Stepping out of the recruitment's massive dome hall, the sky outside was overcast, with sparse droplets of rain continually falling from dark clouds, striking the black plaza below and splashing water everywhere.
A gust of cold wind blew, sprinkling some rain on Hexia, the icy sensation spreading from her skin throughout her body.
"This kind of weather..."
Hexia looked out at the rainy world and stood together with several students who had just exited.
If it were just ordinary rain, with current technology and tools, there would be no need to worry, but the rain on Jade Skirt planet was different, especially in the 26 northern districts, all of which were more or less affected by this corrosive rainwater.
The reason for using the faceted Crystal Stone to construct the recruitment hall's dome was to resist the corrosive rainwater; if metal or common concrete were used, they would likely crumble within a few years, compromising safety.
During the rainy season in April and May each year, the rainwater on the planet is highly toxic, but between June and August, the toxicity gradually dilutes, and the corrosiveness weakens significantly. At that time, one could walk in the rain without rain gear.
What to do, should I call for a rental car? It seemed expensive, but there seemed to be no other choice, Hexia thought to herself.
Although she didn't spend much on living expenses, she didn't really have an income, so she had to be careful with money. Fortunately, she had just finished junior high and entered high school, where she could do some simple jobs to earn money.
After hesitating for a little while, Hexia, like the other students, reserved a hover taxi through her personal terminal and patiently waited.
The grey curtain of rain draped over the world before her eyes, falling on the ground, the dome, steel structures, creating different splashes mixed with moisture and chill constantly assaulting her with the wind. Even though she knew the rain was slightly toxic, the tranquility amidst the clamor still brought Hexia a faint sense of happiness.
I'm almost an adult now, I'll be able to do so much more in the future.
Just as the grey-haired girl stood waiting in front of the curtain of rain, a familiar voice came from behind her.
Hexia turned around and saw three girls approaching her, wearing the same student uniforms as she was, also her middle school classmates.
"Did you come by yourself, Hexia?" One of the outgoing short-haired girls approached and then slapped a hand on Hexia's shoulder.
"Uh, yes." Hexia's expression was like that of a small bird, somewhat withdrawn and nervous.
Shy, introverted, socially anxious—these were probably the most lasting impressions she left on others.
"Ahaha, you're pretty brave, huh,"
The girl laughed, then the four of them stood together and discussed how they did on the assessments that day.
"Clara, Mili, how did you do?" the short-haired girl asked the other two classmates.
"I think I did well. I danced a bit and one of the teachers was stunned." A girl wearing trendy crop-top clothes gestured.
"Are you planning to debut as an idol later on?"
"Of course, being an idol is how to make big money, and there will be countless men showering me with Gold Coins. That's the carefree life I want, I definitely don't want to do those rigid jobs."
"Wow, that's amazing. Clara, when you become a big star, don't forget us, okay? We'll come to lean on you then."
"I went for Sreib Academy's assessment, I should be able to pass." Sreib Academy specialized in medical professions and was mainly based on the Tidal Sequence curriculum.
"Mili is being modest again. Many of your relatives are in pharmaceutical companies, right? Your path for the future is already paved."
"That's not true." Though she didn't admit much, the girl's face revealed a smile and pride that she couldn't hide.
The short-haired girl chatted skillfully with the two classmates. Her fluent speech and social skills made the grey-haired girl beside her enviously admire.
Eventually, the grey-haired girl couldn't help but speak up in a soft voice. She had been desk mates with Lina for a while and considered her familiar, unlike the other classmates whom she was afraid of.
"Me? Let's talk about that later, let's hear about you first, Hexia." Lina teased with suspense.
"I... I applied for Irene Academy. I've been preparing for a long time, and this time I might be able to pass." The girl hesitated a bit and didn't mention applying for Edith Academy, as it seemed far too presumptuous.
"Irene Academy isn't bad at all. I remember you were looking at medical materials back in second year, you've been preparing since then, right? You indeed are a diligent student, Hexia."
Irene Academy was a mid-ranked high school in the Northern Seventh District, mainly cultivating professions like doctors and nurses. However, to truly become a doctor, one would definitely need to attend university. If one only graduated from high school, they could only become nurses.
"Irene Academy, that's pretty good, I guess." Mili muttered, seemingly a little dismissive and envious.
In Payin City, where the four girls lived, which wasn't a big city, and where the middle school educational quality was quite poor, even the best student in class being able to enter a mid-ranked high school within the district was something to be envied.
"By the way, have you guys heard about Tiffen?" Clara suddenly brought up.
"Don't know, what about her?"
"She has a boyfriend now," Clara said with an exaggerated tone.
"That, it doesn't seem too surprising." Lina casually propped up her hair by the ear.
In this era of advanced information technology and early maturity, even if middle schoolers were in a relationship, it wasn't considered unusual.