Two days passed in a flash of preparation and learning. Alaric introduced me to many new experiences: he used flashcards to expand my vocabulary, toured me around the new school grounds, inundated me with books to read, and, most intriguingly, introduced me to modern communication devices. We saw so many varieties of devices, from chips and classic combinations of headphones, which we mistook as an earring and glasses, to more novel items like holographic bracelets and nostalgic screen cards. Despite the variety, Alaric chose a pair of glasses and an earring for me, suggesting the contact lenses might be too invasive for my first time. The headphones had thin cables attached discreetly around the ear, providing both audio inputs. We both equipped ourselves with these devices and added ourselves as friends.

The moment I wore the glasses was mind-blowing. The translucent barrier was no longer visible, and everything around us looked more colorful. There were things I had never seen before: virtual banners, virtual lines, and virtual traffic lights.

"How did you drive us home and to the shopping center without knowing which light was on?" I asked.

Alaric chuckled softly. "While you were busy in the car, I followed others. I was careful to see if any humans were walking on the road, if other cars stopped, or if they used their horns." Seeing my confusion, he sighed and then smiled. "Basically, I analyzed their behavior."

As we walked around the town, wary glances followed us, and the local police stopped us several times each day, a constant reminder of our outsider status. I felt frustrated, yet Alaric remained calm, reassuring me with his composed demeanor.

"We need to keep up your training," he told me one morning. "We'll train early before school starts and on weekends." True to his word, our days began with vigorous exercises before dawn, even before my school life began. He said it would help me adapt more quickly.

Finally, the day that I waited for so long had come: the first day of school. But unlike what I expected, I felt a discomfort. As Alaric braided my hair, I started talking.

"I know I have always wanted to join human society, but" I sighed, "I don't think I can do it under their gazes."

Alaric met my gaze in the mirror, his smile warm but tinged with empathy. "Sooner or later, this will pass. We need to be patient. It's normal for people to be wary of us," he said in a comforting tone. Despite his reassurance, I still felt uncomfortable, afraid to face their stares at school.

"There, all done," he announced, securing the last braid. "You look wonderful."

Grateful for his efforts to bolster my spirits, I mustered a smile. "Thanks, Alaric." I tried to act happy, but I was too nervous. Alaric caressed my head and then stood up.

"Okay, let's go," he said as he left my room. I looked at myself in the mirror one last time and took my glasses from the counter. Alaric instructed me not to use them too much, believing that overexposure to technology could be harmful. As we entered the car, I hugged my backpack.

"Remember, blend in and keep a low profile. And most importantly, try to enjoy your day," Alaric said. I nodded, gathering my courage as we drove to the school. When we arrived, I hesitated at the entrance, clutching my backpack tightly.

"Here we are," Alaric said softly. "Remember, no physical confrontations unless absolutely necessary."

"Don't attack anyone. Try to blend in," I repeated, more to convince myself than him.

"Exactly," he replied, smiling reassuringly. "Just do your best to enjoy the day."

I nodded and stepped out of the car. My heart was beating fast.

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

"You can do it, Bumble," I mumbled, taking a deep breath before walking to the school gates.

There were lots of people my age, talking, walking, and laughing—everyone seemed so happy. Unlike outside, nobody cared about my existence here. I felt a slight relief. As I slowly walked towards the big school, my curiosity began to outweigh my fear.

I started to look around my environment carefully.

The schoolyard was big, with many grass, benches, and trees. My gaze shifted back to the students around me again. Everyone was wearing the same outfit as me.

"Hello, sweetie." A sudden voice startled me. A woman with a big, blonde bun on her head approached me. She wore a white blouse, purple skirt, and purple heels. She had glasses on, though I wondered if they were the same as mine.

"I am Hanna, the school administrator. It's nice to meet you!" she said joyfully, shaking my hand. Her warmth made me feel more at ease.

"I am Bumble, a school student; nice to meet you too!" I said excitedly.

She chuckled when she heard my name, then laughed at the end of my response. Did I say something wrong? I thought as I frowned.

"You can just say you are a 'student' instead of 'school student' dear. Nevertheless, we were told about your special circumstances. You don't need to worry, though; we will take good care of you," she said with a big smile. I nodded, surprised by her happy energy.

"Come, let's go inside," she said, directing me toward the school.

"As you know from the brochure we sent, our school is one of the leaders in education, especially in technology and combat training. We even integrate advanced tech like cybers—remote-controlled robots designed for voidspawn combat—in our curriculum. Robots controlled to fight voidspawns by humans are fascinating, aren't they? People can fight with those awful creatures from a safe distance. Some of our selected students, who are top of the top, were chosen to learn how to control them," she then suddenly turned her gaze to me.

"I know what you are thinking, what luck. Well, if you study hard, you might be one of them too!"

I nodded to her, not understanding a single word that came out of her mouth.

Cybers, robots, a brochure, what are they? I thought. Alaric didn't teach me these words.

Suddenly, she stopped, her face stiffening. I looked at her, puzzled. She nodded a few times slowly, her eyes locked on something.

"Umm, are you-"

"Yes, sir," she said suddenly. Surprised, I realized I wasn't wearing my glasses. I quickly took them out of my bag and put them on. Suddenly, I saw a screen before her, but the screen was blank. Alaric had told me about it—it was some kind of "private" mode that prevented other people from hearing or seeing the conversation.

A few seconds later, the screen closed, and she looked at me.

"Sorry, dear. I have to leave. But..." She looked around worriedly, and then her eyes lit up as she spotted someone.

"Elijah can help us!"

Hanna suddenly started walking in a different direction than I hadn't expected. I followed her immediately, weaving through a group of students my age. My heartbeat quickened with excitement.

"Elijah, sweetie, I am so happy to see you."

A boy with auburn hair and honey-colored eyes turned toward us, a small yet warm smile on his face. As our eyes met, a surge of unexpected emotions swept through me. My heartbeat quickened, a tingling sensation spread from my fingertips through my arms, and a fluttery feeling took root in my stomach. The world around me came into sharper focus, each color more vivid and every sound more distinct.

What is going on? I wondered, my mind racing. Why does my heart feel like it's trying to escape my chest?

"Elijah is one of our best students. We are lucky to find him here," she said, looking at me before turning her gaze back to him. "Elijah, could you show Bumble around? She's new here," Hanna asked. When his friends heard my name, they chuckled, just like Hanna did a few minutes ago. Unlike them, Elijah offered a genuine smile.

"Of course, miss. Welcome to our school, Bumble. I'm sure you'll love it here," he said, his voice soft yet clear, each word wrapping around me like a warm blanket.

His reassurance only intensified the swirl of emotions inside me. The strange, exhilarating sensations made my skin prickle with a mix of delight and nervousness. I nodded at him, my thoughts a jumble as I tried to comprehend this flood of new feelings. Fear mingled with my burgeoning curiosity, leaving me bewildered yet intrigued by this sudden connection.

"Good, you're already getting along well!" Hanna said happily.

"Yeah," I said weakly, then looked around, unsure of what to do. A sudden thought struck me—to run away.

"I'm Bumble," I said again, then looked into his eyes. I felt blood rush to my face. "If you excuse me!" I said, then turned my back to run. As I heard multiple male laughs behind me, another emotion washed over me—embarrassment.

"Bumble, where are you going?" Hanna called out after me, her tone laced with surprise.

I didn't look back. Tears came to my eyes as I ran, confusion and embarrassment overwhelming me.

Alaric, I need you! I thought desperately, craving the familiarity and reassurance of his presence in a world that suddenly felt too vast and unpredictable.