09:00 AM, Erina, Dmitry, and Alexander left for White Elementary School. They arrived around 09:15.
Upon arrival, they went straight to the registration office. Dmitry had already registered Alexander online a few days earlier, so today they only needed to submit the medical documents stating that Alexander was mentally and physically fit.
After the documents were handed in, Alexander had to take an ability assessment test so the school could determine whether he was eligible to be accepted.
If his results did not meet the school's standards, they had the right to reject him.
While Alexander took the test, Dmitry and Erina sat in silence in the waiting area.
Erina looked tense, her hands clasped tightly together.
Dmitry tried to reassure her.
> "Don't worry. He has been studying these past few weeks, hasn't he?"
Erina let out a small sigh.
> "Yes, but… Dmitry, Alexander has never gone to school before."
Dmitry looked at her with a faint smile.
> "Are you sure? How do you know that?"
Erina hesitated.
> "So… he has been to school before?"
Dmitry nodded slowly.
> "Alexander is one of many children who dropped out because of the Three-Nation War. He didn't just lose his parents — he also lost the chance to live a normal life. That's why, Erina… you need to be a good mother to him."
Erina lowered her head, then smiled gently.
> "You're right, Dmitry."
A moment later, the door to the test room opened. Alexander walked out — his expression still blank as always, but his eyes calm.
A school staff member approached Dmitry and Erina, holding the test results.
> "Your child has above-average cognitive ability. Based on the assessment, we have decided to accept Alexander and place him directly in Grade 5, despite his age."
Erina covered her mouth, nearly in shock. Dmitry simply smiled with pride.
The school also explained that Alexander would begin attending on Monday.
The enrollment and school supply fee was set at 5,000 rubles, which would cover his needs for the next two years.
That day marked the beginning of a new life for Alexander —