The windows at Origin of Peace were rose-tinted, shining a shadow of red all over the hallways. And many students have tried, but they were impossible to break.
But it was not like it was needed; they could go outside and play in the massive gardens, watch the bright sun, or sleep under the shade.
They still tried to break it.
Why?
Because it was human nature to want to know the limits.
Or maybe they just wanted to be the first to break the glass that none of their seniors could break. To be someone special.
That's what they were taught, too, at Origin of Peace, that they were all special.
Every day they prayed in the morning—
I am the one who rules my self, the God of my being, the owner of my world, blah, blah.
Every night, they gloated about their glory and strengths.
They loved themselves.
Revered themselves.
They thought they were special.
And those who only see themselves tend to get burned by the village.
But that did not concern the children at Origin. They had no village. All of them orphans, taken in by the mercy of the Origin of Peace.
From where?
That was none of the children's concerns, and therefore is not yours.
All they knew was that they were great, Origin was great, and everything in this world was great.
And that's how they all passed their days and nights. Of course, with daily tests and homework.
The Origin of Peace was inherently an academic institution meant to train children till they were eighteen.
Till they graduated.
And today was the hundredth batch's passing.
Numbers 100-001 to 100-100 had passed, and today was their graduation day.
Number 100-001 stood wearing the cap that had his number written on it. His teeth were yellow and crooked and showed through a wide smile.
Following him, the rest of the hundred children stood in line, quiet chatter in the filled auditorium.
There was excitement.
After all, this was the first time they were going to see the outside world. The whole world was waiting for them.
They were special.
They were chosen.
And the doors opened.
Sunlight peered through, and they walked out, waving their hands like they were royalty.
Screens of people watching, dancing, and singing, as though it were a show.
100-001 thought it was because they were important figures meant to rule the world. It was a celebration of new leaders.
100-001 walked with his chest out; after all, he was going to be like his seniors. Though he was angry at them for never writing back.
Maybe they were too busy.
He walked up to the podium.
Anyway, he smiled and raised both his hands and waved.
The one who was standing behind him, hugged him, and the light shone on them.
On all of them.
On all the children standing on the podium.
On all eighteen-year-olds who had just graduated.
Some sixty of them danced.
Then the headmaster of Origin of Peace tapped the mic.
"Dear children of Origin of Peace," They all smiled brightly at their caretaker's words.
"You all have gone through eighteen years at Origin of Peace." She said, and they all shouted. Excited to show the world what they were made of.
"And for all you have taken from Origin," she paused and watched her children, "Now it is time to give it back to the world."
Most of them screamed and raised their right hand tattooed with their numbers.
The woman smirked.
Then sighed.
And she raised her hands, and the lights and screens went off. Softer red lights are in place.
"Enjoy thirty minutes," She smiled, her eyes closed.
"Thirty minutes before you break the window and cross over." She looked at the children, memorizing every nook and cranny she already knew.
The graduating students groaned. Protests of whys and hows howling around the room.
100-066 broke the line and walked over to 100-044. Then everyone broke it.
"Luna, do you think we will survive the real world?" 100-066 asked 100-044, now named Luna. He sighed and scratched his face.
Luna hummed and did not reply.
100-066 leaned against her.
"Rune, I hope these thirty minutes never end." She did not look at him, her eyes flickering.
"I get you don't want to go out, but seriously, I don't want to stay here!" Rune softly pushed and pulled Luna.
She looked at him.
Then laughed.
"You are an idiot, know that?" She tickled him, and he walked back, sticking out his tongue at her.
"Well, it doesn't matter, since I'll be with you my whole life." He gave her a thumbs-up.
"That's true." She scoffed.
She then looked at him and pulled his cheeks.
"Do you think outside the Origin, we will be happy?" Rune asked, his palm placed on hers.
"If we ever get outside, maybe no?" Luna snickered.
"What are you two even saying?" It was 100-001.
"Of course we will get out and we are going to be the greatest leaders the world has ever seen!" He made an 'okay' sign.
Luna sighed and shook her head.
Rune was about to say something, but then the lights were on again. Bright, almost as though they were glaring.
The screens were switched on, and the faces were close. Eyes that were watching every movement. Rune wondered if the seniors were that great, that the expectations were carried on as admiration.
Maybe he could ask the seniors one day.
"Children, I have taught you everything I know." The woman said, her words like water.
"Now it is time for you to show me what I have taught you." She turned off the mic.
She mouthed some words.
Rune wondered what she was sorry for.
She was a great headmaster. She had graying hair, which made children call her grandma. She would joke with the children.
Everyone at Origin loved her.
"TEN"
Screaming from the screens started.
"NINE"
The lights grew darker and darker, almost like a wound.
"EIGHT"
The children looked around confused.
"SEVEN"
Luna held Rune's hand.
"SIX"
Rune squeezed her shivering fingers.
"FIVE"
100-001 said, "They are chanting for us!"
"FOUR"
The children chanted with the crowded screens.
"THREE"
The headmistress closed her eyes.
"TWO"
The ground started shaking.
"ONE"
The floor broke.