{LEGACIES AND COLLATERALS}

“Hi again everyone. It's me,
you know, Santiago. Otherwise known as San. I know I've apologized before, but I've decided to do it again.

So...

PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR RUINING YOUR READING EXPERIENCE WITH MY CHILDISHNESS!

Alright! Now that that's out of the way. Let's continue from were we Left of! The part about the Hostel Masters.”

—Now hold up just one minute. I'm here as well you know! And I'm still a part of this! So, don't, ignore me!

“Right, I won't.

So, as I was saying before. There are only two Hostel Masters. These individuals have been handpicked by the higher-ups specifically. No one knows, how, and where it all happens. There's also been some speculations that the same Hostel Masters have been running the show for a quite a bit. Rumor has it, they live in the dome, at the very top of the building. But I personally don't know how true this is. Cause I've never even seen them before.”

—If they're the same one's. When were they picked out? During kindergarten? Omg. The thought of it.

“That's actually funny to think about. I don't wanna doubt it. Anyway, their job is to act as the Final boss. House reps usually report to them incase of any inconvenience affecting the lives of the students. Or, if they're in need of any special assistance.”

—So basically they're jobless till someone rings for them.

“Dude, there's exactly twenty Dorm houses! With that, there's bound to be some issues. Even if it's Minor. An example of that would be If some kind of flu outbreak were to occur. The Hostel Masters can be informed, and from there, take whatever mandatory action is needed, just to prevent an epidemic.”

—Awww, and here I was believing the school had power over flu season.

“Yeah, well you should know that these guys? Have the power to discipline any student being seen as a nuisance.”

—Oh, Well isn't that surpri...
Not it wasn't! But what kind offense would warranty punishment?

“Simple, receiving ten major complaints from a House rep.”

—Wait, what if there's a student the House rep doesn't like. That's one way to get rid of em. Hehehehehe.

“Nah, I'm sure the reps would have to write an epistle explaining why the person received all the complaints. So doing it cuz of spite? Is ultimately verboten. That could put em at a major loss as well. Same could happen if the reps overlooks the misconduct of said student and don't give in the report. So it's a fifty-fifty deal, really.”

—My God, Author-sama really thought this through. Damn. That's too much thinking to go into a terrible ass book!

“Why do you even say stuff like that?”

—Cuz it's my job!

“I...I honestly don't even know what else to tell you, so can I just continue?”

—By all means.

“Thanks. So-o-o-o, punishment for Dorm house misconduct is automatic eviction.”

—The hell? They can be kicked out?

“Mhmmm.*Nods* And When that happens, the student is sent to a secluded floor. To live on their own. Usually, some people want this, so do everything in their power to get the penalty. Seeing this was their response though, the Hostel Masters put in an extra punishment. By depriving students some basic necessities.”

—Like what? Food?

“I honestly don't know. I don't even think I want to know. Cause no one ever hears about them anymore. So I can only assume the place they're being put is really bad.”

—Lol. I can imagine them not having any electricity. Or even a bed.

“Meh, if that were the case, they can still get futons. Cuz the school has got a trading sanctuary.”

—Oh. Right. I Forgot that even existed. And I'm guessing the sanctuary is were Astrid was talking about. The pawn shop.

“Yeah. That's it. It's really popular amongst some students.”

—You mean those who squandered their funds?

“Hehehe, exactly! Although other Dorm houses can actually buy another student into theirs. With the right amount that is. This is because, if a Dorm house depletes beyond five living members. The house reps are immediately stripped of their title.”

—Lemme guess, they're also evicted?

“I don't think so. They may just be replaced. But other students don't know the reps actually get paid by the school for their service. And some Houses who have below the required number of students usually gain saving grace from a new term. Freshman's will ultimately save their dorm reps ass.”

—Well isn't that something.

“At the end of the month. Any Dorm house who sends in only good reports, receives a nice bonus and extra merit. Which in turn increases their value on the social stratus.”

—Social stratus huh? I see. So the founder's vision is at play here.

“Mmmhmm. And with enough merit points, said reps are eligible to work as a higher authority in the school government. Where they too can experience what it means to have power. Or something like that. The best part is, once it's been put in record that student has done such government work. Even if they were at the lowest rank? The founder will grant sponsorship through whatever it is they want to accomplish in life. This practice has brought about some young powerful leaders in current years. Now you see why this school is; 'Beyond the lines of the sky.' But it's only valid for those who come out as the top three. (Dorm house) So usually without any one knowing each dorm is competing to be tagged as the BEST! The most exciting part about any of this is the fact that any one can enroll. Be you prince or pauper. Now let's get to the next part. School wise.”

—Hurray I guess?

“Now, in this school, to ensure you pass a class, you must do well on your three 'core subjects', attaining at least 75% as your overall grade total. A 100% being the highest. You also have to have a merit points of 500 to 1000 merits.

Core subjects: These consists of your one favorite subject, the one most important subject to the course you might want to study at the university, and any subject pertaining to your talent.

The courses offered in this school are immense. And since regular school days are structured just like how it is in the university. You only go to class when any of your core subjects are being held that day. Of course, you're free to choose the amount of subjects you want to take. As much as you can handle. However, most students focus on just their three subjects and use their free time to get jobs. Since there are lots of commercial buildings, students who have low merit, or bad grades, usually get little to nothing as an allowance from school authority. So, they take jobs to survive.”

—Especially if they live alone.

“Yeah that's right. Not everyone has to live in the hostel. If a student wants to live alone then they can pay the hostel masters a small fee. Basically, they sell their spots to those who want it. Afterwards they receive a 'certificate of freedom', which can be used to obtain an apartment. Depending on the amount you give, some people can purchase a whole house. So, most times, it's the teachers and extremely valued students, who have the privilege to have a house to themselves. In simpler terms, if you've got the money and power? Then luxury is secure.”

—So It's basically just...regular life, except they have to study for exams? Da hell?

“Mmmhmmm. But it's not bad honestly. Anyway, before I get sidetracked again, let's talk about skycross; Life wise.”

•×∆\LIFE WISE/∆ו

“In truth. The whole 'school country' thing was done by Mr. Kouske as a social experiment. Humans are the most confusing creatures in the world. And undoubtedly the most intelligent. But, they are full of flaws. The democracy was achieved because the six most important aspects of creating a state were achieved! Other than infrastructure built by the founders. Every rule and law was created by students, from the past till date. This was to find out wether teenagers were capable enough to handle such an immense responsibility. This is definitely not a place for slackers.”

—I'm guessing even the delinquents have a little something upstairs.

“You'd be right there. In here, if your sole purpose was to while away your life? Then newsflash, you've got another thing coming! Any student who fails to improve their grade and merit status, sadly remain at the bottom. Eventually, once a student has been deemed 'worthless'. It doesn't matter where they go. That result will remain with them for the rest of their lives. It doesn't even matter what school you go to, or the country, you will never be accepted. As it would be noted that you have no value to add to society.

Therefore, You have no future. Cocky ass students who came from other schools believing they were the best usually get a rude awakening. This place is meant only for the best. Your past accolades and achievements don't mean squat here. You've got to be both bark and bite.

There's no two ways about. And that about sums up skycross rules!”

—Ugh, finally!

*******

“Wow that's a lot.” Nara remarked. At first, she was all excited and overjoyed to be here. But now? everything seemed beyond scary.

“Don't worry Nara. I've been here long enough to show you the ropes.” Jacinth said reassuringly, trying to comfort Nara.

“What was your merit for your last class?” Mizuki suddenly inquired. Not so much as curious, but rather, just to get Jacinth to talk about herself. Basically, Mizuki was trying to figure everyone out, before getting too close to any of them. At least to those she didn't already know. ”

—If only Nara took the time to do the same, rather than just follow anyone blindly.

“Here, I'll show you. It's on the app.” Jacinth pulled out her phone. “This phone honestly comes with a whole lotta perks, for instance, each app was designed for this mobile. We've got our 'curriculum app'. Where you can look up what  time table looks like for the semester. It's also where you choose what courses you'll be offering. Core subjects included. Since it's still the first term though, you're going to have to wait till second term before you'll be able to pick your big three.”

—Is this some kind of subtle anime reference? Huh, Author-sama?!

“Anyway, this is our chat app, 'hiya'. Oooh, Incase you don't know, our school mascot is a white dove. Just wanted to tell you before I forget.”

—That's not even important! Nobody cares!!!

*Massaging temples*...

...This novel is gonna be the death of me. Why the heck did I take this job again?

*Questioning life choices*...

...Screw it, let's see this through to the end. So, Jacinth continued explaining what the apps on their sky phones were for...

“And this is one is 'Merrito'. Once you received a merit, it pops up on this app. It basically helps you keeps track of the amount of merit points you have. If you wanna check the date when you received a point you just have to check the history bar here. Oh, and it also stores the info on who gave you a merit.”

“Hold up!” Chisa-kun interrupted, scratching his head. “I thought it would probably be our teachers who would give us merits. You know, like, if we were in class for good behavior?”

Jacinth took note of his confusion and chuckled. “Um, so merits can actually be received through various means. You can even purchase it on the dark web, but that's illegal.”

Nara couldn't hold back a chuckle. She just couldn't believe what she was hearing. “Illegal? What? Are we going to be arrested or something?

Jacinth shrugged. “No, we don't...Oh wait, we do have a detainment building where you're sent off into solitary confinement in a room field with correctional books and absolute silence.”

—I freaking called it didn't I?! I literally said this school has to be some kind of secret detainment facility! And look what happens! Y'all need to listen to me from now on.

“You wouldn't be able to leave even if you had class or a job so yeah basically prison. Or...would it be better to call it extreme detention?”

—Why does that sound way worse for some reason?

“The charge for buying merit, is a deduction, probably around half of what you originally had, and a week in that place, so don't go thinking it would be easy to escape punishment. I've listened to a lot of my old classmates who happened to go there as they shared their experiences. And trust me, that is not the kind of place you want to go. So if you want to get merit points legally, you can do so by being exceptional. Like getting the highest score in class. That may prompt your teacher to give you some points.

Oh, you do community service! The school authority might merit you on that one. But it isn't a guarantee. If you've got a job, and you showcase good work ethic your boss could give you points. Even people could pay for stuff using merit points. Authorities like the class rep, dorm rep, school prefects, regular seniors and even value Juniors, can merit you. But there's a limit though, because if you want to merit someone, it's automatically deducted from your own points. So it's safe to say it wouldn't be easy to receive high amounts in one go, do you understand?”

Chisa-kun nodded. “Yeah, I do. Thanks so much, it really means a lot.”

“It's no problem. Technically we're all friends now, since we'll be living together from now on.”

Nara smiled, before nodding happily in agreement. “Yeah!!!” she pumped a fist up excitedly and everyone responded with smiles of their own. Till a shrewd voice startled the group.

—Finally, some drama! I'm the one narrating yet I feel like I'm melting from lack of action! Author-sama you need to work on your pacing! >~<

“You're forgetting something crucial.”

—Oh?

As if on cue everyone turned back,  only to be left surprised, the dorm rep was standing behind, he'd dropped his newspaper.

Nara, Mizuki, Chisa-kun and Ayame gasped in shock upon seeing him. None of them could hold back their disbelief. “Senpai Aizawa!?” They collectively exclaimed. However, his face remained emotionless, he was neither moved to joy over the fact that his junior's were here, nor was he riled up by their shock. Taking confident steps forward he spoke to everyone. “You forgot to inform them about the 'Stratus charts'.”  He said, directly addressing Jacinth.

“For someone with a loud mouth, one would expect you would've at least covered everything. Alas, there isn't much to be expected from an idiot like you.” He arrogantly stepped past her. His tone and demeanor wickedly condescending.

Ha-neul was about to burst out in rage, when Jacinth cautioned him, by placing her palm on his shoulder. He looked up at her, the expression on her face gave it all away. She was fine. She wouldn't be moved by Aizawa’s words.

“Anyway, I'm going to cut to the chase.” He began walking up to Nara, staring intensely at her. She seemed to be his main concern. The girl grew livid, subconsciously shuddering at his gaze, the back of her legs wobbled involuntarily.

Aizawa Isamu, the best second year student, in her former Junior High at the time. Based off their teacher's description of him, he was a smart, disciplined, a poise and diligent young man, most likely to succeed. To Nara, he was all that plus her mentor, and oldest Crush. 

*Dramatic le gasp*...

...So is he the guy she was talking about in page one?!?! Arrgh, I've gotta know...

So...

Back then, if he walked up to her in the manner he was doing now, he would do so with a large grin on his face, even though he only did that to ensure she kept helping faithfully.

*Unable to understand*...

...Da hell?!? Was she his servant? Surely Nara isn't that stupid right?

Looking back at it, Nara mostly spent her days working her butt off for him, he obviously knew she liked him, so he exploited that and manipulated her, or perhaps due to her blinded affection, she allowed him to.

—Oh, nope, she is. She really is.

"Oh dear ground, swallow me now! I can't believe he's here!" She thought, screaming within herself as he came closer before she unintentionally started blurting out words due to being nervous.

—I'm not even sure how to feel about her situation. Is she at fault? Is she not at fault? I'm just gonna leave this one for y'all to judge.

“S-senpai, w-wow, it...it's great to see you, so you're our dorm rep now...?”

“Akimitsu Nara.” He called her name authoritatively, practically towering over here. The way he was shadowing her made her gulp subconsciously.

“You are...collateral. Therefore, that means...” He grinned sadistically. “You're nothing more than a lousy slave in the dorm!”

*Exaggerated le gasp*...

...WHAT IS GOING ON?!!

*Enjoying the drama while eating popcorn*...

...What does he mean by that?

Nara was stunned, her wobbly legs glued stiff, such that she couldn't even feel the ends of her toes. It felt like her blood stopped flowing. Her face grew pale. All she could hear was the rapid speed at which her heart was pounding, as if it was threatening to pop out her chest. Confusion had overcome her, mixed with fear of what might be.

“C-collateral?”