ELYSIAN || enhypen.

Chapter 1

MONDAY, 12 January

"The National Evaluation Exams."

A tall, bony man glided across the classroom, carrying a wooden stick. He was twirling it in his hand as he stopped in front of a desk. The sun hammering through the glass windows on the side made the polished brass shine with a twinkle that caught in the eyes of the boy who sat directly in front of it.

"Tell me, Heeseung. What are they?"

Heeseung Lee, a senior with a delicate deer-like face and brain of practically a genius, already knew the answer. He had grown up waiting for the year he'd be able to participate in this event. He'd been researching it for years and years; learning every little thing there ever was about the NEE. "America's most prestigious educational examination- where from the most voted for school in each state, chooses a class to compete for them. It is a vigorous set of exams in the topics of Forgone History, Rural Literature, Fine Mathematics, Sciences and Modern Foreign Affairs. Each course in the Exams are professionally made to test the maximum capability of a student and make their brains work as hard as possible.

"In the first stage, almost 65% of all competitors are always eliminated due to the sheer difficulty of the Entrance Test, which contains a 100 question paper on micro-themes of each subject and a final 2 hour assessed practical sports task. Some have even said to make it through the initial level might be harder than actually winning. Only the classes that have a full house of students that pass, make it through to the History Level. If you manage to get through all five levels, you're into the penultimate show, which is a broadcasted winners take all quiz. The rules are simple, first 2 classes to 50 points qualify and make it to the Grand Showdown.

"A two-part level, involving a written and oral exam. The class with the highest joint-point numbers take the Sphene Cup home. Halcyon has a good reputation in the NEE, however we've never been able to win."

The older man, who till this point was standing in front of Heeseung's desk, watching him with a blank intensity, let out a sharp whistle. His eyebrows slightly down-turned, making fine lined crinkles etch across this forehead. "Hmm. Very interesting, Mr. Lee. Very interesting." He paused for a second, looking down at the floor as if in deep contemplation, before making a sharp 90 degree turn on his heels. The sole of his shoes echoed against the floor, banging like thunder against the sky. It rang in everyone's ears.

His back remained facing the class of 11AC when he reached the front desk. Mr. Hill stood like that for a passing second, before he slowly turned his head just enough so that the students had a clear view of his side profile and hawk gaze that was side-eyeing them. "So... what are they for?"

Everyone passed round looks. The question seemed nothing out of the ordinary, but no one ever really thought about it in the context of the Exams. Thomas Miller was the first to put his hand up. Inaya, on the desk next to him, nudged her partner Nicole.

"Wonder what he's gonna say." She mouthed in sarcastic excitement, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, Miller." Mr. Hill motioned for Thomas to make his point.

"I think," Thomas paused. " It's because old people have nothing better to do with their lives." The second half of his statement caused a few stifled laughs to emerge within the walls of the classroom. Thomas smiled to himself, feeling proud of the repercussions.

Mr. Hill was far from impressed but wasn't expecting any better. He had known Thomas Miller since he was a baby in nappies, being the best friend of the young boy's father for decades. "Now, Thomas. Let's save these opinionated views for outside the class, shall we?"

Thomas shrugged, smirking as he leaned back on his chair. "Just saying."

The principal ignored his statement, already looking at the next participant who hesitantly had put their hand up. "Miss. Sherman. Let's hear what you have to say."