Equilibrium

First Encounter

An average high school student.

That’s all I am.

At least that’s what I keep repeating to everyone and myself.

Yet here I am, in front of Hope’s Peak Academy, about to go inside. I can’t believe I’m standing here. I don’t know if someone like me can survive in a school like this…

I was only admitted because I was chosen through a lottery and granted the title of Ultimate Lucky Student; it’s not even a real talent, but thanks to chance it got me a ticket to the best school ever. I almost decided not to come, but if I manage to graduate from here I’m set for life… so why not at least try?

Naegi Makoto tightly grasps the acceptance letter in his hand and steps towards the doors leading inside. He enters the main hall, heart racing. The letter had stated to wait here for an orientation meeting of sorts, but there’s no one here…

The confused teen raises a finger to his cheek and scratches it in confusion.

“How can I be the only one here..?” He mutters to himself as he looks around trying to find some sort of explanation and spots a clock on the wall. “Ah, 7:10 am?! I’m 50 minutes early… I guess my nervousness is to blame.”

With all the extra time available it would be wise to get a closer look at the school, he is a student after all, Naegi can’t imagine anyone being upset with him for doing so.

He limits his gazing to the first floor, going any further could end up with him getting lost and calling out for help before the school day has even started! How embarrassing that would be…

As Naegi looks around the building’s interior he spots a hallway leading to some dorms. Walking inside he finds multiple doors with miniature pictures of each Ultimate, signaling to the students whose room is who’s. Which reminds him…

“Oh! Maizono-san will be here soon as well!” He sighs in relief while holding up a hand to his chest. Maizono Sayaka was a student who had gone to the same middle school as him; admittedly they hadn’t talked much, but it’s better than having no one. “I know one person at least, I’m not completely alone. I can’t wait to see her…”

Before Naegi can continue that thought he is interrupted by a sudden loud ring which echoes across the entire building, causing him to jump.

Why was that ring so loud?!

An answer is given within seconds as he sees students pour into the building. It’s time.

“The meet!! I completely forgot!”

The boy rushes to the main hall, desperately moving his legs as fast as he can, maneuvering his way through all the students before him.

His first day is off to a great start.

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There are several things Naegi learned after the orientation meeting.

One, is that his classmates look and are extremely cool, how can he ever compare to them? They all got scouted by Hope's Peak personally, while all he got was a letter.