Once Upon A Time In Nelusma City by Werley Nortreus - HTML preview

Chapter 1

I Present My Rocket Project

Once upon a time, it was a Monday morning when I headed to school as I typically do.

Yes, the first day of the Week—a rather bothersome day that many of us tend to dislike.

Nevertheless, let me start my story. Well, that morning, as I strolled down the hallway towards my class, I noticed some students staring and laughing at me, pointing at me.

Did I feel upset?

No, I wasn't angry at all. In fact, I perceived it as a source of strength for me to endure it.

That's right.

Here I am, the idiot.

Although it may sound silly, I am an idiot because other people tend to dislike being labeled as idiots, even if they indeed are. I assure you; it doesn't hold much significance for them.

Naturally, I consider myself an idiot who dreams of constructing a rocket to venture into space and discover what lies beyond. Referring to myself as an idiot may seem silly, right?

Of course, I label myself as such because most people like me dislike being called idiots, so I can clarify my point better. That morning, prior to entering the classroom where each student was required to present their own presentations, I walked down the hallway while the bell had yet to ring for students to enter their classes. Even though there were a few students laughing and pointing at me, I remained unfazed, as I viewed it as a form of strength, of course.

“Hey, everyone, here comes the fool.”

“Take a look at the fool.” I overheard one student say to the other students with him as they watched me. “Hey, everyone, here comes the fool.” The male student remarked to his friends while I was passing by them in the hallway on my way to class, even though the bell had not yet rung.

“Take a look at the fool.” He repeated to his companions.

Shortly after, the other students who were with the student who had spoken erupted in laughter.

I indeed heard their laughter, but I continued walking past them without glancing at their way or inquiring about their amusement.

Did it concern me?

Not really, even though I tend to stir things up myself, so, I managed to keep my composure.

This was not just a personal achievement for me, but also a significant moment for the school staff and the administration, as it helped me to minimize unnecessary discussions, of course.

It just really happened that classes commenced this Monday morning at Nelusma College, situated in Nelusma City, which is part of Nelusmaland.

Indeed, at that moment, I was a Freshman in the College.

After I completed my walk down the hallway, I reached the classroom a few minutes later.

So, I noticed the classroom door was open, but my teacher had not yet arrived. I had no option but to enter the classroom, take a seat, and wait for the bell to ring, signaling the Teacher and other students to join for the start of class. “I’m the first student to arrive,” I remarked. “Not too bad, after all.”

“I can’t wait for class to finish so I can head home and plan the rest of the rocket project,” I said while sitting alone in the classroom.

Of course, today is the day.

What day is it?

It was Monday morning, a time when every student in the class could present any project they chose on their own.

Oh my God, it was a day I eagerly anticipated to showcase my dream of constructing a rocket to travel to Space.

It felt like a moment when all my thoughts shifted from Fiction to Non-fiction, to be completely honest with you.

Naturally, I am the idiot with my own distinctive mind and idea, harboring the dream of building a rocket to reach Space. On Monday morning, I am the first one to arrive in the classroom.

I sat there, anticipating the bell to ring, signaling the arrival of my Teacher and fellow students for the start of class. While it is true that I was waiting for them, my excitement to begin class and present my project was overwhelming.

Well, my name is Werley Nortreus, and I was born on November 10, 1993.

Yes, I am indeed a Scorpio.

Allow me to share something about Scorpios: when they set their sights on a goal, they will pursue it relentlessly, regardless of the time it takes.

So, that Monday morning was significant not only because I was set to introduce my rocket project aimed at flying into Space, but it also happened to be my birthday.

After a few moments of waiting, the bell finally rang, and my Teacher, along with the other students, arrived.

I felt a wave of happiness upon seeing them. My sole focus was on presenting my project and then eagerly awaiting the end of the school day so I could return home and continue working on my rocket-building plans.

“Good morning, class.”

“How is everyone doing today?” My Teacher greeted us as the class commenced. “Good morning, Mrs. Jasmine.”

“We are doing well, Mrs. Jasmine,” my classmates and I replied.

Indeed, my teacher's name is Mrs. Jasmine, and she is very kind.

“Alright, class.”

“Listen up! Are you all prepared to introduce your projects?” Mrs. Jasmine asked us.

“Yes, Mrs. Jasmine!” We all responded. “Great! Let's get started!” Mrs. Jasmine instructed us.

And as anticipated, the presentations commenced, with each student taking their turn.

Some students showcased projects in Chemistry, Literature, Inventions, and Science.

When it was my turn, I presented my project, which focused on Inventions and Science.

Prior to my presentation, another student shared their project about toys. “Alright, class.”

“My project is about dolls that I created,” the student announced.

“This doll can sing and dance.” The introduction led to a wave of laughter from all the students.

“What do you guys think?” She asked again about her doll inventions, and more laughter came from all the students who found her dolls looking weird.

A few minutes later, only two students remained presenting their projects: me and another student.

Unable to wait any longer, I hurried to present before the other student. “Good morning, class!” I greeted. “My project may appear a bit unusual, but it stands out from the rest.”

“Today, I will share with you the design of a rocket that I created.”

“I constructed this rocket from wood and painted it.”

“Am I the only one with grand aspirations—dreams that seem unattainable but can actually become a reality?” I expressed it to the Teacher and my classmates.

“In fact, I aspire to travel to Space—a dream that would allow me to assist Humanity in uncovering the mysteries of the Universe.”

“Each morning, we awaken to a blue Sky, yet part of us remains unaware of what lies beyond it.”

“My project could contribute to that understanding,” I reiterated.

“So, what do you all think?”

“Don't you believe it's a fantastic idea?” I asked.

However, it became evident that the students were not taking my project seriously; they regarded me as if I were foolish for speaking to them. Then, one student shouted, “Boo!”, “You've been booed, man!”, “Your project sucks!”

“Boo!”

“You've been booed, man!”

“Your project sucks!” Echoed another student, who was also drooling excessively.

This prompted laughter from some of the other students, even as I focused intently on delivering my presentation. “Please be quiet, everyone!” Mrs. Jasmine interjected.

As soon as she spoke, the class fell silent. “Thank you, Werley!”

“Your project is impressive! I appreciate it!” Mrs. Jasmine complimented me. “Thank you, Mrs. Jasmine! I truly appreciate your support!” I replied. “Alright! You are welcome!”

“Next, please!” Mrs. Jasmine announced, calling the final student to present her project.