Kaisei High: Not So Ordinary School [EDITING]

KH 18

Ashley

"Dad naman!" I exclaimed, frustrated.

"Why? Ang tagal mo gumising eh. Napag-usapan na natin 'to," Dad replied, chuckling.

"Ang daya mo!" I grumbled as he headed for the door.

"Gano'n talaga!" He laughed as he walked out, leaving me huffing in exasperation. Of course, he had left without me. I woke up late, and he was already dressed and halfway out the door before I could even protest.

I dragged myself to my suitcase, haphazardly packing what I thought I might need in the immortal world. Clothes, books, some shoes, and a few random items that could come in handy. I threw in my toiletries as well, making sure not to forget the silver necklace Dad said my real mother had left for me. It was supposed to be some kind of protective charm, not that I was sure how it worked, but wearing it seemed like a good idea.

After a quick shower, I flagged down a taxi to take me to Haryvden Park, where Dad told me the portal was hidden. The traffic was intense, cars barely moving, just creeping forward inch by inch. I checked my watch: 10:16 AM. I was so late.

"Manong, dito na lang po ako," I said, deciding that walking would be faster than sitting in traffic. I paid the fare and stepped out, immediately feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of people milling about. Haryvden Park was huge, bustling with life. Kids ran around playing, joggers weaved through the crowds, and vendors called out to passersby, trying to sell their goods. How was I supposed to find the portal in all this?

I wandered aimlessly for a while, looking for anything out of the ordinary, until I stumbled upon a small, quiet corner of the park. There were fewer people here, just a flower garden surrounded by trees. One particular flower stood out, glowing faintly with an ethereal violet light that seemed to pulse as if alive. I remembered Dad's instructions from the night before.

"You can find the portal in Haryvden Park. If you notice something strange, approach it and close your eyes. Then, say your full name," he had said.

I took a deep breath and walked closer to the flower. As instructed, I closed my eyes and softly spoke, "Ashley Grey."

Suddenly, a surge of energy enveloped me. It felt as if the world was spinning, making me grab my head as my senses struggled to keep up. Then, as quickly as it started, the sensation stopped. I opened my eyes to find myself standing in front of towering stone walls, with a massive bronze gate looming ahead. Two guards appeared, seemingly out of nowhere.

"Name?" one of them asked.

"A-Ashley Grey," I stammered, wondering if it was necessary to keep repeating my name just to get around this place.

The guard gave a small, respectful bow. "Welcome, my lady. Please come in."

I walked through the gates, my curiosity piqued as I entered the realm of immortals. The world inside the walls was vibrant and alive, kids playing in the streets, merchants happily selling their wares, and families sitting together in parks. Everything felt peaceful, with an atmosphere of calm and contentment.

Further ahead, I saw another gate, smaller than the first but made of gold. At the top, an inscription read "Kaisei High." The gate creaked open as I approached, revealing a woman who appeared to be in her mid-30s, standing at the entrance.

"Ms. Ashley Grey, please proceed to the cafeteria," she instructed, pointing toward a glass door to the left.

The way she knew my name without even asking was unsettling, and the eerie quietness around the area didn't help. I approached the door and stepped inside, where a large crowd gathered around an enormous table. The moment I entered, I noticed that I was the last one to arrive.