Zein's Point of View
In the few hours and subjects that passed, nothing unusual happened. It was like an ordinary day; there was no trouble, and the surroundings seemed peaceful.
"Good morning, class..." our newly arrived Physics teacher, Teacher Kath, greeted us. No one bothered to greet her back. I didn't even bother to open my mouth; it was boring.
"Before we start, I have a big announcement!" she said, grabbing my attention. There was a joy in her voice that I couldn't explain. She quickly caught everyone's attention. She was happy, but why was she like that? I didn't feel good. Am I just being paranoid again, or does she really have something important to say?
"It's been a long time since we last held this event, but now we're happy to announce that the acquaintance party is finally happening!"
A deafening silence reigned in the four corners of the room. Our teacher's wide smile widened even further. An acquaintance party. If this were just a normal school, everyone would have been screaming with excitement. But instead, it seemed like each of us was enveloped in a sense of dread. Is this even good news?
"Teacher Kath?" One of our classmates, Celine Samonte, stood up. I noticed that my classmates seemed close to each other but distant from us. "I don't think we should have any fun yet. Especially in recent weeks when there have been so many killings," she said in a respectful tone.
"I'm sorry to say this, but we can't do anything about it," Teacher Kath replied. "Madame Violet has already finalized the decision, and it will take place this coming Friday at Wide Space."
"You can do something about it because you have a position—"
"Enough, Celine. Okay, class, let's start." Celine could do nothing but sit down while the woman next to her patted her shoulder.
If there hasn't been an acquaintance party for a while, the reason it's happening again is probably because of us. Shit. I know they're up to something. I couldn't help but smile. They were probably right that the six of us were fools for coming here, but uncertainty doesn't scare us. If anything, it fuels us. Whatever they're planning, we'll prepare for it.
Finally, break time. Hell University only has one cafeteria, but it is more than triple the size of a normal one. It is like a restaurant with waiters to take your order. Just as Madame Violet said, everything is free.
"Are you really feeling okay, Matt?" I asked while he was eating spaghetti. Mia, Vanessa, and Dave also looked at him. Jerome was looking at me, grinning like a dog. He knew I had a crush on Matt. I don't know how he knew—I never admitted it to anyone. Am I that obvious?
"Ah, yes. I'm sure the poison died because of the three peppers," Matt replied with a laugh. Our friends frowned because they didn't understand the joke.
"What's up, guys? When can we get out of here?" Vanessa asked, sounding very annoyed.
"Dave and I went back the way we came, but surprisingly, there was nothing there. There was only a very high wall," Jerome said, confused. It seems they really control the exits so no one can get out. They are playing with us like toys in a cage.
"I really think they are planning something..." Matt began, but he couldn't bring himself to finish the thought.
"I have a plan," I said. They all looked at me, waiting. "Don't you notice? We entered HU without knowing its history or who runs it.
They're making us look like fools because we're ignorant. Matt is right; they are planning something that we could be the ingredients for.
The only thing we can do is fight. We need information."
"Celine. She knows something," Mia said, deep in thought. We had the same idea. Based on what happened earlier, Celine knows something. We just needed to talk to her.
"How? They are as elusive as if they are afraid of us," Vanessa said.
"I'll take care of it," I promised.
After we talked, we split up. Mia and Vanessa went to the library while the boys walked around, hoping for a clue. I quickly stood up from the bench when I saw Celine walking with another woman. They stepped back when they saw me.
"Wait! I'm not going to hurt you. We need your help," I interrupted.
"Don't come near us. You'll just get hurt," said the woman with her.
"We've been in trouble since we first entered HU. So, please, I need your help, Celine." I almost knelt down. Celine sighed before motioning for me to follow her. I followed, leaving her worried companion behind. We entered her dormitory, and she immediately locked the doors.
"I'll ask you, Zein," she said seriously. "Would you risk your life in exchange for information?" My chest tightened. I didn't want to, but something was pushing me. "Tell me everything you know," I replied bravely.
"Hell University..." she began. "This was once called Philippine High University, or PHU. It was a famous school for the rich until a greedy leader took control. He was a mad scientist. He managed to hide this university from the entire country. This school was never mentioned on the radio or in newspapers again. I am one of those trapped in this hellish school."
I was in shock. I knew this place had a dark history, but I didn't know it was this dark. "Why did he close PHU?" I asked.
"He renamed it Hell University. Many rebelled, and many gangs were formed, including the Black Blood Gang and the Devil God Warriors. That scientist was Dr. Quizon. He made us all experiment on a formula—a liquid that could bring a dead person back to life. And Zein... he succeeded!"
I was horrified. A formula to bring back the dead? "Is Dr. Quizon still here?" I asked.
She shook her head. "He died without anyone knowing the formula. But he had a student who knew it. No one knows who that student is. That's why HU is still closed; the officials are looking for that person to complete their experiments. That person is in danger, Zein. If the demons get them, they might use that power for evil."
My head started to hurt. Everything was sinking in. "I'm leaving," I said. Celine suddenly grabbed my arm, trembling, yet a smile was on her lips.
"You know the secret of HU now. You won't be able to get out. You'll die too! Do you know the person they're looking for? If you do, stay away from them. You'll only be hurt!"
"Stop it! I don't know them!" I ran out of the room, her laughter following me. I sat down behind a tree, feeling weak. The secret was out.
"You really don't know how to listen..." Nicky suddenly appeared in front of me. She was grinning, but I could tell she was annoyed.
"I know everything," I said, making her laugh. She sat down so we were level and brought her face close to mine. She stared into my eyes.
"Not yet, Zein. You only know half, not the whole thing. You're about to die too. You're their target. Get ready."
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