...

...

...

"U-Ugh..."

Groaning, you slowly felt your eyes open up. However, your eyelids were heavy. Everything felt heavy. With blurry vision, you could make out that you were leaning on a wall.

Apollo: N-Ngh... W-Where am I...?

As your vision returns to normal, you see yourself in the corner of what seemed to be a classroom.

Apollo: A classroom? When did I get here...?

As you looked around the room, you notice some sort of pamphlet on a table. Wobbly, you made your way over to the pamphlet.

Apollo: An orientation? It looks... cheap. 

Reading the pamphlet, you spoke out what it said.

Apollo: "The next semester is about to start. Starting today, this school will be your world."

"My world? What does that mean?"

After reading the pamphlet, you looked around and noticed something odd.

Apollo: Huh? Are these... windows?

Walking over to the windows, with the support of tables, you touched the surface.

Apollo: This is... metal. Why is it metal? 

You then punched the window, which you felt a sting in your hand right after.

Apollo: Ow! Yep, it's metal! 

Shaking your hand off, you looked back at the metal windows.

Apollo: I can't see the outside... Maybe these aren't supposed to be windows? But in a normal classroom, these are supposedly windows. This is so confusing...

You then looked at the top of the class to see some sort of camera.

Apollo: Is this... a security camera? 

Walking up to it, you tried tapping the camera. However, a chill went up to your spine as soon as you tapped it.

Apollo: It feels... cursed. I should probably not tamper with school property. 

You then turned around to see a clock on the top of the wall.

Apollo: Hmm... The clock says it's 8 AM. Was it really an hour since then? Yikes...

You then used all 4 of these clues to piece what might've happened.

Apollo: Okay, so according to what I've seen, I must've passed out in the main hall. Then, someone carried me here. But why? It doesn't explain the metal windows, nor the pamphlet. It's like I'm inside a cell or something.

Thinking, you decided to let it go.

Apollo: I shouldn't think about this. I should prolly head out to the main hall. 

Stretching your legs and arms, you walked out of the classroom. As you head to the hallway, you noticed it has some sort of creepy aura.

Apollo: It's like straight out of a horror game... Is this what Hope's Peak really is? Am I actually in Hope's Peak? 

With these questions in mind, you walked away to the Main Hall. After minutes of arriving to dead ends, you eventually made it to the Hall.

Apollo: I'm here... I'm going to assume other students have arrived earlier than me. Welp, I need to make a good first impression.

Slicking up your hair, straightening your hoodie and trousers, and lacing up your shoes, you took a confident stance and walked in. As you walked inside the Main Hall, your assumption was almost correct, as you see all the students have compiled in the Main Hall.

Apollo: Damn, this does not feel like 12 students. Feels way more than 12. Maybe some of these students are the students I couldn't research on?

Digging into your pocket to grab your piece of paper, you were shocked to see that it was gone.

Apollo:: Huh!? Where'd it go?

???: HEY! NEW KID!

Apollo:: Huh?

Turning to the sea of students, you see the person who called you out.

???: We've been calling you for the past 30 seconds, and you've been ignoring us! How disrespectful.

Apollo: S-Sorry! I'm just... not in the right mind right now...

The other students look at each other, to which a girl in blue hair asks you.

???: You too, huh?

Apollo: U-Uh, what?

???: Things just get weirder and weirder...

Apollo: U-Umm...

The students look amongst each other again, to which a fat person speaks up.

???: So, he's one of us. Counting him, that's 15! It seems like a good cut-off point, but I wonder if this is everyone...

FIRST-PERSON POV

So, these are the Ultimate students picked by the school. Some of 'em don't seem like much at first glance, but as I took in their faces one by one, I could've sworn they radiated some sort of... aura.

Coughing my throat out, I started to introduce myself.

Apollo: So, how's it going ya'll? My name's Apollo Carter, good to meet you! Apologies for my tardiness, crazy stuff happened and then I guess I must've... fallen asleep.

A guy with crazy hair then speaks up.

???: Fell asleep? That's what happened to me!

A girl with a lolita type vibe then speaks up.

???: How odd...

Apollo: Wait, you all also fell asleep in a classroom as well?

The crazy-haired person then speaks up again.

???: Yea! I entered the main hall, and I just found myself asleep in a classroom!

Apollo: What!? Man... What the hell's going on?

And out of nowhere, I could've sworn I heard running footsteps. From behind the door, I saw a silhouette of a boy.

Apollo: Another student?

The boy then enters the Main Hall and looks around. And as soon as he makes eye contact with you, he gasps.

???: A-Apollo!?

Turning to the boy, you also gasped in shock.

Apollo: N-No way... Is that you, Makoto!?

Makoto: I... What is going on anymore...

???: Whoa hey, another new kid? Man, they come in like how a store declares a discount!

Makoto then looks around to see the Ultimate Students standing there.

Makoto: Huh? Then you guys are all...?

A girl with a timid bunny type vibe then speaks up.

???: Yeah... We're all new here. Today's supposed to be our first day of class. 

The fat guy then speaks up again.

???: So counting him, this makes 16. I'm sure this should be the last of 'em, but I'm not too sure...

Makoto looks around to see everyone's faces, and he seems to have the same reaction as me when I took in everyone's faces. He then speaks up.

Makoto: Um... how's it going. My name's Makoto Naegi. Sorry I'm late, a bunch of stuff happened, and then all of a sudden I was just... asleep.

Apollo: So... Same like me, huh?

Makoto: Eh? Apollo, you too?

Apollo: Not just me. It seems that all of us experienced the same thing.

I gesture to everyone, to which they nod and hum in agreement. The lolita girl then speaks up.

???: Things just keep getting curioser and curioser...

The fat guy then speaks up.

???: So strange... I declare beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is a strange situation indeed!

Makoto: Um... what are you talking about? I honestly have no idea what's going on right now.

Apollo: You and me both, buddy.

And suddenly, a guy with blood-red eyes speaks up.

???: Just a moment! There's something else we must address!

He points at the two of us and yells, to which I flinch from. 

???: Makoto and Apollo! Your tardiness is unacceptable! Surely you were aware the meeting was to start at 8 AM sharp!

Apollo: Hey, I said I was sorry!

???: Unforgiveable! To be late on your first day is unspeakable! I must report you, and you must accept your due punishment!

The vibe this person was giving out was like a student that would follow every rule in the list, no matter how absurd it is. Seems to be like a teacher's pet too, like he's some sort of an Ultimate Homeroom. I don't know why, but this person pissed me off.

Apollo: And report to whom, exactly?

???: Are you deaf or just plain stupid!? I told you, the teacher! 

"Yep, I hate this person. "

And luckily, a girl with pink hair came to my rescue.

???: What's your problem? It's not like they both *wanted* to be late. They didn't have any control over it.

Apollo: Thank you!

???: Erm, no problem...?

Then, a girl with brown hair, covered like a curled ponytail, spoke up.

???: Everyone just calm down! Listen, why don't we all go around and introduce ourselves to everyone?

Then, a boy wearing a jacket, also with the ugliest hair I've seen, speaks up.

???: The hell!? Now's no time for friggin introductions!

The lolita girl then speaks up.

???: Maybe, but it may be good at least find out who we all are before digging into the bigger problems here. I mean, how are we even supposed to talk to each other if we do not know each other's names?

The girl with the timid bunny vibe speaks up.

???: That's a good point...

And then, the girl with the most stunning blue eyes and hair speaks up.

???: Okay, so let's get introductions out of the way, then we can move on to whatever else. Sound good?

Apollo: Yep, sounds good. 

Even though I was as lost as a blind cat, but I do know that we all have to introduce to each other.  I may have researched on everyone before entering the school, but there's still some that have gone under the radar. It wouldn't hurt to know them personally too, so, I walked up to the nearest person and introduced myself.

Apollo: Hey.

The person I spoke to turned around and it turns out that it was the boy with blood-red eyes. Or, as I mentally nicknamed him, "The Teacher's Pet."

???: I'm Kiyotaka Ishimaru. I believe in bold simplicity! Let's work together on our educational crusade!

"Kiyotaka, eh? If I remember correctly, this was one of the few students I had no information on."

Getting curious, I decided to ask him more.

Apollo: So, what's your Ultimate Talent, Kiyotaka?

Kiyotaka: WHAT!? You don't know? How disappointing!

Tears explode from his eyes, to which you blankly sigh at.

Kiyotaka: Well, I'm the Ultimate Moral Compass! I respect rules above all else! And, I won top honors in my private school every year! 

That explains why I got no knowledge on him. Researching students in private schools are hard.

Apollo: Well, good for you, I guess.

Kiyotaka: I appreciate your praise! Haha!

Apollo: Y-Yea... Haha...

Kiyotaka: Anyway, you can call me Taka. You said your name is Apollo Carter, right?

Apollo: Yea, got a problem with it?

Kiyotaka: No problem at all! Your name is very unique! I haven't heard the name Carter or Apollo my whole life!

Apollo: Yea... I get that a lot...

Kiyotaka: Your parents are very creative! Be proud! And to keep that unique name from losing its value you must devote yourself every single day! Life is worth putting every ounce of effort into it! Right? Right!

I didn't even bother to answer. I just left him to monologue on his own as I went to the next person. The next person was a girl with long purple hair, and just by that, I already recognized her.

Apollo: Hey. 

???: H-Hello... N-Not that you'll remember my n-name anyway, but-

Apollo: You're Toko Fukawa, The Ultimate Writing Prodigy. It's good to meet you.

I let my hand out for a handshake, to my surprise, she jumps away from and shrieks.

Toko: Eek! Get your hand away from me, you pervert!

Apollo: U-Um, I didn't mean it that way...

Toko: S-Shut it, p-pervert! Y-You tried to g-g-grope me, didn't you!?

Apollo: Hell no! I only wanted a handshake! I wouldn't want to make a bad name of myself already!

Toko: A-Already? I-I knew it! Y-You're going to r-rape all the g-girls here o-once we all g-get to know each o-other later, a-aren't you!?

This... was what I did not expect from the Ultimate Writing Prodigy.

Apollo: N-No! (Sigh) Whatever. Let's just shake hands and get this over with.

I let out my hand again, to which Toko slowly and shakily take it.

Apollo: There. Not so hard, was it?

Toko: S-Shut up...

She looks away immediately, to which I shrug and sigh. Talk about a good first impression. 

Anyways, from what I know, she wrote a novel that launched and skyrocketed her literary career when she was just 10 years old. Then, about 2 years ago, she released a love story that was said to be her masterpiece. I was actually reading this book the other week, talk about timing. This book was named, "So Lingers The Ocean", which made such a big hit on women that Fishermen became number 1 on the "Hottest Men" poll. And despite her young age, she's won countless literary prizes and every book of hers are best sellers. 

"That explains her Title, what else would you call a young and a naturally talented writer?"

But, I kinda thought she'd be the lonely and lovey type of character, with her writing her masterpiece and all, but... I guess I was wrong. With a sigh, I walked up to her.

Apollo: Well, if it makes you feel any better, I loved your masterpiece. Read it the other week.

Toko: O-Oh... T-That book was s-so shit. I-I guess it makes s-sense for you to like it. T-The perfect match, r-really. A s-shit book with a s-shitty perverted human. I-It's so perfect!

Apollo: W-What!? That wasn't nice of you!

Toko: S-So? I d-don't care at all. G-Go die in a hole for a-all I care, you p-pig...

"Yikes. I did not expect that."

Apollo: ...

Toko: S-Stop staring at me l-like I'm a f-filthy creature! 

Apollo: I wasn't-

Toko: I-I know what you're t-thinking about! Y-You're thinking that s-someone a-as ugly as me and have s-such a foul mouth is so f-funny...! 

Apollo: I-

Toko: I-I know it's true! Y-You're still s-staring at me!

And so, I dramatically turned around to make her point.

Apollo: Well, apologies for that.

Toko: S-see! N-Now you're just feeling b-bad, s-so you're looking a-away.

"What does this woman want from me..."

Toko: W-Whatever, I don't r-really care anyway. I-I'm used to i-it...

"Yikes, talk about an inferiority complex..." 

I was expecting a polite conversation, this was the last thing I expected from a successful author. 

So, moving on to the next person, I really hoped that it wouldn't be as annoying like the last 2. And I had my hopes up for this one, because the next person I was going to introduce myself to, was the Ultimate Pop Sensation.

Apollo: Yo!

???: Hello! I'm Sayaka Maizono. I look forward to getting to know you!

Apollo: And I you.

Sayaka Maizono, the Ultimate Pop Sensation. 

I can't help but be mesmerized at the way she moves, the innocence on the way she talks, her pleasant scent... 

I may or may not have a crush on this girl already.

 Is this what people would call, "Love at first sight?" And I think she may have noticed this, because she was giggling at what I assumed is my red face.

Sayaka: Heehee, you're so cute when you're blushing, Apollo.

Apollo: E-Eh!? 

When I saw her name on the thread, I was really surprised. As the Ultimate Pop Sensation, she's in high demand to be shown on TV's or magazines. Seeing her here, as a normal student, it felt super out of place. She's in a pop group famous all across the country, and as a matter of fact, she's their lead singer.

 So seeing her here, it surprised the hell out of me.

Sayaka: Yea, I knew people would be surprised seeing me here of all places.

Apollo: What!? How did you know what I was thinking about? Did I accidentally say it aloud?

Sayaka: I'm psychic.

It took me a while to realize what she had just said, and when I processed it, I was ready to scream in shock.

Sayaka: Just kidding! I just have amazing intuition.

Apollo: Oh thank god! I wouldn't want anyone to know what I was thinking about.

"Shit... That was a horrible choice of words."

As soon as I said that, her doll-like face felt like it was gazing into my soul, trying to find out what I was thinking about.

Sayaka: Wait a minute... Have I seen you before?

Apollo: Erm, what? 

Sayaka: I dunno, you look familiar. I think we've talked before, haven't we? Yea, I'm sure of it.

"Me? Talking to her before? I doubt it." 

If we had talked before, I would be boasting this to my friends.

Apollo: Hmm, let me think...

But as I was in mid-thought, a voice shook me out.

Kiyotaka: Jeez, you guys! How long do you plan to waste our valuable time with this ridiculous back-and-forth!? 

And just like that, I was ready to punch Taka in the face. 

Sayaka: S-Sorry, I must've gotten carried away...

Kiyotaka: Self-introductions are for introducing yourself, not bumbling through a bunch of idle chit-chat!

Apollo: Hey, mind your own business, Mr. Honor Student! Must suck to be you that no one wants to talk to you!

Kiyotaka: What did you say!?

Clenching my fist, my anger was washed away at Sayaka's worried face.

Sayaka: Don't mind him, Apollo. Sorry, let's talk later.

Apollo: Y-Yea, let's talk later.

Grumbling at the missed opportunity, I walked over to the next person. He had orange hair shaped like a lion's mane, and already by his stature, I knew he was an athlete.

Apollo: Yo.

???: Yo! The name's Leon Kuwata. What's up?

I know who this person is. This is Leon Kuwata, the Ultimate Baseball Star. 

He plays for the national high school champs as their cleanup hitter, whatever that may be. I don't know much about baseball, but I do know that he's a real good pitcher. 

However, seeing his appearance here and now comparing to the images I've seen on the internet, this was a real shocker.

Apollo: Leon Kuwata, eh? You seem... different than the images I've seen on the internet.

Leon: Oh... Those images...

Apollo: I was expecting a baldy, but you got some sick ass hair, my guy!

Leon: Hehe, thanks! That's the reason I don't like baseball anymore, I hate having to follow the damn rules! I will no longer shave my head, nor dye it!

Apollo: So, I'm gonna assume that you had to shave your head as rules of baseball championships?

Leon: Yep.

Apollo: That stinks.

Leon: Hehe, we're on the same wavelength.

"Ya know, I think I like this guy. He's not annoying like Taka, doesn't have an inferiority complex like Toko, and is energetic. What can go wrong?" 

But, something bugged me when he said something earlier.

Apollo: Wait, you said you don't like baseball anymore?

Leon: Right, my bad. I *never* liked baseball.

Apollo: What!? But, you're so good at it!

Leon: Hmph, that's what they all said. I've never gone to a single practice before.

Apollo: Oh you're lying, alright.

Leon: I swear! 

Apollo: And you're your team's star player? Either the baseball league is hot garbage, or you're a natural-born prodigy. Like something from an anime!

Leon: Meh, I don't know anymore. But what I do know is that as soon as I was offered into this school, I quit baseball for good! I have my own dream for the future!

Apollo: Oho, and that is?

Leon: A musician! You feel me? I got that star-quality aura, right?

Apollo: Erm...

Leon: I'm gonna be a singer, so I need a songwriter and a guitarist, and we're all set and ready to roll!

Leon clenches his fist and pumps it to the air, and I could sense the fierceness and confidence in his voice.

Leon: This new version of me I'm chasing after my dream is like, super cool to the max!

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. A prodigy in baseball, chasing to become a singer in the future. 

But, I'll be a good friend and cheer him on, I guess.

Apollo: Well, it sounds weird to hear it, but I support your decision! 

Leon: Haha, thanks! Seems like we'll be good friends from here and out.

Apollo: Yep, looking forward to talking to you more.

And with a smile on my face, I walked over to the next person. I could see this person was the fat person that responded to my comments as I entered the Main Hall. So, with a smile, I introduced myself.

Apollo: Heyo!

???: Hello there. I... am Hifumi Yamada. But, if you want to call me by my nickname, "The Alpha and the Omega", I don't mind!

So, this is the Ultimate Fanfic Creator. I was really surprised to see that this massive unit was actually the Fanfic Creator. I expected someone... smaller in size, but all that matters is personality. 

Hifumi: By the way, how much do you know about the world of 2D art?

Apollo: Oho, lots! I'm a borderline weeb, and I'm not afraid to say it!

Hifumi: Ah, a fellow man of culture, eh? Do you read fanfiction as well?

Apollo: Of course! Who doesn't like to read someone's fantasies?

Hifumi: Ah! You really do understand me! 

"Hehe, this is off to a good start."

Hifumi: Ya know, I once sold 10,000 copies of one of my fan comics in a school festival. The event has passed into legend...

Apollo: Really? Wow, that's cool!

Hifumi: But, some of them didn't get it, of course, saying that I'd "tainted" the event. How stupid can you be!?

Apollo: 10/10 stupid, of course! No one understands the power of fanfiction!

Hifumi gasps and pumps his fists in the air.

Hifumi: You really do understand fanfiction! 

Apollo: Of course! I read fanfiction when I have spare time, but I don't have the balls to write. 

Hifumi: Ah, that's what all of us feel. All you have to do is just do it! There's no need to be shy about it.

Apollo: Yea, but I fear that people would criticize and make me a laughing stock.

Hifumi: Then use that criticism from those idiots as power! You see, I'm like "Van Gogh", unappreciated in my time. I am a soldier, serving night and day to destroy all mindless preconceptions about fan fiction.

I jokingly salute as Hifumi went on with his speech.

Hifumi: I'm sure if you were to observe my work, Mr. Carter, you would comprehend its greatness immediately.

Apollo: That depends on its genre though. Is it mature content? Is it action? Does it contain lemons? 

Hifumi: Oh, I have at least 7 genres in every fanfiction I make! Pick your poison, Mr. Carter.

Apollo: Then I'll be sure to check it out once we go home.

Hifumi: Perfect! My work is filled with deepest meaning, something I'm sure you understand too.

Apollo: Hell yeah, it's about embracing our deepest fantasies.

Hifumi: Yep, embracing our urges.

And with a chuckle, I waved goodbye at the Fanfic Creator to introduce myself to the other 11 students.

---------------

Chapter 2: The Beginning of the End (Part 2)

Literally working on it right after this chapter goes out, so it might be published today as well.