spacious, adorned with elegant artwork and lush potted plants. A soft, plush carpet ran the length of the corridor, muffling footsteps and enhancing the floor's serene ambiance.

his mind began to churn with thoughts of the building's unique tiered arrangement. 'The NSE Academy has always been about hierarchy, just as it was in my past life,' Zero thought. 'Your rank isn't just a number; it defines your lifestyle here.'

Staring up at the building's exterior, he reflected on the distribution of students across the floors. 'The top floor, the pinnacle of student achievement, houses those who've attained ranks 1 to 3 from each class. Twelve in total,' he mused. That was his current standing. In his mind's eye, he could envision the spacious rooms, the large windows, and the unparalleled views that this elite group enjoyed. 'A reward for hard work and brilliance, just as it should be.'

As he recalled, the fourth floor housed the next tier. 'Ranks 4 to 10 from each class are accommodated there,' Zero pondered. 'Twenty-eight individuals, all of whom are close to reaching the peak, yet still have that extra step to climb. Their rooms, while not as luxurious as the fifth floor, still offer comforts that many can only dream of.'

Descending the hierarchy in his mind, Zero shifted his thoughts to the third floor. 'Housing those ranked between 11 to 20, it's a floor brimming with potential. They're the individuals who are on the cusp, pushing their boundaries, and often making significant leaps in rank with each assessment. Their ambition is palpable.'

The second floor, however, had a more mixed vibe for Zero. 'Rank 21 to 40. A blend of mid-tier students. Some are content at their current standing, while others are fiercely vying to move up.' He pondered over the times he had interacted with students from this floor, noticing the determination in many of their eyes.

But the first floor was where the real hustle and bustle was. It wasn't just about rankings. 'The gym, the utilities, the gathering spaces,' Zero reflected. 'And those arcade rooms, filled with laughter and the light-hearted competitiveness that gaming brings. It's the lifeblood of the academy.' He remembered his initial days, spending hours there, mingling, and understanding the dynamics of the academy.

His train of thought shifted to the NSE points, a currency of respect and capability in the academy. 'Even the rooms here have a price,' he mused. 'But it's not just about money. It's about merit. Those NSE points, earned through dedication and prowess, are the key to unlocking the best the academy has to offer.'

His gaze drifted to the elevator. 'An exclusive ride, not just a means of transport,' Zero thought. 'One doesn't simply step onto it. One earns the right. And unless you're invited by someone from the upper echelons, that door remains closed.' He felt a twinge of pride, knowing that he had earned his place among the elite.

Lost in these reflections, Zero barely noticed that he had reached his room, 507. Standing before the door, he took a deep breath, ready to embrace the journey ahead.

The top rankers, twelve in all, had their names displayed next to their respective doors. Zero's eyes searched for his room, and they soon found it: 507. Taking a deep breath, he unlocked the door and stepped inside.

Zero's room was nothing short of palatial. Spanning a generous space, it was designed with luxury and functionality in mind. The room boasted floor-to-ceiling windows that provided a panoramic view of the city's skyline. An opulent king-sized bed, complete with plush pillows and silken sheets, beckoned invitingly. Adjacent to it was a state-of-the-art study area, fitted with multiple screens, ergonomic chairs, and organized shelving.

On the other side of the room was a spacious lounge area, complete with a modern sectional sofa, a coffee table adorned with the latest tech magazines, and a large flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. The room's aesthetics, from the lighting fixtures to the choice of drapery, reflected a minimalist yet upscale design.

To the left, a sliding door revealed a lavish en-suite bathroom. It boasted a Jacuzzi tub, a walk-in shower with multiple jets, and a vanity counter that gleamed under soft lighting. Premium toiletries, neatly arranged, spoke of the academy's attention to detail.

Walking over to the window, Zero took a moment to soak in the view. The city lights twinkled like a blanket of stars, their brilliance juxtaposed against the darkening sky. This room, he realized, was not just a space – it was a reward, a testament to his hard work and dedication.

With a sense of contentment, Zero unpacked his belongings. As he set up his workspace, he pondered on the journey ahead. 'Back then I was on the the third floor ranked 20th. That room was nothing compared to this' Zero murmured. As Zero cleaned himself up, and finished unpacking his stuff, He went to make himself a cup of tea then suddenly heard a knock on his door.