Nate followed Professor Mary toward Hall H. Fortunately, they arrived just in time, as the Headmaster had only just stepped onto the center of the grand stage.
Even before entering, Nate could hear the excitement of the students inside.
"Whoa!"
"Did you see that?"
"This place is enormous!"
The hall buzzed with gasps and amazement as the first-year students admired its incredible size and the magnificent murals covering the walls.
"Come on, this way," Professor Mary said, leading Nate inside.
Because of his late arrival, only a single seat remained in the highest row of the hall. Nate quickly took the seat while Professor Mary sat beside him on his right.
A few moments later, the Headmaster raised his hand.
Instantly, every light in the hall turned off.
Darkness swallowed the enormous chamber.
Only a single spotlight remained, illuminating the Headmaster standing at the center of the stage.
"Welcome," he said, his cheerful voice echoing throughout the hall.
The Headmaster was a tall man with a lean build, blond hair, and dark-brown eyes. Despite being the Headmaster of the School of Pearls, he carried himself with such energy and enthusiasm that many students often mistook him for one of their seniors.
"I greet every student gathered in this hall today. Congratulations on your acceptance into the School of Pearls."
He paused, allowing his words to settle.
"The first and most important thing I wish to remind you is this: education is the only treasure that can never be stolen. Wealth may vanish, power may fade, and possessions may be lost, but knowledge remains with you forever. Therefore, devote both your mind and body to your studies, and you shall excel in life."
An orange screen appeared before him.
The Headmaster pressed several glowing buttons.
Immediately, a massive hologram materialized above the stage.
A collective gasp spread through the hall.
The hologram displayed the entire School of Pearls.
The floating academy appeared as a gigantic square suspended high above the world.
Two concentric square rings surrounded the campus.
At the four corners of the outer square stood four immense towers.
"These towers," explained the Headmaster, "form the primary security network of the school."
The hologram zoomed inward.
"The inner square contains the Main Gate and the central transit routes used throughout the campus."
The students watched attentively.
Within the campus stood four enormous white structures positioned along the inner edges.
"These are the Training Grounds, where students will develop their practical skills."
The image shifted again.
At the center of the academy stood a massive inverted semi-circular building.
"This is the Grand Dormitory Complex, which houses both students and professors."
Surrounding the dormitory were four additional buildings.
"These are your Academic Halls. Each building contains twelve floors dedicated to different fields of study."
The hologram continued rotating.
Parks, gardens, cafés, recreation centers, sports facilities, and entertainment districts appeared across the campus.
"The School of Pearls was designed not only for education," the Headmaster continued, "but also to ensure that students do not lose the joys of life while pursuing knowledge."
Many students nodded in approval.
The Headmaster then moved to another topic.
"Due to concerns from parents regarding the size of the school, every student will receive an identification badge. Your badge will display your academic grade, course enrollment, and residential assignment."
Another screen appeared beside him.
"However, there are several important rules that all first-year students must follow."
The atmosphere immediately became more serious.
"Rule One: First-year students are strictly forbidden from crossing beyond the Inner Square without authorization."
Nate immediately raised an eyebrow.
"Rule Two: Students must carry their identification badge at all times."
Another screen appeared.
"And finally, the most important rule."
The Headmaster's expression became noticeably stern.
"No student is permitted to enter the basement levels beneath the dormitory complex."
The hall became silent.
"That area is extremely dangerous for first-year students. Under no circumstances are you to enter it."
Nate noticed Professor Mary quietly crossing her arms beside him.
The warning seemed very serious.
The Headmaster returned to his cheerful smile.
"Those are the rules."
The tension in the hall instantly disappeared.
"Classes for first-year students will officially begin on Monday."
A wave of excitement spread among the students.
"Tomorrow, all first-year students will be sent home. You will have one day to gather your belongings and prepare for your new academic journey."
He gestured toward the hologram.
"Your books, uniforms, course materials, and dormitory arrangements will be prepared before your return."
The Headmaster spread his arms.
"Enjoy your time with your families."
The hologram vanished.
"And return the day after tomorrow ready to begin your lives as students of the School of Pearls."
A smile appeared on his face.
"Thank you, everyone."
The hall erupted into applause.
As the students cheered, Nate leaned back in his seat.
"So..." he whispered.
Professor Mary glanced at him.
"Yes?"
Nate grinned.
"Did he say we're going home tomorrow?"
Professor Mary's eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Yes."
Nate's grin widened.
For some reason, that expression worried her far more than anything the Headmaster had said about the basement.
Here's the continuation with the "recognized as the son of the Space Men" part removed:
They exited Hall H together.
Outside, the evening sky glowed with shades of gold and orange.
Thousands of students filled the pathways of the School of Pearls. Some were exploring the campus for the first time, while others stood in groups discussing the orientation.
Nate paused for a moment.
For the first time since arriving, he took a proper look at the academy.
The four great towers shone beneath the evening light.
Hoverboards raced through the designated aerial routes high above the campus.
Floating gardens drifted lazily between buildings.
Students laughed and talked as they made their way toward cafés, parks, dormitories, and recreation centers.
For a brief moment, Nate simply stood there and watched.
The school felt alive.
It was nothing like he had imagined.
Earlier, he had compared it to a prison.
Now...
Maybe not a prison.
Maybe a very large prison with good food.
"Professor Mary?"
"Yes?"
"When do they serve dinner?"
Miss Mary looked at him.
"Out of everything you saw today, that's what you're thinking about?"
"It is a very important matter."
She sighed.
"The dining hall serves dinner until eight o'clock."
Nate's eyes lit up.
"Excellent."
The professor immediately regretted telling him.
They continued walking through the campus.
Students passed by them in every direction.
Some were discussing the entrance tests.
Others were talking about the courses they wished to pursue.
Nate listened for a while before speaking again.
"Professor?"
"Hm?"
"Do students actually enjoy studying here?"
Miss Mary smiled.
"Most do."
"Really?"
"Really."
"Voluntarily?"
"Yes."
Nate stared at her as if she had just revealed the existence of a new species.
"That's terrifying."
Miss Mary laughed.
"Perhaps you'll understand someday."
"I doubt it."
The professor simply shook her head.
Soon they reached a crossroads.
One path led toward the dormitories.
Another led toward the gardens.
The third led toward the central dining hall.
Nate's eyes immediately locked onto the third path.
Miss Mary noticed.
"Nate."
"Yes?"
"Don't."
"I haven't done anything."
"You were thinking about going back to the dining hall."
"..."
"You were."
"...Maybe."
"Nate."
"Professor?"
"The orientation is over. Go rest."
Nate looked toward the dining hall one last time.
Then toward Miss Mary.
Then back toward the dining hall.
Finally, with the expression of a hero making a great sacrifice, he turned toward the dormitories.
"Fine."
Miss Mary nodded approvingly.
"Good."
The two walked away beneath the golden evening sky, while the School of Pearls continued to buzz with excitement around them.
Tomorrow, the first-years would return home.
The day after that, their true journey as students would begin.