The classroom was quiet, the hum of anticipation almost tangible.
At the front stood Mr. Menta, the new class mentor.
His curly black hair framed his beautiful green eyes that seemed to look straight through each learner,
his face was perfectly symmetrical, his ıs jawline sharp as a blade but failing to cut the silence.
His posture was rigid, his expression calm but commanding. Despite his youth, there was an aura of authority that made even the boldest Grade 8 students hesitate.
The room remained silent, everyone trying to process what he had just said.
"Excuse me… Sir… what do you mean by that?" a male learner finally asked, voice shaky.
"I mean exactly what I just said," Mr. Menta replied smoothly. "You are all failures."
A murmur rippled through the room.
"You are the lowest of the low, losers who have no chance of graduating. You make the Superior Curriculum look bad," he continued, his tone icy.
"Hello, Sir," Kgogedi's soft voice broke through. "Why exactly do you consider us failures? Is it because we are first-years… or because we are not from rich families?"
Mr. Menta tilted his head slightly, green eyes unwavering. "Oh, it's simple. You are the shame of the Superior Curriculum."
"With all due respect, sir," Moeta interjected, irritation creeping into his voice, "maybe instead of insulting us, you could explain what this Superior Curriculum actually is?"
Mr. Menta let out a small sigh, as if indulging children. "Fine. I'll indulge you. The Superior Curriculum…"
He paused, letting the words hang. "…is the merit-based system used here at SAI—the Superior Academic Institute.
Students are divided into Classes A, B, C, D, E, and F based on exam performance. And you… Class F… are the lowest of the low."
Some learners glanced at one another, astonished. Some whispered under their breaths. But Bobotse sat almost expressionless, eyes steady, seemingly unfazed.
"Don't stress too much," Mr. Menta added. "There are benefits to being here at SAI. For example, the Point System. Each learner receives points—you can check your SA App to see your personal balance."
Mberi quickly pulled out his phone and opened the app.
Point Balance: 14,000 PP
"One Personal Point equals one rand," Mr. Menta explained. "The amount of points you get each term depends on your exam performance.
The better you do, the more points you get. The school will not be providing food, so you will have to use your PP to buy meals at the Superior Mall.
You can also buy clothes, electronics, and other items you would find outside. Remember: these points are meant to last the entire term, until your next allocation."
Excitement buzzed through the room.
"Wait… 10,000 PP equals R10,000? I'm rich!" one learner shouted, eyes wide.
Kgogedi raised her hand. "Yes, you may speak," Mr. Menta said.
"Sir, will our class rank change, or do we remain the same?" she asked.
"Good question," Mr. Menta replied. "Notice when I explained points I said one Personal Point equals one rand instead of one point equals one rand.
That's because there are actually two types of points. First, Personal Points—like I just explained. Second, Class Points—the currency determining a class's rank: A, B, C, D, E, or F. Class Points are based on your class's average exam performance.
One Personal Point equals 100 Class Points.
"Class A currently has 405 Class Points. Class F? A measly 90."
Bobotse's expression faltered slightly at the news.
"Is that the only way to move up a class?" she asked quietly.
Mr. Menta raised an eyebrow. "Interesting question.
There is another way: by betraying your class and paying the Personal Point equivalent of the Class Points of the class you want to join. Want to jump to Class A? That's 405,000 PP—none of you have that."
Bobotse's disappointment was visible, but no one else dared voice it.
"You know, this is my first year as a class mentor. I expect results. You will become Class A," Mr. Menta said calmly, his green eyes sweeping the room.
A ripple of confidence spread among the learners.
"Of course we will—we'll become Class A!" one shouted.
"No way those upper-class bastards are beating us!" another added.
"Good," Mr. Menta said with a small smile. "The Opening Exams are in March. You have six weeks. Use them wisely."