It was around 8 AM, early morning, when a young man with fluffy hair arrived at the city’s student terminal, wearing a coat slightly too large for his shoulders and shoes that looked odd, with an old backpack fastened at his back. His hair was dark and unevenly cut, and his eyes shifted, looking around. From just a glance, you could tell he was someone who wasn't used to places like this. He stepped off the regional bus immediately after it stopped and was amazed. Around him, he saw other students arriving in luxurious cars, escorted by assistants and surrounded by luggage trolleys and school emblems on their sleeves, but he had none of that. He carried a single canvas pack and a folded admission form under his arm, holding it like it might disappear. As he walked toward the school gate, a tall guard in a blue uniform stepped forward and blocked his way, disgusted by his dressing and strange looks. “No unauthorized entries,” he barked. “Are you from the villages?” The young m

As they reached the principal’s office, Kael noticed the smooth brass plate on the dark wooden door. It read: Principal, Valaris Academy. The woman stopped in front of it, arms folded. “That’s the office. Go in,” she said curtly, then turned on her heel and walked away without another word. Kael hesitated only a second before knocking gently. A voice came from inside. “Who’s there?... Come in.” Kael pushed the door open and stepped into the office. Inside, the room was spacious, warmly lit, and tastefully furnished. A large glass window behind the principal’s desk revealed a quiet courtyard. Seated at the desk was a man in a dark suit, clean-shaven with streaks of gray at his temples. Across from him sat two other well-dressed men, deep in a quiet conversation. Kael gave a respectful nod. “Good morning.” The man behind the desk, presumably the principal, looked up, ready to return the greeting, but the moment his eyes met Kael’s face, his words caught in his throat. He stared,

A few students exchanged confused looks.“Is he… a janitor?” someone muttered under their breath.“What’s he doing here?” another whispered. “And why is he dressed like that?”Eyes followed him from every corner of the room, some curious, some amused, and some openly judgmental. A few students stared with their mouths slightly open, unable to hide their shock.Kael remained still for a moment, taking in the room calmly, unaffected by the attention, then he stepped forward.A few boys near the front stood up almost at once. Chairs scraped loudly as they hurried toward him, curiosity and disbelief written all over their faces.“Hey, who are you?” one demanded.“Why are you in our class?” another asked quickly.“And why didn’t you knock before coming in?” A third added, eyes scanning Kael from head to toe.Questions came at him from every direction, overlapping, impatient, and sharp.The rest of the class watched in silence, their attention fully locked on him now. Phones were forgotten,

At once, chairs scraped against the floor. Students grabbed their bags and stood up quickly, excitement showing on their faces. Some were already talking about the program, others fixing their clothes as they walked.The class began to file out of the room in a rush. Everyone walked out of the classroom one after another.Soon, the room became quiet, only Kael and Elara were left inside.Elara turned and looked at him. "You too," she said.Kael slowly stood up and spoke gently, "Ms. Voss, can't I just stay here, I-""No, you can't," Elara cut him off. "You're meant to be there," she said firmly.Kael let out a small sigh and nodded. "Alright."Elara gave a short nod in return. "Okay, now follow me.”She turned around and walked toward the door.As Kael followed Elara down the hallway, the sound of voices grew louder.When they reached the main hall, Kael stopped for a moment, stunned.The place was huge.Bright lights filled the room, banners hanging from the walls with golden letters

Another smiled and said, “Do you even know what Founders’ Week is about?”A girl brushed her hair back and spoke proudly. “My family sponsors a whole wing in this academy.”Another boy added, “Mine owns companies all over the city.”They laughed softly, looking down at Kael.“And you?” one of them asked mockingly. “What do you have?”Brian straightened up and spoke before Kael could say anything.“Hey, guys,” he said calmly, “there’s no need for all these, he hasn’t even said anything yet.”One of the guys stepped forward immediately. It was Victor. He gave a short laugh, then shoved Brian lightly on the shoulder.“Huh?” Victor said. “So what? You’re his spokesperson now?”The room went quiet for a moment. Victor smirked. “Oh right… I almost forgot.”He looked Brian up and down. “You’re poor too,” he said plainly. “So of course you’d stand up for your fellow poor man.”A few quiet laughs followed.Brian clenched his jaw but didn’t push back. He steadied himself and stayed where he was