The Dean's building was in the center of Hope Academy. Unlike the other buildings, its outside was made completely of obsidian stone. Sunlight reflected off its black surface, giving it a mysterious look.
Aren Khan walked behind Jasmine and Albert, still looking around. The academy campus had a clear and organized layout. Every building had a purpose: training centers, simulation zones, meditation gardens, battle arenas… Everything was designed to help the Ascended grow.
When the Dean's door opened quietly, a holographic reception system greeted them.
A soft, melodic voice came from the top floor
"Come to my office, Aren."
Albert and Jasmine waited outside while Aren stepped in.
The Dean's office was large and simple. On the walls were portraits of Ascended who had shaped humanity's future. Aren recognized many of them. They were the leaders of the nine mega-cities—legendary figures with Level 9 potential, just like him. They were the Heroic Leaders of this world.
Behind a crystal desk sat a woman with long golden hair and ocean-colored eyes that shimmered with wisdom. She was very beautiful and looked a lot like Jasmine.
"Welcome, Aren. My name is Erza. I am the Dean of this academy." she said.
Aren bowed his head politely, just as he had been taught at the care center.
"Hello, ma'am." he replied.
Dean Erza looked at him carefully. Her face showed no smile and no anger—just focus.
She accepted his greeting quietly. Her eyes studied his face, as if she was thinking deeply. Then she gently touched her crystal desk.
A wave of light shimmered across the surface of the desk, and Aren's biological profile appeared in the air:
Level 9 – Very High Potential.
"This result brought you to the academy." said Erza. Her voice was soft, but carried weight.
"But staying here won't depend only on your potential. It will depend on your determination."
Aren listened quietly.
"The City of Hope. The Academy of Hope. Do you know why humanity gave it that name, Aren?"
"To give people hope?" Aren asked.
Erza smiled.
"We are humanity's hope, Aren. When the City of Hope was first built, it lit a spark. A belief that humanity still had a chance in this world. And when the Academy was founded, that spark became a rising flame."
Erza stood up. She wore a black velvet robe and walked to the window, her hands clasped behind her back.
"This city wasn't built with just concrete and technology. It was built with hope, sacrifice, and belief. The Academy is the heart of that belief."
Aren's eyes filled with tears. He thought of his mother and father.
Erza stood by the window, her gaze drifting into the distance. Sunlight touched her face, giving it a soft glow. Her voice echoed through the quiet room:
"Every student becomes part of that belief. But those with your potential… they don't just carry it. They shape it. Someone like you isn't just a student. You're a spark that could guide humanity's future. And turning that spark into a flame bright enough to reach the skies—that's up to you."
Aren felt the weight of her words. Just an hour ago, he was an ordinary boy. Now, he was standing in the world's most elite institution, seen as a future leader by Dean Erza herself.
Suddenly, Aren stood up. He wiped his eyes. A serious look appeared on his childish face.
"I'm Aren Khan. I won't let my family's sacrifices be in vain."
Erza turned around. Her serious expression softened into a gentle smile. She walked over and ruffled his hair.
"That's enough for now, Aren Khan. Work hard."
She gently fixed his hair.
"Jasmine and Albert will help you. You can ask them anything you need."
She placed a hand on his shoulder. It was a gesture of trust and acceptance. Then she quietly stepped back and returned to her crystal desk.
As Aren headed toward the door, Erza's voice rose once more:
"And remember… Hope is not something that only shines in the light. It can also shine in the dark."
The door opened. Jasmine was waiting. Albert stood a little farther away, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, his usual serious but watchful look on his face.
Jasmine smiled.
"If you're ready, we'll show you around the Academy."
She walked ahead with confident steps, like a guide. Aren followed, his eyes wandering around. The campus of Academy was built with an open-air design. Wide stone paths, glowing direction signs, and buildings with different architectural styles surrounded them.
Albert walked silently behind them. His massive presence made nearby students nervous.
Jasmine pointed to a building.
"This is the East Wing." she said.
"It's where students eat, rest, and socialize. The dorms, cafeteria, and lounges are here."
Aren glanced at the building. It looked modern but simple.
"The West Wing is for education." Jasmine continued.
"Theory classes, strategy, history, and technology are taught there."
Albert jumped in.
"The South Wing is more fun. That's where the Physical Training Area is. If you want to build muscle or sharpen your reflexes, you'll be spending time there."
Aren nodded.
Jasmine kept walking.
"The North Wing holds the Colosseum. That's where one-on-one battles happen. At the end of each year, there's a big tournament. The higher your rank, the more advantages you get."
Aren's eyes turned to the tall dome in the north. The Colosseum was one of the most impressive buildings in the Academy. Its outer walls were covered in obsidian stone, just like the Dean's Hall.
"And finally, the central zone. That's where the Dean's office and the professors' living quarters are. Students aren't allowed there."
Aren nodded. His eyes moved to the center of the campus. There, a building stood taller than the rest—simple, yet powerful. It was quiet. It felt like the heart of everything.
Jasmine stopped.
"Now we'll take you to the dorms. It's been a long day. Tomorrow, your training begins."
Jasmine and Albert took Aren to his room. Compared to his old one, it was much larger and very luxurious. The room was divided into three areas: a studyroom, a bedroom, and a bathroom. Every piece of furniture was made from expensive alloys.
On the bed, a few sets of black uniforms had been laid out—custom-made just for him.
When Aren entered the study, he noticed a silver bracelet resting on his crystal desk. It was his communication device.
He put it on. As soon as it touched his wrist, a digital booklet appeared in his retina.
Aren was surprised. He knew about the device and its features, but this was his first time using one. It would take a while to get used to.
Inside the booklet were the academy's rules and his class schedule.
Aren walked into the bedroom. He changed into the pajamas he had brought from the Care Center and lay down on the bed.
He began reading the digital booklet carefully.
About an hour later, he finished reading.
"So this will be my home for the next six years… Tomorrow, my first class is Theory. It starts at sunrise. I should get some sleep," he said.
He touched the bracelet on his wrist, and the room lights turned off.
Just before falling asleep, a single tear rolled down his cheek. He whispered:
"Mom, Dad… rest in peace. Your son is going to save this world."
Just like the heroes in the bedtime stories his mother used to tell him…
That night, Aren Khan had a beautiful dream.