"I am finally here... in the world's best academy," Aezric whispered to himself, standing before the grand gates of the Aetheric Nexus Institute of Tech & Evolution. His heart pounded in his chest, louder than the murmur of students streaming in around him. "From today onward... I'm going to study in it."
He checked his wristband. "What?! It's already 8:45 a.m.? I better hurry up, but where's the ceremony being held?" he muttered, eyes darting around.
He dashed up to a group of seniors in uniform. "Excuse me, can you tell me where the ceremony is being held?"
One of them smiled. "Are you a new student? It's at the main atrium, straight ahead from here. You'd better hurry, it's mandatory for all new students."
"Thank you!" he called out, already picking up speed. The rhythm of his steps was a storm, crashing forward with every desperate breath.
Let me explain… The atrium assembly was enormous, like a small city hidden within the academy walls. It had everything built into it. The walls of the academy stretched high above, armored with silver alloys and lined with shimmering glass. From outside, it looked intimidating; from inside, it was pure wonder.
Robotic assistants glided alongside human staff, each one performing tasks with mechanical precision. Even among the daily operations, there was a harmony, machines and humans, working side by side.
The building itself towered with 20 to 25 floors, each one uniquely designed with specialized departments and labs. And at the heart of it all stood the mind behind its creation: Principal Alicia Gimore, not an AI, but a human. She was renowned across the world as the most brilliant designer of modern education systems. We'll meet her properly later… but for now, let's stay with Aezric.
Aezric craned his neck, staring at the massive gates. "Oh my god... these gates are so big! I can't even see how huge the actual hall will be!"
And with that, he pushed through into the beginning of something far greater than he could imagine.
Then came the entrance.
The lights dimmed, and then music. A powerful orchestral swell echoed through the atrium. From the uppermost floor, a glass platform descended. And there she stood, Alicia Gimore, Chairwoman and Principal of the Aetheric Nexus Institute, radiant in a flowing dark silver coat that shimmered with subtle digital threads.
The room's energy turned electric. Students were breathless.
She stepped forward.
"Welcome, architects of tomorrow.
Today, I greet you not only as the Chairwoman and Principal of this institution... but as this university itself.
Your dreams, your failures, your sparks, they will shape this place, as it shapes you in return."
"You have stepped into a crucible of minds. A forge where limitations are shattered and vision is born anew.
And yes… it will test you. You will feel lost, frustrated, overwhelmed. But from those ashes, your future will rise."
"Let this hall remember your voice. Let your footsteps shake its floor. Let every invention, every breakthrough, every friendship formed here, be worthy of the title 'Nexus.'"
The applause roared. The air was buzzing with awe and belief.
Then came another figure, tall, noble, composed.
"I am Sir Caelen Durnhart, Head Instructor of Aetheric Nexus Institute… and heir of House Durnhart, Dukes of Virellen.
It is both my duty and my honor to uphold the spirit of this institution not only through excellence, but through discipline."
"This academy is built upon three Pillars: Merit. Conduct. Legacy.
Each of you were chosen not by birth or fortune, but by your potential. That potential will be tested. Sharpened. And it will be earned."
Rules of the Institute:
Classes & Attendance: Mandatory, unless formally excused.
Merit System: Your rank will rise or fall based on behavior and contribution.
Conduct & Ethics: Misuse of systems, bullying, and disrespect are intolerable.
Dormitory Life: Respect curfew, rules, and one another.
AI Assistants: Use them, but never rely blindly.
Council Authority: Their decisions are final unless challenged through proper channels.
"Greatness is not born from freedom alone… it is forged in challenge."
Following him was a girl whose very posture commanded silence. Elira Voss, the Student Council President.
"I am Elira Voss. If the Principal is our vision and the Head Instructor our discipline, then we, the Council, are the pulse of this academy."
"The Merit System is not a burden. It is a mirror of who you're becoming."
Start with 100 points.Gain for excellence, leadership, helping peers, creating value.Lose for infractions, missed classes, reckless use of tech.
Privileges unlock at 120 (advanced labs), 150 (mentorships).Drop below 60, and doors begin to close.
"High merit means high trust. And the system doesn't punish mistakes, it punishes carelessness. Be mindful. Be sharp. Be true."
She winked. "So don't slack off unless you want to be stuck cleaning bot labs for a week."
Laughter broke the tension, but everyone understood the message.
The ceremony ended with a standing ovation.
But Aezric didn't linger.
While others celebrated or formed new friendships, he slipped away, his mind already on something else.
He sprinted off campus, moving fast through winding side streets until he reached a cozy, stylish café: Byte & Brew.
He burst through the back door. "I'm not late, am I?"
"No talking. Apron's by the sink," came the reply from inside.
He smiled. "Missed you too."
Tying the apron, he moved behind the counter. The scent of roasted beans, the hum of machines, the soft clinking of cups, it calmed him.
Here, no one knew who he was.
No academy, no pressure. Just a part-time job... and a boy doing his best.
To Be Continued….
And somewhere above, in a sky unseen…
And so, the spark has left the flame,
Still unaware of purpose, name.
He walks a path both vast and wide,
With fate and shadows at his side.
But listen close, and hold this near:
Not all who rise escape their fear.
And those who watch from heights untold…
May twist the threads with hands grown bold.
----The Sky.