I had been pondering this question over the last few weeks, particularly after I got the acceptance letter.
It was by no means an easy question, as it was frankly too subjective.
If I asked a brash person, he'd probably say, "Of course we have free will—that's why I can do this," before hitting me.
But the mere fact that I could create an accurate scenario of what would happen makes me doubt that it was free will.
However, on the other hand, an analytical thinker would give a more educated answer, saying, "Different situations create different results."
In some ways, he was correct. In fact, the same scenario could even create different results.
As I could kill a man's parents, and could get two results:
He could become a murderer.
Or he becomes a caped vigilante who was weirdly named after his fear.
Of course, these scenarios were vastly blown out of proportion, and there were more than 2 outcomes, but these were still within the realm of possibilities.
Therefore, the deciding factor was the person, not the situation. From that, we could conclude that there were some aspects of free will.
But wasn't that a controlled mentality?
The fact that a scenario could adjust one's mentality proves that one's mentality was being controlled.
Back to the former scenario, I had mentioned that there was no definite result, but there was one thing that they all shared:
A mindset changed by trauma.
No matter how strong-willed or weak-willed a person was, we all changed with trauma.
For better or worse, we were all shaped by trauma to the point where it influenced our actions and decisions. Some even called it growth.
Most people think it was the people in their lives that influenced their actions, but wasn't trauma equally, if not more, to blame for influencing actions?
That then brings us to the conclusion that trauma pulls everyone's strings—that makes me repeat my question.
Do all humans have free will?
While I firmly believe trauma could be overcome, it all depended on the level of trauma, or at least that was the uncertain fact I affirmed.
Despite all these ramblings, or rather because of these ramblings, I reached one conclusion.
Everyone is a pawn in the game of life.
***
As the car rolled toward the train station, I watched the city blur past.
I wondered—did the people on the streets truly act of their own free will?
Or were they just shaped by their circumstances, repeating patterns they had no control over?
Though that was none of my business now, all I had to focus on was my new school.
To enter the school, you had to ride a high-speed train that went through an underground tunnel at the edge of Tokyo city, at Tokyo Harbour.
I almost fell asleep several times during my ride, but my curiosity about the famous high-speed train kept me awake.
I really should have slept early yesterday. I suppose it's because of the anxiety of coming here, but I'm ok now, or perhaps I need a little more time to rest?
Nah, I'll be fine.
The high-speed train I was interested in was said to be among the best in the world. While that was debatable, it still had a world record that silenced unbelievers.
If the school was as prestigious as they claimed, then surely the train leading to the school would reflect that.
A journey that normally took five minutes with a normal train would be cut down to just two and a half.
As I arrived at Tokyo Harbour, my heart rate grew anxious because of my desire to see the train and, of course, the school.
On arrival, I could see the train. As soon as I noticed it, I stood in awe, admiring the train.
"Whoa, they weren't lying; that train looks amazing!"
"It must have cost a fortune," the taxi driver mused.
"Yeah, good thing it's free."
"Not really free; that's just taxpayer money, kid, so in a way, I paid for that. Anyway, this is where we part ways."
"I guess so. Thanks for the ride," I promptly paid for the trip with the last cash I had.
"No problem, it's my job. Also, good luck; you'll need it."
I gave a deep bow as he drove away. After he left, I gave one more look at the train.
The EHS train was really something else. Just from mere sight, I could only see its back peeking at the edge of the tunnel that was at the seaport, yet I was utterly captivated.
This is the train that would take me to school! If the train is this impressive, then the school must be ten times better.
After I was done standing in awe, I went to the designated spot. When I arrived, I realized I was late—I came to such a conclusion due to a clock there that indicated that I was 20 minutes late to the appointed time.
Shit!
That being said, I wasn't the only one late—there were about 40 of us.
I know being late is bad, but they couldn't send all of us back... right?
Right?
Luckily, they didn't. We were told to line up, so we did. After a while, the principal came to the podium and then spoke.
"Welcome, students. To Tokyo Metropolitan Elysian High School…"
His voice was eerily neutral, devoid of warmth or authority. It was the voice of a man who had repeated these words countless times, unmoved by the fate of those before him.
He first welcomed us, congratulating us for entering the school, and then talked about the special rules in the handbook, starting with the ban on any foreign digital device, saying instead we would be given special phones and we could buy other gadgets on campus.
The students reacted differently to this news; some were calm, while others were worried about being unable to contact their families.
Didn't they read the school guidebook?
After the mention of special phones, staff members went around giving the special phones.
A female staff member with a blank expression handed me my special phone—just like the principal said.
There was no app to dial numbers and no SIM card either. Instead, there was an app called 'Koda'; it had a long list of accounts, each having usernames.
On Koda, we could change our username to anything we saw fit.
Nice design.
The principal went on to say that our phones weren't only used for communication but also for purchases; we used points called Rp instead of yen—they were equivalent to 1 yen.
Also, he said that we could apparently use Rp to buy anything on campus.
He also said that phones weren't sold on campus.
Rp sounds amazing, but… If I lose my phone, I'm screwed. Talk about strict.
On the phone, there was a banking app called MUFG—it was a real bank that the school had a partnership with—it showed our balance, a savings program, and a transaction program.
Additionally, the principal said we could only leave the campus through expulsion or health and family emergencies.
However, if you mentioned something about the school or met someone from the school outside campus, then both persons would get removed from this school; this also applies to staff.
Lastly, he mentioned how the school promotes student autonomy and how we would not be forced to do anything.
However, we were under surveillance, and there was a strict anti-bullying law—whether cyber, emotional, or physical—and it would lead to instant expulsion.
Cameras, huh?
Constantly being watched actually irked me a bit, but there was nothing to be done, so I overlooked it.
"...And above all, you should remember Rp and student autonomy—these two are greatly valued in this school. Thank you for listening."
Student autonomy, huh? The more I hear it, the more ironic it sounds coming from them.
After finishing his speech, the principal turned to leave, and on leaving, a bright light emitted from his direction, unlike anything I'd seen before.
People noticed that said light came from his head—well, I doubt anyone could miss it.
He had a very bald head that shone brilliantly, so brilliantly that people began to give snarky comments about it.
"I never knew I would come this close to the sun," a blonde-haired boy snickered.
"I think you mean the world's best mirror," a blue-haired boy added.
"Yeah, we're so lucky to witness such a sight," I added, hoping to get some positive replies.
"Like for real though," the blonde-haired boy replied.
"Save the chit-chat for when you're on the train," a staff member sternly advised.
We kept quiet after hearing his stern comment, all of us getting in line, though I was sent a bit in front of them.
Shit, I forgot to ask their names.
"Heugh," I sighed in exasperation as I heard them chatting away.
I didn't really get worried, though, as there were other chances to make friends.
To be honest, I was surprised that this school even accepted transfer students.
You'd think a school like this would have more than enough students—it was surprising enough to spark rumours online about that.
The rumours focused on the school's unusually strict rules, though I doubted that was the reason 40 students had been expelled. I left that thought for now, though.
After about 2 or 3 minutes, they reached where I was on the line and led us inside the train, but before we entered, we had to give our travel box (suitcase) to a staff member.
"Your box, please."
"Oh, here."
"And your name?"
"Oh, um, Nakamura Eiya."
I handed my box to the staff member, who put a tag with my name on it—he didn't ask for my class, so it seemed we were all first years. Well, either that or he doesn't need my class to find my room.
"I will bring it to your room before you return from school today."
"Thank you."
On stepping on the train, I entered a whole new world of luxury. One that I couldn't experience before coming here.
The train was elegance personified—mahogany panels, velvet seats, and chandeliers casting a golden glow over panoramic windows framing the rolling landscape.
Every detail whispered luxury, promising an unhurried journey through time itself. Well, the journey was still going to be kind of quick, though.
This was my opportunity to make friends, so I tried to talk to my seatmate. Luckily, she was a girl.
"Yo," I said to my seatmate.
"Oh, hey, what's up?"
"Nothing really, I guess. I'm thinking about how lucky I am to enter this school."
"Yeah, me too. I was just thinking about the same thing," she replied enthusiastically. It was as if she were waiting for me to say that.
Well, I led the conversation that way since most people wouldn't like to appear prideful or are just not sure how they ended up in this school.
At any rate, both parties would just chalk it up to luck, whether they believed it or not, so it was bound to be a good conversation starter.
Nice job, me!
"I can't believe this school has malls and amusement parks," I said, continuing the conversation.
We turned sideways, looking at each other. I made sure to make good eye contact and give a bright smile.
"I can't wait to go shopping," she grinned softly.
"Especially since we don't use real money."
"Yeah, but I feel it will affect how I see money since it's way too easy to spend."
"I get what you mean, but it's good to enjoy it while it lasts, right?"
"You're right, it's best to just enjoy it. I even heard there's a waterpark."
As she said the word 'waterpark', it reminded me of something I didn't really like to talk about, so I winced slightly.
She noticed this and showed concern.
"What's up? You look…" She didn't complete the sentence and just looked at me with concern.
"Well, I'm not the best swimmer and can't hold my breath for long. One time, I almost drowned."
Well, that's not completely true, but no worries. I mean, lies of omission aren't that bad, right?
"Sorry for mentioning it."
"Nah, it's fine."
Cute and polite—talk about the complete package.
"By the way, what's your name?" she asked.
"I can't believe I've gone this long without introducing myself," I chuckled.
"Yeah, I also kind of forgot, so don't feel too bad. Anyway, go ahead," she grinned, eager to hear me say my name.
"My name is Nakamura Eiya."
In that instance, she froze. Her once friendly face twisted in disgust.
Huh?
"Your name is Nakamura Eiya?" Her voice turned distant and cold.
"Yeah, is there an issue?"
"It can't be. E-E-Eiya?" she whispered, like the name itself was poison.
"First-name basis?"
"I apologize for calling you by your first name," she said, looking away from me.
"It's ok... Hey, did I offend you by chance?" I asked such a question because her face was dripping with disgust, like I was some pervert who tried something.
"No…" she said, sitting normally, turning away from me.
"It seems you've truly discarded me from your life," she mumbled that last part under her breath, so I didn't quite catch what she said.
"Then why are you—"
"Let's just focus on getting to school," she cut me off, suddenly stiffening up.
What did I do to her? I just said my name, and all this happened.
Does she know me? Or worse—did I forget someone I shouldn't have?
I turned to the window side to clear my mind, but… I was underground, so that was useless.
"Heugh," I sighed.
I think it's more than safe to say that there's no way I forgot her, so maybe she knows another Nakamura Eiya.
No, stupid. Eiya, as a given name, is one of the rarest names around. But then how does she know me?
My mind raced at the different possibilities, but I quickly reined it in by reclining my chair in an attempt to relax.
For a moment, I thought I hit the jackpot—sitting next to a beautiful girl and all.
But the moment my name left my lips, her face twisted as if I had cursed her bloodline.
How the hell is a guy supposed to react to that?
"Heugh," I instinctively let out another sigh.
Her whole fiasco killed the mood instantly, and here I thought I'd make my first friend. What a rough day.
The remainder of the ride to school was so awkward that I forgot that we were literally moving underwater, though barely 30 seconds remained till the end of the trip.
For the remaining part of the journey, we went into a tunnel before arriving at another train station.
As we disembarked the train, we all lined up and walked over to the school gate.
On arriving at the school gate, the line halted abruptly—I leaned a bit to check what was going on, and I saw a long line of people in awe.
I turned to look at what they were looking at and also stood in awe—the school campus looked quite amazing.
Even from afar, I could see the tall buildings and well-groomed trees—these minute but amazing details further convinced me that this schooling experience would be worthwhile.
As we entered the school grounds, we saw a huge electronic billboard.
It said, 'Welcome to Tokyo Metropolitan Elysian High School.'
At last, I'm finally here.
***
Author's Note:
Hey! My name's Yuugami Satoshi (that's my pen name; also, Satoshi is the given name), but you can call me Writer-kun, Author-kun, Writer or Author.
What do you think of the book? Please tell me your honest opinion; I can take it, I promise.
(I can't take it, so please be nice. I'm delicate, so I might break down from seeing something hurtful—kidding!)
Anyway, if you have any questions. Please say them, and no, this is not a Classroom of the Elite copy.
I do not have liable rights to such media, and I am not working under or with Syougo Kinugasa or Shuusaka.
If you notice any semblance between our works, it is either due to inspiration or out of homage.
However, I'm aware that this alone cannot convince you that my book isn't a Classroom of the Elite ripoff, so feel free to consider it a Cote fanfiction or even an alternate dimension.
That being said, remember that this book is not Classroom of the Elite—you might notice very acute similarities, but that's what they are at the end of the day, just similarities.
Also, Nakamura Eiya is NOT Ayankouji Kiyotaka—please keep that in mind. He is also NOT your self-insert OC or something of the sort.
That last part had no legal significance, but I had to get it off my chest. Anyway, see you in the next chapter.