Deep within an ocean's embrace, Jai drifted in unconscious suspension. His dark brown hair swayed as the currents pulled and twisted each strand like living tendrils. Curled in the fetal position, the ocean carried his naked body through its vast expanse with an almost maternal gentleness.

No fish darted through these waters, no plants swung in the gentle current, and no sun was shining. Only the steadily intensifying ring of the ocean disturbed the absolute silence. Its pitch climbing higher and higher until it reached a piercing shriek. Jai's brown eyes snapped open, consciousness flooding back. Precious air escaped in panicked silver spheres, each bubble carrying away seconds of life as it rose toward the distant surface. Jai drove his hands to clamp over his mouth, muscles tensing against the urge to inhale.

The crushing weight of the ocean pressed against him as desperation fueled each movement. His arms cut through the water, leaving swirling eddies in their wake. Each stroke brought him closer to salvation, his lungs burning for oxygen. Finally breaching the surface, he found himself assaulted by torturous rain that struck his exposed skin like gunfire. Water stretched endlessly in every direction, its surface constantly disturbed by the impact of raindrops.

Soaked hair clung to his face until he swept it back, blinking hard against the relentless downpour. Time became meaningless as Jai did the only thing he could...Swim. His fingers grew wrinkled, and his muscles fatigued with every stroke. Consciousness began to fade, until a voice pierced through the sound of crashing waves. Distant yet distinct, it called his name.

Jai... Jai...

His arm rose one final time, reaching toward the voice before the ocean reclaimed him.

Reality snapped back as Jai's torso shot upright, his arms still reaching out. Sweat had soaked through his clothing, leaving patches that clung uncomfortably to his skin. His chest heaved with each gasping breath as the vivid imagery of the dream slowly released its hold on his consciousness.

A dream.

His eyes darted around the space, gradually making sense of the shadows and shapes in the dark room.

A room? Where am I?

Jai fell backwards back into bed, his gaze fixed on the low-hanging ceiling. Something nagged at his consciousness, an important detail hovering just beyond reach. His brow furrowed as he chased the thought, watching it slip through mental fingers until he finally caught it.

"Holy shit, I forgot! My first day of school is today!"

Looking over, his alarm clock's LED display burned through shadows, its red digits searing into his retinas. 6:55

"I'm gonna be late!"

Jai launched himself off the mattress and towards a closet, its door sliding open with a whisper. Inside, identical black uniforms hung in alignment, their fabric freshly ironed and carrying that new clothes smell. Taking one of the hook, Jai took a look at it.

A defeated sigh escaped his lips. "You've got to be kidding me."

6:58 glowed from the clock face. With no other choice, he slipped it on, its synthetic material clinging tightly to his frame. Constantly grabbing at his crotch, he pulled the fabric away in an attempt to stretch it out. An attempt that never works out for anyone.

This is unbearable. Will I have to wear this every day?

Having skipped his routine, he checked his breath, which was so bad it could wilt plants. The clock clicked to 7:00 with silent finality. Letting out a frustrated curse, it was apparent Jai ran out of time.

Damn, I even skipped a shower and didn't brush my teeth. Welp, I'm already cooked. What's five more minu-

The door suddenly bursts open, sending a rush of air through the room. A commanding silhouette blocked the hallway's light.

"Year 1 Savior Student, Jai! You in here?!"

A woman stepped through the doorway, her dark skin gleaming with subtle highlights under the room's illumination. Wearing a suit, she projected an aura of authority that Jai's uniform lacked. Sleek sunglasses were perched on her nose, her unseen eyes evaluating everything they fell upon. Her afro was crown-like, each curl standing strong yet naturally flowing.

“That’s me,” Jai stammered.

She lowered her shades, her sharp gaze appraising him. “Excellent. Follow me, and we’ll get you situated.”

Still disoriented but intrigued, Jai complied. The woman led him outside the dorm house and out into a short hallway. Marble floors glared as the sun shined through the windows on both sides. Jai peered through the windows and was met with nothing but botany. They continued walking down the corridor as if not late at all, her voice breaking the silence.

“Nice to meet you, Jai. I’m Herma Minawa, but you can just call me Ms. Minawa. I’ll be your principal here, so if you ever have any questions, you come to me. Alright, hun?”

Her warm yet professional demeanor immediately put Jai at ease, though a nagging question lingered in his mind.

“Sounds good, but… where exactly am I?”

Ms. Minawa gestured toward a balcony down the hallway, just before the entrance to the main building. “Take a look for yourself.”

Jai stepped onto the balcony, and his breath was caught in his throat. Beyond the tall walls that surrounded the school, a futuristic city stood proudly. Complex skyscrapers adorned with glowing signs reached skyward, their glass figures dimming as the sun rose, casting an orange glow at their edges. Flying cars zipped through the air in orderly lines, a marvel not yet seen before. The scene was overwhelming in its grandeur.

This… this is unreal. What the hell is going on here?!

"Welcome to Kaiden City." Ms. Minawa tapped his shoulder, her voice tinged with amusement. “Try to contain your excitement, Jai. All will be explained. All will be explored.” She winked, guiding him back inside.

“First, it’s time to meet your peers.”

The doors to the building slid open to reveal an expansive platform at its center. Five other students stood waiting, their attention snapping to Jai and Ms. Minawa as they stepped out. The weight of their eyes bore down on him, their expressions unreadable. Jai’s palms grew clammy, and a wave of unease washed over him. The air felt heavy with indifference.

Sensing his discomfort, Ms. Minawa placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Welcome to the D.O.M.E. Jai! Here is where you'll be every day for the next 5 years."

Ms. Minawa walked to the front of the class, tapping on the platform floor with her heels. "This is the Training Terminal! Where all the training gets done."

She pauses for dramatic effect, taking off her shades and hanging them in her pocket. Smirking with enthusiasm, she admits Jai into his new life. “Welcome to the school for Saviors!”