Echoes of Teyvat: A Senior's Awakening

Chapter 1: The Start of Another Year

The promotional video plays on the giant screen in front of me as I sit in the assembly hall, half paying attention. It's the same every year—shiny footage of the campus, paired with the usual overly cheerful narration.

"Welcome to Teyvat High School, a premier international educational institution."

The voice rings through the room, almost too bright for the early morning. The camera glides over the school's sprawling grounds, drenched in the golden light of sunrise. I walk those paths every day, but on the screen, they look like something out of a dream—perfect and flawless, untouched by the daily grind.

The video shifts to the Elementary School. Little kids run around, their laughter echoing through the bright courtyard. Inside, the classrooms are colorful, with wide-eyed students eager to learn. The narrator's voice chimes in again, almost singing the praises of the early education programs.

"Our Elementary School offers a bright and welcoming space for young learners..."

I glance to the side, catching a glimpse of my youngest sister, 14-year-old Valea, a few rows down, her eyes glued to the screen. Even though she's out of elementary school now, she still loves this part. Maybe it reminds her of easier days—when life was just playtime and simple lessons. For me, it's a reminder of how fast things change.

The video shifts again, now focusing on the High School. My world. The camera moves through the familiar hallways—rows of lockers, buzzing with students hurrying to their next class. Science labs filled with experiments I've done a dozen times, and the music studio where some of my siblings spend hours perfecting their craft. The drama center flashes by too, showing students rehearsing for their next big production. I've never stepped foot in there—not really my scene.

"Our High School provides an environment where students can thrive academically and personally..."

Thrive. The word feels heavy, like it's supposed to mean something important, but here, it's just a vague idea. What does thriving even mean for someone like me? Is it about surviving another year without falling apart? Or is it finding some sense of normalcy in the chaos?

The scene changes again, this time showing the College section of the campus. Older students sit in lecture halls, scribbling notes, some working in high-tech labs on projects that seem way too complicated for me to even think about right now.

"For those pursuing higher education, Teyvat College offers cutting-edge facilities designed to inspire deep academic exploration..."

College feels like a distant reality, even though I'm supposed to be thinking about it. Senior year means that decision is looming over me, but right now, it's just background noise. I focus on the video instead, watching as the screen showcases the school's library next. Lisa, the librarian, appears briefly, helping a student find a book.

"Our library, managed by expert librarian Lisa, is the heart of our academic support system..."

I've spent more time in the library than I'd like to admit. It's quiet there—no one bothers you if you don't want to be bothered. The rows of books feel like a different world, one that's safer, easier to manage. Maybe that's why I go there.

The next part of the video shows the Drama Theater. Furina de Fontaine, the drama teacher, stands on stage, gesturing dramatically as she directs students through their rehearsal. The lights, the costumes, the passion—it's all a bit overwhelming to me, but for some people, it's everything.

"Our Drama Theater, led by the creative and dynamic Furina de Fontaine, provides a space for students to explore their artistic talents..."

I can't imagine being on that stage, in front of everyone. Too many eyes. Too many expectations. The idea of standing up there, being seen, feels suffocating.