A week after their quiet family meeting, Darren and Aria sat side by side in the sleek campus lounge of Evelyn Crest University — the top-tier school for the elite and ambitious.
Bright sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, highlighting the polished marble floors and the hum of purposeful students around them.
"This is it," Aria whispered, her eyes wide with awe. "The kind of place that changes lives."
Darren nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. "Not just a college. It's a stepping stone — the place where we'll build the future Kairos needs."
They had been accepted into Evelyn Crest after months of careful preparation and strategic application. It was a rare opportunity — one that would not only sharpen their skills but also open doors into powerful networks.
"Studying alongside the best means we have to be better," Darren said. "I want to learn everything — finance, tech innovations, even law if I can."
Aria smiled confidently. "And I'm going to master marketing, branding, and leadership. Together, we'll make Kairos untouchable."
The campus buzzed with the energy of dreams and ambitions, but for Darren and Aria, it was more than that — it was a battleground where they would hone the skills needed to face the Hayes head-on.
As they stood to leave the lounge, their phones pinged simultaneously.
System Alert:
Mission Update — Strategic Alliance Formation unlocked.
Darren glanced at Aria, a spark in his eyes. "Looks like college isn't just about classes. It's the next stage of the war."
Aria grinned. "Then let's win it — together."