Prologue

EASTWOOD HIGH- It is the most prestigious and well-known school in the whole country of Cordova. The reason for that is many prodigy students who excel in different fields of learning are being sent here by their parents.

Like any other different schools, Eastwood High has a unique version of their so-called divided system in which the whole student body is divided into six sections, section 1 being the highest... and of course section 6 being the lowest.

Me, being the not-so-smart yet the lucky one who had made my way towards enrolling in this very prestigious institution, was placed at the most bottom section of the school.

Each student in Eastwood High has different levels of treatment, and it all depends on what section we belong to. But if there's any of us who's really lucky in terms of privileges? It's actually a group of freshman students known as the Alpha Section.

Alpha Section is a one of a kind mysterious group organized by our school wherein, according to rumors spreading all over the campus, it is composed of the smartest kids in the whole school.

However, none of us really know what's going on around the four corners of their classroom...

And ever since the day that I was, somehow, accidentally placed in this section? My life soon began to change along with it.

My name is Cedric Magbanua, a freshman student. And this is my story towards discovering the mysteries that lie beneath my identity, the people around me, Eastwood High...

And of course, Alpha Section.

-CEDRIC-

At some point in your lives, have you asked yourself what's really your purpose in this mortal world?

Maybe for me, given that I'm still a freshman student in a prestigious school known as Eastwood High, my temporary purpose in this life is to be a good student so that someday modern society will get to have a hold of me and my life.

However, is that the only purpose why I exist in the first place?

*Toink!*

Suddenly, I stopped looking at the window of our classroom on my right and came back to my senses when I felt that tiny solid object hit my head out of nowhere. When I was able to pick it up under my chair, I later found out it was a small piece of chalk.

Which only means...

"Class, don't you ever be like Mr. Magbanua over here. He's not even paying attention to the class and it seems that he has an imaginative world of his own. Students like him don't stand a chance of accelerating to better sections in the next years to come!"

I slowly turned to my right, only to be greeted by my grumpy old teacher named Ms. Santos. I can only imagine both of her nostrils filled with smoke as she looks at me right now, like a raging dragon.

And as expected, my good for nothing classmates instantly laughed at the teacher's remark, like there'd be a plus on their grades if they'll do so.

I rolled my eyes mentally.

Few seconds passed, my classmates immediately stopped laughing when we all heard the school bell ringing. This grumpy old teacher picked up her books first then turned to face us.

"That's it for today's class. You're dismissed."

After we all heard our favorite teacher's phrase, my classmates soon stood up from their seats and fixed their things inside their bags. As for me, I swung one strap of my Jansport bag on my right shoulder and stood up from my seat as well. I left my classmates and made my way towards the cafeteria.

This is my most favorite subject of all- RECESS.

As I walk my way here in the hallways of the General Student Student building towards reaching the cafeteria, allow me to introduce myself to you.

The name's Cedric Magbanua, fifteen years old, and a freshman student in this prestigious and very well-known school in the whole country of Cordova: Eastwood High.

I can honestly, and shamelessly admit that I am not your smart type MC who buries his nose on a thick book and exactly doing nothing but to read that thing.

No, I'm not like that.

But this school is known to have the smartest brainiacs in the entire country! Even foreign students are studying here as well.

Well, I'm just one heck of a lucky guy to have entered the said school. Ironically though, I wear glasses. But starting today, you'll learn that not every individual who happens to wear glasses are the smart ones.

There are a few out there, like me, who genuinely had issues with seeing. That's all.

"Bro! I've been looking all over for you!"

As soon as I reached the cafeteria, I immediately spotted my best friend Andrew Dela Torre who's currently sitting in the very first chair that you can see the moment you entered the cafeteria. Smiling, I walked over towards him.

Again, I'm not a smart kid, but my childhood friend here is. Ever since elementary, he's already a consistent top 1 student of our class. No wonder he easily got placed on section 1.

"You know that people in my section are the very last ones who got their chance to take a freakin' thirty minute break, right?" I glared at him which he only responded with a cringey peace sign.

"Anyway, I'll just go to the counter to get my food." I quickly added and headed towards a long pile of students in the same section as I belong to

Like any other schools, Eastwood High is also strictly following their so-called "Divided System." wherein every student in each year is divided into six sections; section 1 being the highest and section 6. of course, being the lowest.

However, the difference from them is, this is their own kind of version of the divided system. Each student in Eastwood High is treated according to our sections. The higher your section is, the higher are your privileges as well in terms of food, break schedule, school facilities, medical care, and lastly school dorms.

Since Eastwood High is also a boarding school, most students who are from farther provinces and countries, like me, chose to get a dormitory room here in the school since it's more convenient.

If it weren't for my best friend here, I sure would end up sleeping in the dusty and creepy attic room which has been rumored for being haunted by a white lady. Section 1 students have a privilege to choose their roommates, and luckily for me, he chose me as his roommate to his double-decked room.

Finally, when it's my turn to get my food, I came face to face with this grumpy-looking bloated woman. I noticed her eyes landed on the copper-plated badge pinned on the left part of my chest, that clearly says the roman numeric VI, before those pair of eyes finally averted its gaze on me.

She handed me a styro cup which I bet contains the never-ending served macaroni soup for lower sections like me. My face turned sour the moment I noticed that the cup wasn't even full!

While walking away from the counter and back to our table with the styro cup in my hand, my gaze suddenly fell on a secluded table where a group of freshman students like me are happily having a feast from their deliciously-served snack for today.

If I'm not mistaken, these students belong to a mysterious group organized by the school itself which is known as the Alpha Section.

Except for section 1 being the known highest section, Alpha Section is even higher than them in terms of privileges. In other words, they have the special treatment from the school and that's why most people around here either dreams of becoming part of their group or hate the students that belong to that group.

According to rumors spreading across the campus, Alpha Section is a group wherein only the smartest brains in the whole school are selected to be invited to be part of their secret company.

In other words, this section is merely composed of the best students among the rest. But of course, rumors are rumors. We never knew if they're true or not.

Because no one among us really knows the secrets that lie beneath the four corners of their classroom except for its members.

I just shrugged all of my thoughts away and hurriedly went back to our table. Sometimes, I think that the school's divided system is kinda unfair... but what can a student from the lowest section, like me, can do about it?

As soon as I turned to continue walking, I suddenly bumped into this guy that is also walking in the opposite direction whose right hand is buried beneath the right pocket of his brown slacks. A little of the soup on my right hand accidentally spilled his shiny black leather shoes.

I suddenly felt that all the students witnessed that accident stopped from what they are doing and gasped at the scenario.

"S-sorry, my bad." I said, looking sincere as I could while unconsciously scratching the back of my neck.

When he didn't utter a word after that, I thought we're already done from what happened and soon I continued to take a few steps forward towards our table. That's the time I heard this guy speak for the very first time.

"Clean up my shoes." he said... or more like a command with full of authority.

His almond shape aqua blue eyes sternly stared at me with no emotions at all, it's as if he's trying to intimidate me.

Who does he think he is--

My eyes slightly squinted on the gold-plated badge that has a symbol of a letter A. At both sides of the letter are the wings carved into it.

Wait a minute, I know what section this pin belongs to...

You mean this jerk is an Alpha Student?

"Hey! Are you deaf? I said-"

He was suddenly cut off when my best friend suddenly appeared on the scene to my rescue.

"He heard you, stupid. Why do we need to take orders from you? Because you're an Alpha Student?" Andrew sneered as he saw the badge pinned on his chest, intending to taunt this jerk. "Oh, come on!"

That taunting sure did have an effect on this selfish jerk when his face was distorted for a split second.

"Between us, who belongs to a much lower section? It's you right? So therefore, if there's stupid here..." Then he points his index finger to my friend while a smirk curved up on the corner of his lips. "... it's you."

Being the hot headed as he is, Andrew wasn't able to contain his anger and suddenly pushed this jerk here which sent him flying straight to the ground for a few inches away from my friend.

Adrenaline soon kicked in on my body system and I hurriedly put the cup of soup on a nearby vacant table before running towards my friend to stop him from doing something that could harm him and his stature in school.

Good thing I came on time, or else his fist would have landed on the jerk's face.

I looked at the jerk and I almost kicked him myself when I saw him still smirking from his end. Unbelievable!

Our attention soon diverted to the direction of a loud screech that seems like it's coming from a whistle. When we turned to our right, surely we would be greeted by the lady with an hourglass figure who is known here as the head of Student Affairs. If I remember it correctly, she's called Ms.Reyes.

"What is this fuss all about?" She looks at each one of us, arching one eyebrow upwards.

We became silent for a while given that we were all intimidated by her presence.

"These imbeciles do not know how to look to where they're going." Well, of course except for the jerk we have here who was able to stand up again at this point.

"What did you just call us?" Andrew attempted to land a punch on his face but I immediately stopped him.

"To my office! Now!"

She didn't wait for us to respond and soon turned her back on us and started to walk away. We first each gave this jerk a sharp look before following Ms. Reyes to his office.

Thanks to him, I wasn't able to enjoy my soup for the very first time.

***

As soon as we arrived at her office, Ms. Reyes then motions the three of us to sit down to the three chairs prepared in front of her table. Me and Andrew sat next to each other while this jerk took a seat in front of us.

"Speak." said the school official.

"Ma'am, he started it all. My friend here ACCIDENTALLY spilled some soup on his shoes and the next thing we knew, he acts like this high and almighty. Then he started to insult us." Andrew explained our side.

"It's not my fault if your ego was hurt." casually said by that jerk with the same smirk on his face.

Unbelievable! If we weren't on the campus grounds, I'd sure would want to land a punch to his annoying face right now.

I heard my friend next to me hissed but I rested my hand on top of his to stop him from attempting again to punch this egotistic jerk.

This very tensed and awkward moment was soon interrupted by three consecutive knocks on the door of the office we are currently in. Our eyes automatically went to the direction of the door to see who it is.

"Come in." Ms. Reyes motions for the intruder to come in.

After a brief moment, the door finally swung open, revealing a not so tall-looking gentleman in his clean cut hair, grey polo with matching red necktie, black slacks and dark brown leather shoes.

By the looks of him, you could immediately tell that he is one of the teachers of the school.

For a split second, I saw his meaningful gaze landing on me before swiftly turning away as he came inside the office and was able to stand beside this jerk who started it all.

"I apologize if my student was involved in this kind of mess. However, I will take full responsibility for his actions and see to it that he wouldn't have to repeat it next time." the teacher says in a formal tone while looking at his student.

Oh. So he's the adviser of Alpha Section?

"Mr. Cruz, I expect that you handle your students well. From this day onwards, I shall expect that no Alpha Student will be involved in any kind of incident such as this. Are we clear?" Ms. Reyes sternly looks at the teacher which she called Mr. Cruz.

"Yes, Ms. Reyes." Mr. Cruz responded while slightly bowing his head.

After that, he then motions for his student to get out of here. As that jerk stood up and walked right passed to us, I saw again his annoying smirk while looking at us. A few moments later, he was now out of our sight.

That's it? He's already acquitted for what he has done earlier?

"And as for you Mr. Magbanua and Mr. Dela Torre..." Mrs. Reyes soon went back to the both of us.

"Clean up service!"

***

Later that night, in Andrew's dorm, after we spent almost 3 freakin' hours of cleaning the entire school gymnasium with no breaks in between, we then landed straight to our beds like some withered plants which were not watered for several days.

Me, being on the upper deck, I mindlessly stared at the ceiling and the image of Mr. Cruz giving me a meaningful look suddenly flashed at the back of my head. I don't know if it's just me, but... there's something into it that I can't lay my finger on.

"Hey Cedric."

I suddenly heard my best friend's voice which interrupted my series of thoughts.

"Yup?" I responded loud for him to hear.

"I hope you'd let me land a punch on that moron's face earlier. We'd still get punished anyway." he said which made me chuckle.

"Y...eah. I could have done that. But then I bet we won't only land on clean-up service as our punishment for beating up an Alpha Student." I said as a matter of fact.

"Yeah right. They are being highly favored by the school. I hate them."

After his last statement, there was again a moment of silence before he again spoke up.

"But even though I hate their guts, I admit I'd do everything to be a part of their group. That's why I'm doing my best in my studies, in hopes that I'll end up enrolling in Alpha Section next school year." I heard him sigh after hearing him say this.

Well, I can't blame my friend here for wanting to be a part of that section. They already have all of the privileges that a student of Eastwood High can enjoy.

However, thinking about it, I think for me I have to say no to being an Alpha Student. And I never ever dreamed of becoming one honestly.

"For me, I'd say that I don't want to be a part of the Alpha Section." I muttered.

"Bro, are you kidding me? Everybody here secretly wants to be an Alpha Student!" he said in disbelief.

"Everybody, but not me." I repeated. "You know I don't even stand a chance of becoming one. I ain't that smart, remember?"

"But bro, all things are possible to those who work hard." he said in a preaching tone. "I'm willing to help you. Together, we will set our goal of enrolling in Alpha Section next school year. Do you copy that?"

I just rolled my eyes before I unwillingly gave my response just to satisfy him.

"Roger that."

The reason actually why I don't want to be a part of this section, despite of its exclusive privileges, is that I can somehow feel that Alpha Section is not just a bunch of genius students.

I think there's something more to it... something mysterious.

And I don't want to involve myself in it.

-CEDRIC-

Another boring day has come in Eastwood High. There's nothing new in my life so far. I'm still stuck being in the last section, and still currently stuck listening to the boring discussion of our boring teacher whom I heard is an old maiden.

Okay, I probably should stop listening to rumors.

Finally, thank goodness, when the teacher saved us from boredom by dismissing us exactly on the time of our thirty-minute break, I hurriedly picked up my bag, went out of the classroom, and almost ran my way towards the cafeteria to meet up with my best friend Andrew as usual.

Be careful with the running in the hallways though. I sure don't want Ms Reyes to see me zooming around her territory.

I better enjoy my break today, because yesterday was a total mess!

"Bro, I have something to tell you." My best friend said as soon as I got the chance to sit in our usual place next to him after getting my free food from the counter.

On my right hand is the styro cup of once again macaroni soup. Yup, better than nothing to eat.

"From the tone of your voice, I bet that's kinda interesting." I merely guessed. Well, he seems so excited about it so it must be a very good news.

I took off my glasses for a bit and placed it beside the cup of soup to avoid foggy vision while I eat the broth. Afterwards, I picked up the styro cup with my right hand and started to dig in.

"Yep, interesting indeed! Because just a while ago...my classmate Mitch was transferred to Alpha Section." he said, getting all pumped up all of a sudden.

I first swallowed the macaroni soup that I've been chewing on before responding to what he had said.

"Really? I thought we are being transferred to other sections in a yearly manner based on the average that we will get every end of the academic year?" I responded as a matter of fact. "And now we're on what? 2nd sem?"

I don't get it. There are basically three semesters in one academic year in Eastwood High, if I remember it correctly. How can a student be transferred to another section in an instant? Is that how the school works, probably?

"Oh. Good for him." I acted just as hyped up as he is just to match his pace but I somehow know where all of this leads to. Then I continued eating.

"You know what this means?" the energetic tone in his tone is still visible to him.

I emptied my cup first with all of the remains of my soup before paying attention to him.

"It means that if we study hard, there's also a chance for us to enter Alpha Section. Right?" I said in a flat tone and with a bored look as well.

"Exactly! That's a really good motivation for both of us to study hard." he said, having no idea that all of this crap doesn't interest me even just one bit. "Imagine if we both enrolled in that section, you don't have to eat that thing anymore." he said, pointing at the now empty cup resting on top of the table.

"Hey! What's wrong with eating macaroni soup for the rest of my stay here in the school?" I said in a sing-song manner, looking slightly pissed.

"There's nothing wrong for enjoying it for the rest of your high school life..." he tries to explain, one arm draped around my shoulders. "...but there's also nothing wrong with wanting more than you currently received, isn't it?"

I mentally rolled my eyes by his last statement while shaking my head sideways in disapproval. Why does he want to include me on his plans anyways? If he wants it so badly, then so be it. But why include me?

"Bro, I get it that you badly want to enroll in Alpha Section. But it's really not necessary to include me on your plans." I said, pausing for a moment and heaved out a sigh.

"I don't have a brain that is the same as yours, okay? And I get it that you somehow pity me and my situation as a last section student, but you don't really need to rub it in my face, you know."

As soon as I let my emotions get the best of me, Andrew became silent all of a sudden, so I decided to speak again.

"Excuse me for a moment. I have somewhere else to go to."

I didn't wait for him to respond, I automatically picked up my glasses and wore them, picked up the styro cup and plastic spoon I've used and stood up from my seat then headed straight to the exit.

I made a quick stop at the trash bin and threw the used styro cup and plastic spoon before completely went outside.

***

The truth is, I actually have nowhere else to go to. I just want to stay away from Andrew and to this never-ending discussion about enrolling in Alpha Section even just for a while.

Lately, I noticed that all I can hear from my best friend's mouth is how to enter that sketchy school organization. I mean, I get it that they have some exclusive privileges from the school. But is it really worth it?

I wasn't aware that my feet brought me into the school park. The cool shades of different trees planted here, away with the noises coming from students and that calm afternoon breeze blowing all around me today is just the perfect serene place that I'm looking for to chill.

I sat on the very first wooden bench that I found then brought out my smartphone and my earplugs inside my bag. When I was able to attach the earplugs on my phone, I scrolled through my playlist and decided to play the very first song I saw which is I'm Yours by Jason Miraz.

I gently rested my back on this wooden bench, closed my eyes and feel the rhythm of the music.

Aaaaahhh this is just all I want. No grades to maintain, no alpha section talks. Just chillin' by myself.

I guess this is the perk of being in the lowest section.

When I decided to open my eyes again to look for another song on my playlist, something caught my eye on a far end corner of the park. I spotted a group of four high school girls bullying another high school girl their age.

I thought that I might have just misinterpreted it at first, but when I saw that girl they're somewhat bullying pushed by one of those four, that's when I started to get concerned.

I brought back my phone and the earplugs inside my bag before zipping up my bag and walked towards the scenario.

"Students as weak as you are do not even deserve to be on Alpha Section." I heard the blonde girl say in her rough voice when I was able to reach them from behind.

Oh? So that girl they're bullying is an Alpha Student?

"Hey. Leave her alone."

As soon these four mean girls heard my voice, they simultaneously turned around to look at me and crossed their arms in sync.

"Who's this? Your last section boyfriend?" The red haired girl beside the blondie barked an insulting laugh.

I really hate girls like her, swear. Without uttering a word, I quickly grabbed for the wrist of the red-haired girl and firmly looked straight to her eyes.

"Hey! Let her go!" said by her friends. I just ignored them and focused on this ill-mannered girl.

"Get your asses out of here and don't you ever go near this girl ever again." I sternly said while pointing a finger at the girl who's crouching on the ground right now.

After saying those words, I let go of her hand. Still looking a bit flabbergasted, she turns to look at her friends.

"Let's get out of here girls." she said to them and soon they are now out of our sight.

When they are nowhere to be found, I turn to look at the girl who's still taking her time crouching. The first thing that caught my attention is her round-shaped grayish eyes that's also looking back at me with full of confusion. Her forehead is slightly covered with her straight bangs dipped in ash grey. And so is her shoulder-length hair, with curls foamed on both ends.

"Here. Let me help you." I stretched forth my right hand for her to hold which she gladly took.

"Ow!" I heard her slightly screech in pain, face distorting for a bit as soon she was able to get up.

I scanned both of her feet and I immediately saw the bluish mark on her right ankle that's causing the pain. Maybe she twisted her ankle while she was pushed by those mean girls.

"It looks like you've got a sprain and it will be a lot worse if you pushed yourself to walk." I stated the obvious. "Let me carry you instead towards the clinic."

"Wait, what-"

Before she could even complain, I scooped one arm around her back and used my other arm to steady myself as I lifted her up and made my way towards the school clinic.

Good thing she has a petite figure, it's easy to carry her like this.

I am very much aware that all eyes on the hallway are now looking at me but I simply ignored them all and focused on reaching the clinic.

As soon as I arrived at the clinic, I placed this girl on one of the vacant beds here and looked for a nurse to whom I spotted watching k-drama on her station.

"Hi, please do take care of my..." I paused for a split second trying to find a correct label for the girl. "... friend over here. Thanks."

The nurse gladly turned off her phone for a while and followed me towards the bed where I had placed the girl.

When I made sure that the girl is now being checked by the school nurse, I immediately turned around and faced the door.

I was about to reach for the door knob when it suddenly twisted by itself, and afterwards I saw the manly figure of that same teacher I saw way back when we were punished in Ms Reyes' office, now entering the facility.

His name is Mr. Cruz, if I remember it correctly.

"Mr. Magbanua, we've seen each other once more." A mischievous smile appeared on the corner of his lips as he looked at me.

"Yeah. I happen to help one of your students here, I suppose." I responded.

There he goes again with his awkward stare. And maybe he had a glimpse of my ID. That's why he knows me by my surname.

"She is, indeed, my student. Thank you for helping her." he said in his usual formal tone.

"No problem." I said, avoiding his gaze. "If you'll excuse me. I have another class to attend to."

"Of course." He nodded at me as his dismissal and so I went again to reach for the doorknob.

"Wait..." I heard the girl say before I can completely get out of here.

Geez...what is it this time?!

"I can feel something special within him."

I paused for a moment, my forehead furrowed upon hearing that from the girl. When I turned to face her one more time, I could see her index finger pointing at me. Well, not exactly directly in my direction. It's as if she can't really see me.

Wait, is she blind or something?

I also saw Mr. Cruz turned to look at me.

"Mr. Cruz, I think we already found the last student that will complete our group." added by that weird girl.

"I-I'm sorry, but what are you exactly talking about?" I asked, confusion is still visible in my tone and in my face as well.

"Well then, if that is the case..." Mr. Cruz stretches his right hand in front of me, completely ignoring what I just said earlier. "Welcome to Alpha Section."

I just stood there, frozen, as my brain still tries to analyze what I just heard from this teacher. When I didn't reach for his hand, Mr. Cruz swung it back to his side.

What the heck is happening here?!

I, Cedric Magbanua, who is a known student to be in the last section, is now being invited to be a part of Alpha Section?!

I wasn't even aware that after this day onward, my once boring life here in Eastwood High will soon slowly begin to change...