Elysium Academy
What makes a person an individual? To me, there isn’t a singular simple answer; I can find merit in multiple answers I’ve gotten from many people. It’s one’s personality that makes you who you are. It’s how you present yourself to the mass populations that defines you. It’s the way you look that physically differentiates yourself from others. In a sense, they’re all true. But in this world, there’s one answer that’s a little truer than the others. It’s what you can contribute to the world, what you can do that makes you different. And if you are really good at what you do, then your life will become great.
That’s why among the classes of people in this world; one very special title has been assigned to particular young adults and teens around the world. The title of “Ultimate.” To be an “Ultimate” is to be exactly what the name suggests, the very best at what you do. The Ultimate Chef could cook the best meals that anyone has ever tasted. The Ultimate Programmer could create advanced software that the modern world has never seen. The Ultimate Baseball Player could be the absolute best pitcher, batter, catcher, or any other role in baseball, contested by none.
But there was a problem; how would these young men and women grow their talents? How would they use them to become truly successful, and broaden their futures? It was Logan Prescott that was the first to ask this question. “If we kept these children’s talents inhibited, we’d be denying the whole world a chance to grow with their aid and denying young boys and girls their chance to carve their names in history books yet to be written,” he proclaimed. It was with this mindset that Prescott founded the most prestigious school this world has seen to date, Elysium Academy. Founded with the promise to help foster the ones granted the title of “Ultimate” their chance to shine in the world. It is said that anyone who graduates from Elysium Academy will be sent for life, guaranteed to have a successful career. And so far, that has been absolutely true. Some of the most successful people in the world graduated from Elysium Academy.
Even after the death of Logan Prescott, the Ultimate Principal, “the kindest man in the world,” his dream remains strong to this very day.
I leaned back in my chair, looking up from my laptop. It’s been only an hour since I started writing this segment of the article, which was a bit slower than usual. It’s certainly not my best work, but it’s going to have to do for now. Most people are much more illiterate than this too, so compared to them, this is Shakespearian work.
“...No, I probably shouldn’t think like that. I can’t act like I’m that much better at writing than everyone else,” I sighed. Then, I heard my door creak open, a face peeking out from between the crack.
“So says the “Ultimate Journalist!” The girl yelled, my sister, Penny. She had a huge grin on her face, as she busted the door open, and intruded into my room. “Maybe they should have made you the “Ultimate Humble Person” instead!”
“That’s incredibly contradictory.” I rebutted. “Also, you didn’t knock!”
Penny rubbed her head awkwardly. “Sorry Peter, but this couldn’t wait!” She pulled out a sloppily ripped open envelope and shoved it into my hands.
“Hmm, reading my mail too, Penny? Maybe I should write an article about my criminal sister next?” I teased.
She paced in place, waving her arms around anxiously. “Hurry up and read it Peter! C’mon, c’mon! Hurryyyyy!!!”
Whatever is in here better be good. I pulled out the letter and unfolded it.
“Dear Peter Murdock. Your exceptional works as the Ultimate Journalist have been recognized by many around the world up until now, but now by us as well. It is with a cheerful heart that Elysium Academy has decided to scout you for the class of 20XX...”
...What?
WHAT?!
“Peter, you did it!!!” Penny squeezes me tight as my mind spins, trying to comprehend this new reality. I was scouted for Elysium Academy? Is this really happening?
“I... I gotta check this! What if it’s a prank? A fake letter?”
Penny suddenly shook me by the shoulders. “Peter! For once stop being skeptical with every and just look at reality! There’s a brochure and everything! This is real! Ohh, my older brother got accepted to Elysium! I... I think I’m gonna faint!”
A smile crept up my lips as I read over the letter again. Two months from now, I’d be in an Elysium classroom, surrounded by other Ultimates like me. My entire future is being made in front of my eyes!
I hugged my sister back. “Thank you, Penny!” “You goof! What are you thanking me for?” She smiled back. “For supporting me, helping me get this far. I wouldn’t be here if not for you, you know?” She stuck her tongue out. “Don’t start getting sentimental on me! When you get to Elysium, you’d better text me every day! I don’t want you leaving me behind, okay?" I ruffled her hair. “I promise.”
Time moved frustratingly slowly since then, as I endured the two longest months of my life. Until it was finally the day of. I packed my bags and waved my family goodbye. My mother, father, and sister, all of them watched me leave to achieve my greatest endeavor yet. It was hard to hold back my tears.
This is actually happening...
This is real...
I’m going to Elysium Academy.
