Early December.
Classes officially began at the school. Of course, nothing as elaborate as pre-apocalypse curricula—most useless subjects had been eliminated. Only math, physics, biology, and chemistry remained, plus training from 3 to 5 PM. That filled the entire day.
Clearly, the QZ's leaders understood they needed specialized talent but hadn't abandoned the idea of climbing the technology tree.
All classes were reorganized by age group. Children of similar ages were placed in the same class—150 students per classroom. The credit system was now in effect: monthly exams covered all subjects, including physical training. Students scoring above the baseline earned credits. Higher scores meant more credits.
The school library was also open now. Students could read books for free inside. Borrowing required registration and payment in credits. Library hours were 5 to 8 PM.
The most exciting news—what had all the students buzzing—was that starting in March, students would get two days off per month. They could visit family or stay on campus. During those days, all facilities would be open around the clock.
"Bryan! Over here!"
On the first day of official classes, Bryan had just stepped into his newly assigned classroom when a familiar voice called his name from nearby. He looked up, surprised.
Sarah was sitting in the middle of the classroom by the window, waving enthusiastically at him.
"Huh?"
Seeing her there, Bryan paused momentarily, then walked over. "You're in this class too? How come I didn't see you yesterday?"
Without waiting for an invitation, he set his textbooks on the desk and sat down beside her.
Sarah rested her chin on one hand and huffed. "You were so absorbed in your book yesterday, you didn't notice anything. I called you, but you didn't even hear. So I figured I'd surprise you today."
"You..."
Seeing her "I'm not happy" expression, Bryan couldn't help but laugh. He reached over and pinched her cheek, a softness in his eyes that even he didn't notice.
Before long, a young man with short red hair walked in. After a brief introduction, he wasted no time and launched straight into the lesson, chalking equations on the blackboard at a brisk pace.
The teacher spoke incredibly fast. He'd give a brief explanation of each problem before moving to the next, leaving no time for the students to think.
Bryan sat below, jaw nearly dropping. If not for his past life's learning experience, he'd definitely be completely lost right now.
Fortunately, this was just basic middle school material. Though years had passed since he'd touched these subjects—and he'd returned most of his knowledge to his teachers—the learning habits were still ingrained in him. He adapted quickly.
During class, Bryan took a moment to observe his classmates. As expected, most wore blank, confused expressions. Only a handful seemed to actually absorb what was being taught.
When he glanced at Sarah, she was focused intently on the lesson. That surprised him a little, though he didn't dwell on it—he knew she'd always been a good student.
The pattern continued through the remaining classes. Every teacher taught with the same streamlined efficiency—no dawdling, no hand-holding.
Aside from the few who could keep up, most students who couldn't understand or found it headache-inducing simply gave up. They pulled out random books or just slept at their desks.
Of course, some refused to give up so easily and stubbornly tried to follow along. But the confusion in their eyes made it clear they weren't comprehending anything.
After morning classes ended, Bryan sat in place, eyes closed, deep in thought.
The teaching pace felt deliberately strange—as if the teachers weren't trying to ensure everyone understood. They were teaching for a select few...
Screening.
After pondering for a while, the word suddenly popped into his head. Everything clicked into place.
The school's purpose was to supply talent to the QZ. These theoretical courses were designed to screen all students comprehensively.
After all, the QZ couldn't afford to invest excessive resources in mediocre individuals who learned slowly. They needed quick learners with strong mental fortitude—geniuses who could produce maximum returns in minimum time.
Once these geniuses reached a certain level of knowledge, they'd probably choose a specialization: research, medicine, physics, and other high-end fields.
By the same logic, the daily physical training was included in the credit system not just to improve students' fitness but to identify potential military recruits.
Though the QZ currently had a surplus of soldiers and wouldn't be expanding for years, the moment soldiers became scarce, these top-performing, age-appropriate students would be prime candidates for enlistment.
As for those who failed to excel in either academics or fitness—they wouldn't be abandoned outright. They were still young labor.
Bryan guessed they'd be sent to specialized facilities around sixteen or seventeen to learn intermediate or basic skills, like mechanics or repairs.
If they couldn't even manage the simplest specialized training, they'd be completely written off—assigned housing in the QZ and put to work on assembly lines.
Reality was cruel. In the apocalypse, survival of the fittest ruled even within military-established quarantine zones. Those with ability and those without would always occupy different tiers.
"Hey, lost in thought? Let's go!"
While Bryan was deep in contemplation, someone bumped his shoulder. Sarah's voice pulled him back.
He snapped to attention, realizing the classroom had nearly emptied. Only then did he gather his books and slowly rise.
Walking out side by side, Bryan turned to Sarah. "How was it? Could you follow today's lessons?"
"Mm..." Sarah tilted her head thoughtfully, smacking her lips. "I understood most of it, but some parts were confusing. I'm planning to review the material this afternoon."
"The library's open now. Want to go after training?"
"Definitely! I want to find some study materials!"
As they reached the first floor, they ran into Dick and Allen emerging from a side corridor.
Seeing their dazed expressions, Bryan raised an eyebrow and said with amusement: "What happened? Couldn't follow along?"
"Arghh! This is ridiculous!"
At Bryan's teasing tone, Allen grabbed his head and started scratching frantically, his face contorted in agony. "The teachers talk so fast! How am I supposed to understand anything?!"
He let out a heavy sigh, his head drooping. "Studying is so hard. Killing Infected was easier..."
Watching Allen's meltdown, Bryan's lips twitched. He ignored him and turned his attention to Dick standing nearby.
"What about you? Did you understand?"
"..."
Noticing Bryan's gaze, Dick scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "I... did okay, I guess? My mom taught me some of this stuff before. I've heard most of what the teacher covered."
"In that case—!"
Hearing Dick's answer, Bryan nodded. He stepped forward and clapped both boys on the shoulders. "We're going to the library this afternoon. I'll tutor you both!"
Regardless of anything else, the school had implemented a credit system. Naturally, he wanted to earn as many credits as possible. More credits meant more convenience in their lives here.
Right now, they were only covering elementary and middle school material. With a bit of cramming, he could teach it clearly enough. But once they moved to high school curriculum... he might not be able to save himself, let alone them.
"Oh, right—did Anna write back?"
As they stepped outside, Bryan suddenly remembered the letter he'd sent Anna a few days ago. He turned to Sarah.
"Yeah, it arrived yesterday afternoon." Sarah nodded. "Anna said the QZ has way more people now. The military isn't forcing everyone to work daily anymore. It's voluntary now—you work as much as you want and get paid accordingly. There are pros and cons, but at least she finally has time to ask around."