Introvert

Chapter II

"Alright students, we know you don't want this to take too long, so we're just going to get started with the procedure." He says as every student takes a deep breath and holds the hands of the people next to them. They close their eyes as he begins to speak again.

"Now repeat after me. As introverts, we bring ourselves forward through intelligence. We resolve all our problems through knowledge, for we look to our own knowledge for sustenance. The only way to understand anything is through our own intellect.

We the Ingenium, work diligently when using our powers, engaging in the science and technology of our powers, and finding the history of our powers.

We the Fidelis, put our trust in one another, for vulnerability will prove that there is no need for the thought of doubt within our minds.

We the Pacem, unite as one community to bring peace to each other, which will help us to refrain from hostility and hatred when dealing with our own burdens.

We the Tristitia, stand as living proof that although we have all suffered through times of extreme melancholia, we can still be strong.

As introverts, we represent purity. We do not desire worldly fantasies. For it is not simply a misdemeanor, but a transgression to dwell on these things. We keep our speech, attire, and actions clean. For anybody who takes action in yearning for these fantasies will lead to conflict.

Together as one, we are strong. We unite to stand firm in a world full of ignorance. May peace keep dwelling upon us, and may no calamities come our way. With respect, we are introverts."

After he finishes speaking, everyone opens their eyes and lets go of each other's hands. Vincent smiles at the crowd before him, but once his eyes find Flor, the girl he never really saw as a daughter, his smile vanishes.

Half of the students are streaming out of the building, while the other half stays back to bid their families one last goodbye. Jeremiah's parents are on the verge of crying, Luna and her sister, Sol, are hugging their parents tightly, and of course Celeste's parents are brought to tears because of seeing their favorite daughter go. Flor keeps her promise and stays as far away from her family as possible, but that doesn't stop the tears from rolling down her cheeks. She feels a mixture of lighthearted and heavyhearted emotions.

It's supposed to be a beautiful sight, but knowing you could never have that, and knowing that every single time you tried, you got disregarded is such a strong feeling. What have I ever done?

But before she starts sobbing, she's brought back to reality when she feels a quick tug on her arm and gentle nudge on the back.

My surname is Dela Rosa.

6,000 students silently file into their buses.

It has never been Del Rosa.

***

They arrive at Pier 6, where the students transfer onto a boat that will take them to the island of Aequitas.

"Wow. I absolutely love ships." Flor grumbles as she looks around. "What even is there to do for the next thirty minutes?"

"Well, instead of just sitting around and doing nothing, do you two want to go look for some books or something?" Luna asks.

"Sure. Let's go." Jeremiah agrees, then nudges Flor to start walking.

The trio walk around for a few minutes, then find a mini library in one of the rooms.

"How convenient." Flor mumbles. Her eyes keep scanning the shelves, and they don't stop until she finds a novel entitled "Scurvy."

Ironic. Flor takes the book and looks over to where Luna and Jeremiah are sitting. She decides to join them and reads for a few minutes, but an intense headache stops her from going on.

"I knew this was a bad idea from the start. I always get seasick." Flor groans, putting the book down and leaning her head on Jeremiah's shoulder.

"What you're doing right now is making it worse, sweetheart." Luna says as she puts her book down and takes Flor's hand. "Come on, let's get you some water."

We're almost there. Just focus on the horizon.

***

"This is it..." Flor whispers as she looks around at all the huge white buildings scattered around the campus. She stops when she reaches the auditorium they were lead to.

All students fall quiet as a man walks up to the stage.

"Hello students, and welcome to Academia Sapiens. I am your principal, Rommel Enriquez." He addresses in a hoarse voice. "We assume your high schools have taught you all you need to make these years an exciting experience. Now, I know you all want to go to your classes and are eager to learn new material and acquire this new technology, but I just have to say a few words before you all go off. There are two main buildings to my left and to my right. There, you will receive your class orientation and schedule. Students from Tristitia and Ingenium go to the Musa Hall, and students from Pacem and Fidelis go to the Indoles Hall. You will also be able to choose your dorms today. The four dorm buildings are separated, of course, by which school you come from. You are allowed to have a roommate, but you are only allowed to room with the same gender."

A few little snickers seep from the crowd.

"We hope you enjoy your time here. It is your last few years of school, make it memorable! Also, before I finish, there is something I want all of you to know, listen carefully please. There is a forbidden area called Lot 50. There is a small building there, only about one story high. Every student, every instructor, and every staff member is never allowed to go in that building. That building was destroyed back then by a fire, and it was a building where students had conducted experiments in, which means that building is still contaminated by the chemicals that came from there. It is highly dangerous for any of you to be around that building, since the windows are also cracked, and fumes may still be going off, so I recommend all of you stay away from it. If you are caught in that area, you will be suspended and sent back to Serenitas, where your application as a member of society will be revoked. We also do not tolerate any chaotic actions here. That will also get you suspended. With that said, you all are dismissed. Good luck!"

Tristitia and Ingenium. Tristis and Geniums. The merciless unspoken rivalry.