Academy of Death

The Assembly

I trailed behind Lanzo, my mind racing with thoughts. The girl in the picture was only a small part of what this academy was hiding behind its closed doors. I was certain that they had more secrets.

Lanzo escorted me to the library. As soon as we stepped inside, the towering bookshelves drew my attention. This fascinating enormous room contained a wide range of books that I had never seen before.

"How do you feel about this place?" Lanzo spoke to me in a normal tone.

"It's incredible." I took a look at the books on the shelves. As a voracious reader, it was the best place to quench my thirst for good books.

My time in the library had been consumed by the books in my hands. I didn't realize we'd been in the room for an hour until Lanzo informed me.

"You can go to the library as often as you want later, but let's get back to the hall; the assembly starts in ten minutes."

We rushed into the hall where the assembly was about to begin. The gathering served as Intelligentsia's welcome ceremony.

The hall was enormous, with a podium on stage and a large screen mounted on the wall near the dais.

The intelligentsia had gathered in the room and taken the seat provided by the committee. Intelligentsia's name was written on each seat.

A group of Academics stood silently on the left and right sides of the stage, joining the assembly solemnly.

I sat in the first row, next to Lanzo. That boy sitting next to me was a complete coincidence. But he remained silent during the assembly's opening.

The procession was led by the MC. After greeting everyone and reading the event's rundown, that red short-haired young lady allowed the head of the academy to deliver a speech on stage.

"It is such an honor to have you in our academy," the academy's head began his speech. "This academy was created for those who want to expand their knowledge, improve their skills, and expand their network." Not only do we give you more opportunities, but we also help you with your career after you graduate from this academy," he paused. His gaze darted around the room, catching every student's expression. "On this occasion, I'd like to personally congratulate you on reaching this stage." It is not easy to gain admission to this academy. You must compete against thousands of other candidates from all over the world. And when you do, it is a huge accomplishment for you. Only those who meet our criteria and standards are permitted to sit in the hall in front of me at this time." He paused for a moment before continuing.

"And now, Ms. Vermont, I'd like to introduce you to the president of the school foundation." He turned to face the young woman, who wore a striking red long blazer and had blond hair and blue eyes. Her crimson red lips smiled broadly at everyone in the room as she bowed her head.

"She is the only child and heir to the late president. And she is here to greet you all," thank you Ms. Veramon," the academy's director said, and she responded with a sweet smile. "I hope you enjoy studying at this academy and having the best school experience possible. If you have any questions or need assistance with academic matters, the academics are always available." He climbed down to his seat after receiving applause from the audience.

The MC resumed her position on stage. She announced the next schedule. It was time for Ms. Veramont to speak up.

That tall, slim woman strode confidently onto the stage. She was in her late thirties, but he appeared to be a 20-year-old girl, far too young for her.

She took the microphone from the MC and faced the intelligentsia in front of her. Her lips moved and a few words came out.

"Good morning, future generations of the Haut Academy. I'm here on behalf of the school foundation to welcome you to this event and the academy. Please take advantage of your opportunities. Thank you very much."

That was all she could say before walking down the aisle. We clapped our hands after a few seconds to show our appreciation for her late applause.

"Doesn't she have anything else to say?" A girl with ebony hair next to me whispered to her friend.

"I suppose she doesn't like to talk much." Her pal responded.

"Could I please have your attention?" As the audience began babbling, the MC drew our attention. We all returned our attention to her, who was now closing the meeting.

Ms. Veramon and her secretary exited the hall. Everyone's attention was drawn to where she went. Her bodyguard had been waiting outside, protecting her as she walked to her car. People can see her sliding into the car thanks to the large door.

It was no surprise that she hired a bodyguard to protect her; she was one of the most important people who helped keep the Academy running. The Academy of Haut provided free education to the intelligentsia. That is why students from all over the world have come to study here.

Lanzo just kept his mouth shut during the ceremony; he wasn't even interested in the event. He dashed out of the hall as soon as the meeting was adjourned by the MC.

Crowds of people filed out of the room, and I was one of them, having to patiently wait in line to exit the building.

"Ouch..." groaned a girl behind her as my body moved forward. She tripped and fell. That surprised me. I peered over my shoulder. The girl behind me was arguing with a boy who had knocked her down. "Can you be cautious? We're all in a hurry."

"Ups...sorry...I thought you weren't there because you're too short for a girl," remarked the boy with red hair. That girl wasn't too short; she was about my height, just an inch or two shorter.

"What? Dare you...?"

"Can you guys move? You're impeding our progress!" Another teen in the back objected. That girl hissed and then ceased arguing.

"Are you all right?" She inquired, and I simply replied with a slight bow that I was fine. "Good. We apologize for the inconvenience. This is what happens when we have to deal with someone who is self-centered."

"Don't worry." I cut her off before the boy overheard our conversation and started fighting again.

"You are?"

"My name is Dylanesa, and I am a new intelligentsia."

"Sorry, I mistook you for one of the seniors. By the way, my name is Marin."

"Do  I look older?"

"No, I just ran into a senior who looked exactly like you." Her words startled me, so I swiveled. I just saw the girl in the picture who looked like me, and her confession reminded me of another fact. "It's as if she and you are similar. I'm curious if she's your sister."

"I'm not related to anyone." I had to look at myself to see what she looked like.

We were no longer engaged in conversation because we needed to get to the lounge for the welcoming lunch.

I was more interested in the girl Marin mentioned. How many of the girls in this academy resembled me? And why was that?