The college compound was buzzing with the energy of a true holiday. Emerald stood with his friends—Ananthu, Shanie, Goutham, Albi, Nihal, Aryan, and Karthik—his white hair a striking anomaly among the chaos.
Emerald guided Eva toward the two accompanying professors. "Professor, this is Ms. Eva Brown, our volunteer Logistics Coordinator and Guide," Emerald announced, smoothly executing his role in the charade. "She has ensured all transport and accommodation are of an international, five-star standard to maximize comfort and focus."
Eva offered a professional, charming smile. "I've arranged for premium coaches with climate control and Wi-Fi. The hotels are also top-notch. I want the students to feel valued. My goal is to streamline everything so the educational value of the trip is maximized."
The professors, thoroughly impressed by the inexplicable upgrade, gratefully accepted her assistance.
The students cheered as they boarded the luxurious coaches. Emerald settled into a seat beside Ananthu and Goutham, the plush, reclining seats a stark contrast to their usual classroom benches.
"I take back everything bad I ever said about industrial visits," Karthik said from behind, adjusting his headrest. "This is the life."
"Eva, you're the best! Seriously, how did you swing this budget?" Albi asked from across the aisle.
Eva, sitting in a designated guide seat near the front, simply smiled. "Good planning and understanding how to leverage bulk travel deals."
"But what's the point of this turbine factory, though?" Aryan groused, ever the skeptic, despite the luxury. "We're just going to watch people pour metal, right?"
Eva, however, was prepared. "The plant manufactures specialized turbines for hydropower. You're not just seeing molten metal; you're witnessing the precise engineering that turns water flow into controlled, national energy. They use cutting-edge non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques on their alloys for high-stress applications. We will be focusing on the intersection of fluid dynamics and metallurgy. Think beyond the syllabus."
The technical depth silenced the critics. Emerald exchanged a subtle, private glance with Eva—Zinan's influence was already being used to educate.
The industrial visit proved surprisingly focused, largely due to Eva's ability to prompt Emerald with technical questions that only Zinan could answer perfectly. Emerald asked about the spectroscopic analysis of microfractures, forcing the stunned plant manager to summon a senior metallurgist.
By late afternoon, the exhausted group reached their lodging in the Western Ghats. It wasn't a rustic camp; it was a sprawling, pristine five-star resort. The air was cool and crisp, carrying the scent of pine and mist.
Emerald was assigned a spacious suite with Ananthu, Shanie, Goutham, Albi, Nihal, Aryan, and Karthik. The rooms were spectacular, featuring high-end amenities that were unheard of on a typical college trip. Eva, meanwhile, was sharing a suite with the female students, maintaining separation while still keeping a discreet eye on her charge.
Later, as his friends marveled at the complimentary minibar and the large flat-screen TV, Emerald stepped out onto the balcony, where Eva soon joined him.
"You've certainly upheld your end of the bargain," Emerald observed, leaning against the railing.
Eva nodded, her gaze fixed on the dense forest below. "The best services for the vessel. Plus, I paid for this myself, Emerald. It's an investment in your stability. I need you focused on the life you're living, not the one you're running from."
Emerald winced at the blunt terminology. "Right. The precious vessel needs its Egyptian cotton sheets."
"Exactly," Eva confirmed. "Now, listen to the day's agenda. Tomorrow, you are leading your friends on a hike through the forest to a reserved, historic lookout point. You will be staying overnight in high-end tents. Use the hike. Focus on the physical burn, the friendship, the simple, human joy of conquest."
"You're really pushing this 'live your best life' angle."
"It's the only way, Emerald. Give Zinan a worn-out, fully utilized shell at the end of the year, not a pristine, desperate one."
That evening, after an opulent dinner buffet, the students gathered around a roaring outdoor fire pit. The mist of the Ghats hung thick and ethereal around them.
"Man, this trip is next level," Karthik remarked, staring into the flames. "I didn't know industrial visits could feel like this."
"It's Eva, man," Ananthu said, nodding wisely. "She's running a whole new level of operation."
Emerald, sitting quietly, knew the real operation was much darker. He looked at Eva, who was sitting with the girls, subtly observing him.
Later, before the students turned in, Emerald found Eva near the fire, reviewing a topographical map.
"Eva," he said. "Why this hike? It's not on the original itinerary."
"It's a metaphor, Emerald," she said, tapping a finger on the high-elevation point on the map. "You're at the highest point of your human life—the peak of your freedom. The moment you accept the struggle, the climb, and the view, you gain control. Remember what I told you: Lascrea didn't see you; she saw a chance to return to her hunter boy. Prove to her—and to Zinan—that you are more than a regretful vessel. Embrace the climb."
As Emerald walked back to his room, the image of his family's cold pancakes and his mother's worried gaze flashed through his mind. The contrast between his past and his present, effortless luxury was sharp. He had one year to prove that the simple, challenging life of Emerald bin Mortaza was worth more than a thousand-year-old love.
(To be continued)