Now that lunch has concluded, the second half of the day begins, as it would do for every day of the orientation week. After leaving the main hall, the friends make their way through the nexus forest and towards the dorm buildings field, knowing that it is the lobby for the next tours, as it is for every tour regardless of the time they set in.
Just as predicted, as Shuraj and Rohan first enter the field, side by side, they already find a massive group of students waiting on the field in clusters, with more pouring in from behind the group and from the dorm buildings cornering the field.
The team of the same tour guides from the morning stand in front of the sea of students, exactly where they would have stood in the morning, waiting for the time to begin splitting students into groups again to continue with the next tour.
The times are uniform, and so all students and guides know when the tours are to begin. While some students still show up late regardless, the majority of the students who would be present at all are usually there before the start time.
Shuraj stops once he assimilates with the crowd of students, and both Sriya and Rohan stop behind him, leading the rest of the group to station themselves closeby. They all stay close together while standing amongst the herd of other students, trying to keep track of each other while waiting for the tours to begin.
Shuraj and Rohan speak to each other to pass the time, as do Ara and Vrey, waiting patiently for the final tour of their day, energized from the lunch they just had.
Only about half a minute later after the group joins with the cluster of students, one of the guides begins to speak, announcing the next tour's initiation before breaking off and letting students choose the guide they want to follow.
The speeches are nothing special after the first few days, as they seem to follow a consistent outline. In general, the guide would welcome the students to the field, and give a few lines about the significance of their next tour in further connecting them to their new home.
Then after that, they'd give a few sentences on what the tour would focus on, in terms of the sectors that'd be visited, as even though such details are already on the online application, the reiteration helps start the tours. While the words spoken are more brief than the complex descriptions provided in the forums, they help jog the memories of students or create them altogether, syncing the chaotic sea onto the same frequency.
After the speech, Shuraj chooses the tour guide for the group, which happens to the the same young female that he has chosen countless times over, a choice that Rohan begins to start reading into, for it seems as though Shuraj has an infatuation with an unknown guide who likely will never be seen by him after the orientation week.
Regardless, Shuraj decides on the guide, and the rest of the group follows along with the choice, joining with the cluster of other students who chose the same guide. Once again, the initial mess of the mass of students standing around in the field aimlessly organize themselves into smaller divisions, sectioning themselves off based on the tour guide who they request to follow for their next tour of the day.
Once all the students get situated with their guide, the guides speak a few words to the group in front of them, giving another synopsis of the imminent tour, just to make sure that everyone is on the same page.
After giving a few ground rules such as the necessary enforcement of close proximity for all students with the guide, the guides all begin dispersing from the field, walking down the field while the trail of other students follow behind, eager to explore.
Throughout the week, the afternoons are filled with interesting tours of different sectors, which range from academic sectors composed of lecture halls and service facilities for students to relax in or do other activities other than pure work.
For example, on one of the afternoon tours, the tour guide leads the students down a wide path made of a peach color. After having moved past the nexus forest, she leads the group of attentive students towards a group of buildings, which seem to stand near the sides of the large path, with diverging slimmer paths bridging off in order to connect with them.
Rohan perks his head up to observe the buildings, his eyes widening in awe as he stares at the behemoth silver structures that stand like wide pillars. Most of the buildings are shaped similarly, rectangular such as an office, with curved edges signature to the architecture of this world's civilization.
There are countless in front of the group even though they can only see the ones in front of them from such a distance, standing tall as they have a great quantity of floors and even greater length. The width is noticeably less, however it allows for multiple similarly designed structures to coexist in proximity, as they stand in rows.
As Rohan follows the group towards the buildings for a closer look, he listens attentively at the tour guide, who explains: "This is the Math and Sciences sector, which is one of our most popular sectors for students due to the sheer amount of major paths that bring students here. This sector has a stellar set of programs for a wide range of mathematics majors, both practical and theoretical, and for a wide range of science majors, such as physics, chemistry, biotechnology, and elemental exploration. This sector has a great arsenal of some of the most advanced laboratories you can find anywhere, just at your disposal, as this university aims to truly put you above the bar in order for you to far exceed it during your life. We also have great connections in the city for these programs, as we have many students who get into internships at Splice T before they even graduate. If you're here for any majors falling in this category, trust me when I say, you're going to experience a far more elevated version than what you may have lived through already, and you're really going to learn what's loved about these fields!"
Even though Rohan knows that there's a good chance he'd never need to come to this sector at all for classes, since they don't pertain to his major heavily, he still finds intrigue in the subject, and makes sure to listen to every word spoken by the guide.
He smiles while staring at the large buildings resembling offices, just wondering what laboratories they have inside, especially since Ms. Nyugen seems to put them on a pedestal. It seems interesting for students in those majors, and even if he isn't one of them, he shares their excitement.
On another day, Ms. Nyugen leads the group of students inside another sector full of buildings, as it seems to be another academic sector composed of lecture halls.
The architecture in this sector is notably unique to the other ones however, as its design is unlike modern buildings at all.
Tall yet skinny buildings stand as towers beside the path ahead, with many within close proximity compared to the buildings in the math and science sector. The towers also seem connected by a series of bridges that run between them, sitting up in the air rather than close to the ground, as it seems that the people would be able to step into different buildings fairly easily in this sector, an option not present in other regions.
The overall sight is magnificent while also being incredibly interesting, as there's a sense of fun from the sector, as the buildings have a playful tone with all the bridges running between them, connecting everything together.
The towers are also interesting, as they're far taller than they are wide, although they still have great width, at least when the students walk right beside it. Their silver bodies shine in the sunlight, towering over the students, who are deeper into the sector, passing by entrances to different towers, allowing them a greater close-up of the region.
While Rohan stares in awe at the great buildings and their unique design, he knows that they aren't buildings he'd likely need to enter, as they also aren't for his major. However, he knows that there's a greater significance to them, at least compared to the other sectors, as while it isn't Rohan's region, he knows someone who will need it.
Rohan turns to his side to see Dexter staring straight up as though trying to see the top of the towers, although that seems impossible from where he stands. Rohan smiles, for he knows that the sector they're in is the one Dexter will be working in, for it's the Engineering Sector.
Rohan finds joy in knowing how excited Dexter is, as he finally seems enthusiastic about his classes, whereas earlier he seemed to be bored and exhausted from having to learn about it. Now, Dexter truly seems happy to begin the classes, which gives Rohan the confidence that he'll do well.
He can hear the tour guide speaking about the sector, likely about the state of the advanced technology provided by the buildings, or the programs offered by it. He doesn't focus on the guide however, as he finds more value in watching his brother's reactions, and to just walking with the group. Especially since he knows he doesn't entirely need the information, he uses the chance just to breathe and walk with his friends and family.
For the final day of the orientation week, the group venture on their last tour, taking the same guide as they had every other time, to which Rohan could tell Shuraj had an odd obsession with her since he was rather keen on staying with her.
The group treks deeply into the final sector, which seems to be another academics region, as the tall silver buildings indicate that it's likely meant to hold lecture halls and labs. Many of the buildings are similar to towers, although wider and shorter than the buildings in the engineering sector. They glisten in the light, standing beside the students that explore the area.
Amongst the group of students following Ms. Nyugen, Rohan walks beside Shuraj and Sriya, however Rohan seems to be speaking back and forth with Shuraj, rather than focusing on what the guide is saying, as she is clearly speaking, but her sounds are only heard, not listened to.
The students walk past uniquely shaped buildings, as there are some that even have fancy curves that fold out and into the main core of the building like art, with one building having a double helix of silver curves revolving around the cylindrical tall center.
While they walk, Rohan remarks to Shuraj in a quiet voice while wearing his green jacket with its pronounced collar, "But just to be clear, you don't actually intend to like...sleep during Componentry Malleability, right? I mean sure it's not as hard as the others but you're still going to have a rough time if you do that."
Shuraj shrugs his shoulders, and he responds casually yet in a louder voice while wearing his light blue hoodie, "Eh, it's not like staying up during class is much better though. I mean, not to like be like racist or anything, but I heard the professor kind of has a...y'know...thick accent."
Rohan's eyebrow raises from Shuraj's notable concern over his own words, and the precaution he took before making his point. He stares at Shuraj for a few moments, puzzled by his concern, and why he seems to have needed to give such warning.
Rohan asks curiously, "Wait, how is that even racist?"
Shuraj dawns a flat expression, and he tilts his head from side to side before responding, "I don't know, I guess like, well I don't think it is, but I don't want to say something wrong."
Rohan smiles softly, and he assures in a gentle tone, "You're fine. Anyways, I understand what you mean by that. I guess you can always try a live translator app, I use Translive for example if I can't understand what somebody is saying, it works perfectly both in person and in video. Just use that, and you can either have the app speak over his voice, or show you a readable transcript, although I'd advise the former."
Shuraj lets out an overexaggerated huff, as though Rohan's response had irked him somehow. He pouts before complaining, "I was just trying to make the excuse to sleep during class, let me be lazy."
Rohan lets out a huff himself, and shakes his head, before retorting, "You're starting off strong."
As the two speak in front, Vrey and Ari walk together behind them, observing the buildings around them, as they understand that the sector holds significance especially for them. They had already learned before the tour started that this tour they're in is inside the Computer Science sector, which correlates with their major, as it does with the rest of the group for everyone besides Dexter.
They stare at the towers they understand they'd likely end up learning inside, trying to get an understanding for what they are getting into, as it is the first time they had seen such buildings in person.
Vrey's eyes glance over to one of the buildings off in the distance from where they are, seeming to be closer to the edge of the sector. The building is shaped notably differently from the others, as rather than it being a tall tower, it's shaped more like a colosseum.
While the building isn't very tall compared to the others, it's exceptionally wide, and has a circular shape that makes the walls curve around the flat top. The building also, rather than having silver walls like most others, has glassy walls that beam the cyan sunlight coming from above. The walls are also reflective with a different texture due to the unique material, which fits the unique shape of the building.
While it's rather small from the perspective of the group due to its distance, Vrey focuses on it for a few moments, intrigued by its design, wondering if one of his classes is also in there.
Eventually, the tour moves from the Computer Science sector back to the plaza in front of the main hall, as it seems that they ultimately reach the conclusion of the tour. After having explored new grounds, the return to familiarity is comforting, as the church-shaped hall stands behind the plaza, the doors already open.
The sky is also darker as the cyan supersun seems to be far lower, as it's in the process of setting, for the day is slowly beginning to transition into the night. The dark blue skies dyed with intense cyan light from the sun hovers over the plaza, which is dominated by groups of students standing in front of tour guides, as it seems that once again most of the tours are ending near the same time, although some had ended early or hadn't yet reached its conclusion.
As Rohan stands beside Ari and Shuraj, he faces their guide who they had chosen for the whole week, listening intently as she gives her final speech.
Ms. Nyugen faces the crowd, gazing upon the students for a few moments, as she quickly makes sure that they're all accounted for so nobody would be lost.
Once she confirms the numbers, she then states, "Well, that is the end of your orientation week! Thank you for being great students and showing attention as I have no doubt that it must've taken a lot from you, and thank you for being respectful. I know that it must be hard to begin this, especially in such a large school as a step up from wherever you had gone before. In fact, some of you may have only stepped foot on this Earth about a week ago, so I acknowledge that this is a very new experience. So thank you for being so cooperative, and remember that if you have any questions, you are always free to ask the many staff here, either on the app or by scheduling a meeting with an advisor. This first year will be especially challenging for you all, so if you feel yourself slipping, you're not alone, and don't let that make you feel like you're not good enough, because the best go through it too. But now, at least you know your way around here, and I hope some of the tricks I gave you will come in handy. Now, I know you're all starving, so I'll let you all grab some food. If you have any questions, you can ask me since I'll be here for a bit. Goodbye, and good luck on your adventure!"
With the tour dismissed, all the students race to the main hall to eat after a long day of tours, their last day of tours. After only a couple minutes the main hall's cafeteria room grows exceptionally loud even for it's average, as everyone seems to have a lot to talk about after the conclusion of orientation, and the growing eminence to their classes beginning.
Among the sea of chatter, the seven reside by the edge of the long table close to the food station room. Ari, Ara, and Vrey all sit on the bench farther from the station, and Sriya, Shuraj, Rohan, and Dexter all sit on the other side. Dexter seems to be more distant than the rest of the group however, sitting a few feet away from Rohan while the others are shoulder to shoulder.
Connecting the two groups is the long table, which has trays of their food on the tabletop. Some of the friends currently eat their food, cutting steaks and drinking soup, while other friends have their utensils down, and instead speak to one another.
Dexter seems to be focused on eating, slurping down noodles from a bowl while he has a blue smoothie beside him in a bottle, and what seems to be a bowl containing some substance similar to ice cream, which has a light brown glaze which seems to be caramel.
Shuraj takes a bite of what seems to be a slice of pizza on his plate, with a thick layer of warm cheese that melts in Shuraj's mouth. He then turns to Rohan, asking "Hey Rohan, do you know where our classes even are?"
Rohan nods his head, and he smiles, answering "You should've paid more attention today. She already said our schedules are on the app, including the times the classes begin and end. There's a good chance we'll be together relatively, but you should still check anyway."
Ari turns to Shuraj and lets out a smirk before slyly asking, "Since when has Shuraj ever paid attention?"
Shuraj laughs out loud before admitting, "Okay okay, I got it, yeah I'll check that out."
Rohan shakes his head, and he continues to eat, which once again seems to be a bowl of salad. He digs his fork into a pile of spinach with white dressing, and then bites the food, revitalizing himself after a long day.
Vrey turns his head from Shuraj to Rohan, contemplating curiously for a few moments. He hums softly before asking, "So, what is the plan for Monday? I already checked with Ari and you earlier, and it seems that all of us have our first class on Monday together, so the same class and room. While we're not as fortunate for every other class, at least we should take this opportunity to go to class together, right? But I'm not sure how we set that up, so what do you think?"
Rohan turns to Vrey, and he ponders for a few moments on the important question, which he hadn't thought about earlier. Now that it's being brought up however, Rohan sticks to the topic, and he asks for clarification while building the plan, "When do you guys normally leave your room anyways? I can wait at the lobby inside the lounge pit until you guys can rendezvous with me, and from there we can get going."
Shuraj tilts his head in confusion after hearing Rohan's pitch, and he asks uneasily, "What's a ron-day-voo?"
Before Rohan can answer the question, Vrey responds to Rohan's earlier question after having thought critically, realizing he requires another question: "Well, I mean, we probably have to start getting up earlier since our classes probably will start earlier as well. When does our first class begin?"
Rohan answers shortly, as he already has studied the schedule well, "Ten AM, just like most first places on my schedule."
Vrey hums and nods his head after hearing the response, now equipped with the understanding to give a genuine answer. After pondering for a few moments, he pitches, "Okay then, I guess we'll just go a bit earlier than usual. Maybe...nine thirty?"
Rohan shrugs his shoulders from the idea, and responds, "That sounds reasonable. What do you think?"
Rohan then turns to Shuraj, wanting to know if the leader was fine with the schedule, as he knows Shuraj would need to be onboard with the idea for it to even work at all.
Shuraj throws a chicken nugget into his mouth as he seems to have a plate full of them on his tray, and he turns to Rohan. He tilts his head for a few moments while pondering the question, and then answers, "Sure, nine thirty. So I'll wake up at nine twenty nine."
Rohan sighs in amusement, and he shakes his head with a sarcastic disapproval, guessing that Shuraj is joking.
Hopefully he is joking.
Outside the main hall, Shuraj and Rohan walk side by side, speaking as the rest of the group tails behind. They all walk down the plaza and up the ramp, entering the forest that they explored in their last tour. They all disappear into the dark forest, as the sky is now truly black, as the night has taken over to signify the end of the second day.
They hold multiple conversations through the sidewalk as they exit the forest and take the route back to their dorm, speaking as they cross the road and speaking as they enter the lobby.
The seven approach one of the elevators, as lucky for them, they seem to have come at a time where there were far fewer students. They enter an empty pad, and before someone else could come in and ruin this perfect chance, Vrey presses on the Floor 50 button to lock their success.
The elevator pad ascends up the shaft, carrying only the seven, with Vrey standing by the podium after having used it. The pad moves quickly as it has a straight path from the very bottom to the very top, passing doors with every moment as it climbs each floor faster and faster.
The elevator pad slows down as it arrives on the top floor, and the door dissolves open. Rohan and Shuraj stop speaking, and they walk out of the elevator, allowing everyone else to do so.
Rohan and Shuraj turn to one another, as after the long day, it is finally time for them to depart.
Rohan breathes in, and asks, "See you tomorrow?"
Shuraj nods his head, and he answers, "See you!"
He then turns to Sriya, and the two accompany each other before they walk down the hallway from the left of the elevator, and behind them is the rest of the group.
Rohan turns to Dexter, and he nods to him, before turning the other way and leading him down their side of the floor, where their room was.
After adventuring through the hallways and corridors, Rohan finds their section, which leads to the window that shows the night sky. Rohan then leads down the hallway and to the end, where he then turns to the farthest door, and uses his Connect to open it.
Both Rohan and Dexter walk through the doorway once the door dissolves open, and once inside, the door shuts. Rohan walks towards the far side of the room, where his closet is, and Dexter walks towards his closet. It seems both of them had a sort of psychic understanding that it was time for them to power down for the night, as neither of them needed to say a word to follow the same idea.
Rohan holds his hand out, projecting a hologram from his Connect which shows the SAT app, and he navigates to the dorm page where he then pulls up a similar menu to that of the panel between the desks, allowing him access to all the options of the room through his Connect.
Rohan clicks on the Hide icon, and he turns his head to the other side of the room, seeing a black wall where the other side of the room once was. He then turns back to his closet, which projects a dim light onto his body so as to not become a bother in the darkness, as it seems the intensity of the light is changed based on the time of day. The light then seems to replace Rohan's jacket and rest of his clothing with his night clothes, giving him his white shirt and black shorts, as though changing his attire for him, and once he finishes he holds his hand out to bring up the holographic menu.
He then looks over at the black wall, and asks, "Are you done over there?"
From the other side of the wall, he hears Dexter respond, "Just finished, yes."
Rohan nods, and he taps on the Hide button again to disable it, once more allowing the whole room to be visible. He then gets on his bed as Dexter does the same in his own bed, the two clearly exhausted and hoping to rest earlier so they could awaken earlier.
The two take off their Connects and place them on their bedside tables before laying down, and turning to their opposite sides to sleep.
Dexter sighs softly, staring at the white wall in front of him, and he states, "Goodnight Rohan."
Rohan stares at the night sky through the window on his side, gazing on the illuminated city in the distance as he did the nights before, his blue eyes beginning to close.
He then responds, "Goodnight Dexter," and closes his eyes shut as he drifts off into sleep, the long day now over, as the orientation is finally at its conclusion.
And yet, they haven't even started their journey.