On the map

Aside from the typical entrance exam, 1 million subscribers on Tiktubo with high engagement is the prerequisite for Elite Influencer Academy. This was where the most influential highschoolers go to. In other words, you would only find the cream of the crop, the sons and daughters of household names, or the extreme talents at an early age.

It was unusual for a 14-year-old boy from a small Protectorate town to get into the academy, but somehow, I made it. I was in the batch of freshman Year 2051. I gave myself a nod of approval, silently so as not to disturb other fellow passengers. I was in the crowded bullet train that would take me to the Academy for the first time.

As the bullet train entered a tunnel, the darkened window reflected my image - a lanky boy with messy hair in his shiny new Academy uniform. It was elegant yet simple: a fitted navy blazer with silver trim, paired with a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers. The upper region of the blazer's left sleeve bore an embroidered crest of the Elite Influencer Academy. Under the crest was a single silver embroidered star. As I adjusted the also-silver tie, a sense of pride welled up inside me.

As the bullet train emerged from the tunnel, an awe-inspiring view unfolded before me. The sprawling metropolitan skyline shimmered with a mix of sleek high-rises and bustling activity. All around, massive LED screens displayed vibrant, eye-catching ads, filling the scene with color and movement.

The train station I exited from was clean, spacious, yet completely crowded. I pulled out my phone to check the maps, determined not to get lost on my first day at school. I began walking, weaving through the sea of people, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves as I tried to navigate the bustling streets.

According to the Maps app, I'm supposed to turn left here.

Except that there was no left turn. When I looked to my left, there was nothing but a row of robo-owned noodle shops and a crowd of people bustling past.

The Capital’s urban architecture was unlike anything I had experienced before. Its sheer scale and complexity were both mesmerizing and disorienting. The streets here weren’t just on the ground—they stacked on top of each other like layers of a cake, each level its own separate world. Above me, I could see another street running parallel, suspended by thick columns, with cars gliding smoothly as if in a different dimension. Below, another road snaked its way between buildings, half-hidden in shadows and the faint glow of headlights.

Was I supposed to be on the road above, or the square below me for that left turn?

It had seemed that I was indeed lost.

My heart sank a little, but I wasn't about to give up. I took a deep breath, straightened my back, and decided to trust my instincts. The Academy couldn't have been far. I could still make it in time! I just needed to get my bearings.

Suddenly, a warm soft voice interrupted my thoughts. "Hey, are you okay?"

I turned to see a girl wearing what appeared to be the Academy's female uniform - a fitted blazer with a flared skirt that ended just above the knee, both in navy with silver trim. Three silver stars embroidered on her blazer sleeve - she was probably a senior. The uniform flattered her figure perfectly. Her long, glossy black hair was styled into loose waves that cascaded down her back, with a few strands framing her face.

She was cute, so cute that I almost thought it out loud.

Realizing that I looked like I was just stunned by her sheer presence, I jolted myself back into reality and replied, "Uh, I'm trying to get to the Academy, but can't seem to find my way," I said, holding up my phone with the map open.

She furrowed her brows. Then, as if she had realized something, she made a small laugh, with her hand slightly covering her mouth, her eyes closing slightly. That cuteness was flustering me greatly.

"Oh, you're not from here?" The girl asked.

"No, I'm actually from Hoianari," I replied. The girl tilted her head slightly, her brows knitting together in thought, "Where is that?"

"Oh, it's a town in the Protectorate," I clarified. She was probably born and raised here in the Capital. It was understandable that she didn't know. This meant this was a good chance to spread awareness about my birthplace town, "It has really amazing nature! Mountains and seaside nearby! We are known for making beautiful sky lanterns. Well, used to be known. You know, now that AI handles all the critical infrastructure in the world, people aren't really motivated to work anymore..."

"Oh, um, that's really interesting," The girl interrupted with an awkward laugh.

Oh no! Did I talk too much?

I stuttered, "Oh sorry! Did I blabbered too much? I forgot to even introduce myself. My name is Kai. And you are?" I extended my hand, noticing that the hand was a bit shaky.

For the third time in this interaction, the girl made a surprised expression. Her nose had little wrinkles when she made the expression. But then her face quickly relaxed and she smiled. Ba-dump!

"My name is Suni. Nice to meet you!" She shook my hand and bowed at the same time. "Nice to meet you too!" I replied, and also bowed.

"So you are trying to get to the Academy, right? Well, as you can tell, I study there too. Let's go there together," Suni said.

"Great. You are such a lifesaver!" I sighed, "Thankfully I woke up early from the excitement so we shouldn't be late."

"Yep!" Suni giggled, "Wait a minute. Let me just turn off my AirLens." She made a come here gesture to the air behind me. A sleek, compact, drone-looking device floated toward her. It hovered smoothly, its black-and-silver exterior glinting in the light, and then folded itself neatly into a phone-sized gadget that Suni slipped into her bag.

Eh? She was recording this entire time?