School Gate

The bridge started to descend close to the ocean's surface. It was then a whole artificial island appeared in front of us. We went further inside this ocean town filled with buildings for accommodations and recreational activities. Parks, apartments, supermarkets, it had almost everything.

It was a regular town but built on the ocean. That was what made it special and remarkable. Not many people were outside since it was still about 8:00 AM. Either they had gone to their workplace or were asleep.

Minutes later, iron bars that operated as fences appeared when we turned left. Bushes that extended along with the fences were planted underneath. The layered bricks wrapped around the side to fortify the bar and be used as a place for the plants.

Finally, after a rather tiring trip, we reached the bus stop that stood right in front of the school gate. Then became chaos when everyone on the bus started to hurriedly pick up their bags to exit the vehicle.

Saki similarly was so excited to the point of hyperactivity, "Let's go, Hiryu-kun! What are you waiting for?"

"We are at the back. Let the others exit first or it would cause more chaos."

"Fine," Saki dejectedly plop herself down on the seat.

After some waiting, the only ones left were us and two girls I exchanged looks with earlier. Sensing no movement from them, I signaled Saki to leave the vehicle. I got up and walked back a couple of steps to give way to her.

We got off the bus with a dumbfounded expression. In front were concrete stairs with iron handrails, leading up to a giant concrete gate. A banner was placed ahead of the pillar with the phrase: "Opening Ceremony." A brass plaque with the abbreviated variation of the school name engraved on the other pillar.

So far, it looked more grand than everything I had seen up to that point, except for the shipping hub in the post office.

"So…We will stay here from now on, right?" Saki asked in disbelief.

"Can't process it yet? I didn't expect this either."

"It's beyond my imagination! A town where all the necessities are available for you. I thought it would only be an abnormally massive campus that has a couple of buildings here and there."

"No wonder why this location is practically invisible on the internet. It's impossible for normal citizens to enter here."

"You think so?"

"You think that this place was built for ordinary residency? A well-protected, invisible, and vacant area on the ocean is unnecessary for that."

"Hmm, I guess you're right. I didn't catch sight of any normal person except for some sleazy guys in suits. Back home, we would see some elders waking up early for their morning exercises by now."

We let out small chuckles before focusing on the school gate again. We didn't want to waste our time, but looking from the outside in, it was worthwhile to appreciate the environment here.

"We have to hurry. The clock is going to reach 8 soon," I said.

"Don't worry! It's the first day of school, surely they will show some leniency. Besides, there are still people scattering at the gate," she pointed. "Look! They are still wandering around the bus stop!"

I looked around the vicinity of the bus stop and saw quite a few people, including two familiar faces. They were to my right, walking slowly towards the entrance. I wondered if they would be my future classmates.

We strode the concrete steps towards the school, and once we stepped in, there would be no return. The only thing that awaited was an uncertain future, bright or not.