How long has it been? Two weeks? Three? It was hard to count. But now is not the time to count the days I've been studying in this sick school.
And no, not the 'cool' type of sick, I meant the 'mentally ill' type of sick.
Anyway, here I am, being dragged to the principal's office like a prisoner being put to prison. Cameras on every corner, microphones and speakers hiding in plain sight.
"You could've reported it to us, and you wouldn't be in trouble." Angel scowled at me.
"You always ignored my texts," I replied, a chuckle leaving my lips.
"We're classmates for heaven's sake." She sighed heavily as she watched me being roughly taken to the office. Why the hell is the office three floors above? Dang it.
Now you might be wondering: Josh, why are you in trouble? Are you one of those bad boys I read about in comics?
No, I'm not one of the 'bad boys', I'm a good boy, I promise you. And my actions will give positive results. Let's go back in time, yeah?
_~Three Weeks Before~_
After what felt like an eternity, the trees finally parted, revealing Ludus Academy.
It looked nothing like a school; it resembled a high-tech research facility hidden away in the middle of nowhere. Sleek buildings with reflective glass windows stretched across the landscape, seamlessly blending into the natural surroundings. A massive gate stood at the entrance, adorned with carved spirals surrounding the letters: Ludus.
Beyond it, perfectly manicured lawns and towering structures loomed over us.
"Damn," Meljasher murmured, pressing his face against the window. "This place is insane."
"It's too quiet," I replied, half-expecting the trees to begin whispering secrets.
As we approached the massive, sleek campus, Bernard's expression turned serious. His eyes darted around as if he were piecing together some dark thought. "Imagine if," Bernard started, his voice low and almost conspiratorial, "We're out here to disappear. What if this school is just a front for a twisted experiment? They could kill us and bury us in these woods—no one would ever find out. It's the perfect setup, with no one around to ask questions. What if they're just waiting to make us vanish—no trace, just... gone?"
Kurt, Meljasher, and Jared exchanged glances with each other before laughing it off.
"Dude, why would they do that? We're star students! We're here to learn… Well, it could be that they might be training us so they can use us in the future…" Meljasher muttered, his knuckles on his chin as Kurt nodded and caressed his small beard.
I sighed before pulling out my phone, I'm pretty sure one of their journalists released a website introducing the Academy, that's how our school got the idea of transferring us here.
Ludus Academy, the Training Ground for Young Geniuses.
Genuises huh, ironic. Wait until you become friends with us.
This isn't just an academy—it's a training ground for future innovators, leaders, and thinkers. Are your students disengaged from traditional learning methods? Do they excel in one subject but struggle in another? Ludus Academy is designed to meet them where they are and elevate them to where they need to be.
At Ludus Academy, we integrate advanced technology into every classroom. Students no longer need to carry heavy books or notebooks—each learner is provided with a personal gadget equipped with everything they need to succeed. With our digital learning tools, education becomes more interactive, efficient, and tailored to individual needs.
We go beyond the standard curriculum. Our academy offers unique, passion-driven clubs that encourage creativity, collaboration, and real-world application. Whether your student dreams of robotics, creative writing, digital arts, or entrepreneurship, we provide the space and mentorship to explore those passions.
At Ludus Academy, we don't just teach—we lead. Join us in redefining what education can be.
"That is pretty convincing." Bernard commented as he read the website next to me.
Finally, the bus came to a stop. As the students slowly exited the buses, Josh watched as their president- Jianna- shook hands with a senior who was a few inches taller than her.
"Jianna A. Mendoza." She smiled as their hands parted.
"Dan S. Villanueva. Nice to meet you. It's great to see new faces, I'll be your tour guy since I'm one of the greatest students here." He said with a smug grin, making Jianna smile in concern.
"Sure." She chuckled.
While the others and I prepared our bags out of the bus we were on, other seniors made their way outside, with their name tags, I could easily read their names.
Fred, Blanche, Jazzie, Siam.
"Weird names." Bernard muttered as he held his black bag, he seemed almost cautious of them as they approached a few students from the other section.
"We're meeting students from other schools too? That's pretty awesome. I can't wait to talk to them" Jared smiled proudly as he carried his and Bernard's bag, standing next to me.
"Where's Meljasher and Kurt?" I asked.
"Right there, already making friends with that senior. Dan, I think." Bernard pointed at the three boys next to a bus.
"Alright, everyone! Let's head to Dorm Building No. 3. Follow me!" Jianna announced as my classmates started moving, following where she was headed to.
The school's structure is established with the bustling energy of students settling into their classrooms.
The first floor is dedicated to the faculty offices, where the teachers prepare for the day's lessons.
The second floor is filled with the chatter and energy of the juniors, while the seniors occupy the third floor, their classrooms quieter but still charged with the anticipation of the day ahead.
The upper floors house the library and various clubrooms, places where students can escape the structured day and immerse themselves in their personal passions or extracurriculars.
Infront of the dorm buildings was the track and field, fifteen feet away on the left of the dorm buildings was the gym, in front of the gym was the main building, with the left side being the track and field, the right side is the garden, the farthest among the four.
I wonder if they have wifi.