CH.1 Ronan Academy

As the sun's rays poured in through the classroom window, casting a warm glow on the boy's face, Alen found himself lost in his thoughts. Sitting at the back of the class, he stared longingly at the sunny sky outside, his hand propping up his cheek as fatigue threatened to overwhelm him. A yawn escaped his lips, causing a few tears to well up in his eyes.

Despite the teacher diligently imparting knowledge at the front of the room, Alen's mind seemed to wander elsewhere. His short, black, and curly hair shimmered under the sunlight as he momentarily removed his glasses to wipe away a stray tear. The battle against sleep was becoming increasingly difficult for him. To Alen, the classroom felt like a hindrance, stifling his imagination and curiosity. While he faithfully attended school every day, he found the entire experience dreadfully boring.

Ronan Academy, renowned for its unique and mischievous students, was far from an ordinary institution. It catered to those who possessed a different perspective on learning, individuals who didn't conform to the traditional approach of algebra or memorizing historical dates. Although the public often perceived the school as a gathering of society's misfits, the teachers at Ronan Academy saw it differently.

The students' disinterest in conventional subjects stemmed not from a hatred of education, but rather from a lack of relevance. Given the opportunity, each student at Ronan Academy excelled in their own chosen field. The school provided a wide array of activities such as sports, cooking, singing, and even combat training. The diverse facilities within the school grounds were extensive, making Ronan Academy resemble a small city. In just a few short years, the school had risen to prominence, producing exceptional students with talents that extended far beyond the confines of textbooks. Ronan Academy had become a haven for geniuses and misfits alike, individuals whose unique natures set them apart from the rest of society.

This prestigious institution refused entry to students lacking a sense of self, those who failed to stand out from the crowd. Whether it was unwavering courage or an unsettling hatred toward humanity, Ronan Academy embraced and nurtured these distinctive qualities. Now hailed as one of the top three schools worldwide, the accolades held little interest for Alen. He believed himself to be devoid of talent, hindered by poor eyesight that left him unfit for sports, and a mediocre student barely scraping by each semester.

As discomfort gnawed at his groin, Alen suddenly realized the pressing need to relieve himself. His thoughts raced as he glanced over at the teacher—Adam, a bold middle-aged man with a protruding belly and trousers that appeared on the verge of splitting in two. Adam, the math teacher infamous for his cruelty and harsh treatment of students, harbored a deep dislike for Alen, his perceived loudmouth and smart-aleck demeanor.

Alen hesitated, desperately attempting to contain the mounting pressure. With each passing second, his crossed legs grew tighter, afraid that even the tiniest movement could lead to a disastrous accident. Finally, unable to hold back any longer, Alen shot up from his chair, his voice echoing through the room, capturing the attention of his peers.

"Sir, may I please use the restroom!" Alen shouted, his plea resounding with urgency.

Regret immediately washed over him as he realized the outburst may have drawn more attention than intended. "Crap, why didn't I just say it softly?" Alen silently berated himself.

Adam, unyielding in his strict and disdainful approach, sternly refused Alen's request without even sparing him a glance. Known for his punishments and resentment toward students, Adam had no qualms about cursing, shaming, harassing, and even resorting to physical aggression. Among the girls, his presence elicited nothing but seething hatred. As he walked through the halls, they would suck their teeth and glare at him with malice.

This started after his inhuman treatment of a female student who had failed to complete some assignments during the holiday, he had doused her in water and stripped her to her underwear before forcing her to stand in the cold for an entire day.

Although complaints were filed, the teacher didn't receive any punishment as he was well within the school's rules and principles, the most famous one of these principles is " We strive to build individuality and bring out the best in everyone" Meaning, the school would also grade students on their reactions to various injustice, scenarios.

The school had a reputation for going to extreme lengths, even creating dangerous situations to test the students' adaptability and skill set. However, the current scenario felt more like an abuse of power, one person using their authority to bully another.

"Sir, I really don't want my uniform to get ruined," Alen said, his voice softer this time.

"The uniform is the pride and joy of Ronan Academy. Are you suggesting that you're okay with me destroying something that represents the school's pride?" Alen's tone shifted dramatically as he pulled out his phone to record the teacher.

The uniform at Ronan Academy was designed to reflect the spirit of the school and embody its uniqueness. Vibrant shades of red and black were incorporated for both genders, symbolizing strength, passion, and individuality. It perfectly aligned with the academy's emphasis on embracing one's distinct nature. Here's a description of the unique uniform for students:

For boys: The boys' uniform consisted of a collared, button-up shirt in a deep shade of red. Black accents adorned the trimmed sleeves, adding sophistication. Paired with tailored black trousers or dark red pants, the ensemble exuded style and polish. Completing the look was a sleek black blazer with a red lining, displaying the Ronan Academy crest on the breast pocket. And as a final touch, a red tie featuring the school emblem was worn with pride.

For girls: The girls' uniform combined elegance and boldness. A fitted, knee-length dress showcased contrasting red and black patterns. Intricate black detailing adorned the bodice, while the flared skirt gracefully incorporated both colors in a unique and eye-catching design. A black belt with a red emblem cinched the waist beautifully. Girls complemented the ensemble with black knee-high socks or stockings and black Mary Jane shoes with red accents.

"Be careful with your answer. Social media has made the spread of information easier," Alen warned, his voice laced with caution.

Adam, frustrated, grabbed the chalk and snapped it in two. "Leave, and don't bother coming back," he said, turning around to resume his lesson.

Alen put away his phone and walked out of the classroom, a smile forming on his face at the thought of not having to return. "I can go take a nap on the roof," he thought to himself. But first, he had something else to take care of.

After a quick visit to the bathroom, Alen found himself standing in front of the mirror, lost in his thoughts. Although his body went through the motions of washing his hands, his mind was elsewhere. He stared intensely at his reflection, sighing before finally leaving the washroom.

As he walked through the halls of the academy, Alen admired the view from the outside, taking in the different facilities, the lush greenery, and the grand appearance of the school itself. However, something felt off today. Normally, there would be a few students on the fields, but Alen noticed an unusually high number of people walking around.

"Was there an event I didn't know about?" Alen adjusted his glasses, trying to get a better view. Suddenly, his heart dropped, and his eyes widened in shock. But before he could process what he saw, a piercing beeping sound echoed throughout the school. It was the broadcast system used for delivering news.

"Emergency announcement: All students are to stay in class with their teachers, lock the doors, and try not to—" The announcement abruptly cut off, replaced by a bone-chilling scream that echoed through the halls.

Silence engulfed the school as everyone listened to the sound of flesh tearing and someone screaming in agony. scream that reverberated through the halls, filled with pain and terror. The school fell silent, the air thick with anticipation, before descending into sheer chaos.