When it came time to start thinking about high school, your junior high wasted no time preparing you. It was January when your grade took a field trip to a nearby school—though “school” hardly seemed like the right word. It was massive, more like a small city, and it wasn’t just any high school. You needed money, brains, or talent to get in, none of which you had in abundance.

You tried not to let it bother you as you shuffled through the gates with the rest of your classmates. Getting into a place like this wasn’t something you could afford to think about—not with your grades or sports performance. But the trip was mandatory, so here you were.

Each student was supposed to pair up with a high school guide, but you quickly noticed that no one was eager to partner with you. You tried to stay out of the way, glancing around awkwardly, when suddenly a voice piped up behind you.

“Heyo! Name’s Satori, and I’ll be your tour guide!”

You turned to see a lanky, cat-like figure towering over you. He had bright red hair, a sharp grin, and an energy that seemed almost too big for his body. He looked a little silly, honestly, but there was something disarming about his enthusiasm.

“Well,” he said, clapping his hands together. “Let’s get this show on the road! Stick with me, and I promise you won’t get lost. Probably.”