Chapter 15 - 2 Months Ago

Two months ago I met a mysterious man, He introduced himself as the Dean of a special academy.

His name was, Ariel...

He claimed that he could help me and my friend by using his connections, although I suspect there may have been some lies mixed with the truth.

Thanks to Ariel's intervention(Brain Washing), our personal information was changed, and we were transferred to a prestigious school called Bright.

It's located in the far north of Sky City, nestled in the mountains or something like that. The school has a reputation for excellent academics.

However, what most people don't know is that Bright is not just an ordinary school. It secretly serves a different purpose known only to a select few.

It's a boarding school that focuses on teaching individuals with extraordinary abilities, known as "paragons," how to control and develop their powers.

Bright is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that remains hidden from the world. It's designed to provide advanced training to students with unique gifts.

The school attire is simple and practical, nothing too fancy.

The students here wear comfortable clothes that allow them to move freely, ensuring they can practice and hone their abilities effectively.

The attire at Bright is designed to be simple, comfortable, and practical for the students.

They wear clothes that allow them to move freely and engage in various physical activities while honing their abilities.

For everyday wear, students typically don casual clothing such as comfortable pants, jeans, or skirts paired with breathable shirts or blouses.

The emphasis is on comfort and ease of movement, as students often engage in physical training and practice their powers.

During specialized training sessions or practical lessons, students might be required to wear specific uniforms or gear depending on their abilities.

The outfits could include lightweight, flexible suits or uniforms that provide additional support or protection, tailored to their specific needs.

These specialized outfits are designed to enhance their abilities while ensuring their safety.

As I strolled down the hallway, the warm rays of sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting a soft glow on the polished wooden floors.

The air felt crisp and invigorating, filling my lungs as I took a deep breath.

The walls were adorned with framed paintings and motivational quotes, creating an atmosphere of inspiration and encouragement.

Approaching a familiar wooden door, my eyes were drawn to the brass tag affixed to it, bearing the inscription "[Dean's Office]."

The door itself had an air of importance, exuding a sense of authority and wisdom. Its rich, dark wood boasted intricate carvings, depicting scenes of knowledge, achievement, and unity.

With a mix of excitement and anticipation, I reached out to grasp the ornate doorknob, feeling its smooth, cool surface beneath my hand.

As I turned it, a slight creak resonated through the corridor, adding a touch of mystery to the encounter. Stepping inside, I entered a room that exuded elegance and professionalism.

The office of the Dean was adorned with bookshelves, filled to the brim with leather-bound tomes and academic journals.

The scent of aged paper and wisdom permeated the air.

A large mahogany desk commanded the centre of the room, meticulously organized with neat stacks of documents and a gleaming brass nameplate bearing the Dean's name, Ariel.

Soft, warm lighting bathed the room, creating an atmosphere that felt both welcoming and authoritative.

Comfortable chairs were strategically placed, offering a space for students to converse and seek guidance. The walls were adorned with accolades and certificates, showcasing the Dean's achievements and expertise.

As I stood in the presence of the Dean's office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of respect and admiration for the individual who occupied this space.

The environment spoke of knowledge, experience, and a genuine commitment to guiding and nurturing the students of Bright Academy.

As I stood in the Dean's office, I found Dean Ariel sitting behind his mahogany desk, engrossed in some paperwork.

He looked up as the door creaked, his greenish-white hair catching the light, and his piercing greenish-silver eyes meeting mine.

A warm smile graced his face, exuding an aura of wisdom and authority.

"Suzuki, it's good to see you," Dean Ariel greeted me warmly, his voice filled with a soothing yet commanding tone.

"Please, have a seat."

He gestured toward a plush armchair placed in front of his desk. The chair was upholstered in a deep emerald fabric, its smooth surface inviting and comfortable.

The rich colour complemented the Dean's eyes, creating a harmonious visual effect.

I took a seat, sinking into the chair's soft cushions, which seemed to embrace me with their warmth. The chair provided a sense of support and relaxation.

"Now, how are you settling in at Bright?" Dean Ariel inquired, his eyes filled with genuine interest.

"I hope you're finding the environment conducive to your studies and personal growth."

I nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for the opportunity that had been presented to me.

"Yes, Dean Ariel. Bright has been an incredible experience so far. The teachers, the facilities, everything is beyond what I imagined."

The Dean's smile widened, his eyes sparkling with pride. "I'm glad to hear that, Suzuki. We strive to provide the best environment for our students to thrive. Remember, if you ever have any concerns or need guidance, my door is always open."

Slowly a mix of concern and frustration painted my face as I addressed Ariel. "Dean, I have to know the truth about my friend, Kian. Is he truly alive, or is he caught in some sort of Schrödinger's cat paradox?"

Taking a moment to collect my thoughts, I continued, my tone turning more serious. "Physically, he seems fine. His head is clear, and he is no longer incapacitated. However, there's something deeply unsettling. He doesn't respond to anything, not even physical touch. It's as if he's lost his soul."

The weight of uncertainty and helplessness hung heavily upon me. "I've been here for two months, and while I'm grateful for your assistance with those Raina'd creatures, but I can't ignore that Kian remains trapped in this state. I need your guidance, Dean. Please, tell me how I can save him."

My eyes searched Dean Ariel's face, hoping to find some glimmer of reassurance or a solution to this enigma.

I knew that his knowledge and experience went beyond the surface, and I clung to the belief that he held the key to unlocking the truth and helping my friend.

The Deans voice held a tone of reassurance as he responded, "When I told you that your friend wasn't dead, I meant it. The fusion with the Raina'ds essence has brought about remarkable changes in him, enhancing his potential to become a paragon."

He paused for a moment, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and empathy. "Your friend's story is far from over, Suzuki. There is still hope."

Frustration welled up within me, and I couldn't help but voice my concerns. "But what can I do? I can't just sit here and wait for some miracle to happen. I need to help him, to find a way to bring him back fully."

Dean Ariel's expression softened, understanding my impatience.

"I understand your frustration, Suzuki. Even I am not entirely certain of the next steps we should take. However, we must hold onto hope and keep searching for a solution. Your friend's consciousness, though faint, is not gone. It exists somewhere else, and I can sense its presence."

His words offered a glimmer of comfort amid the uncertainty.

I realized that while the path ahead may be unclear, there was a sliver of possibility to explore. Taking a deep breath, the weight of worry slowly easing from my shoulders.

"Thank you, Dean Ariel," I said sincerely, gratitude evident in my voice. "I won't give up on Kian. We'll find a way to bring him back and help him reclaim his true self. I'm ready to do whatever it takes."

The Dean nodded, his belief in our shared determination unwavering. "Together, Suzuki, we'll uncover the answers and bring your friend back. We'll explore every avenue and use our resources to their fullest extent. Trust in the bond you share with Kian, and let it guide you."

"The only thing we can do is wait, huh?" I sighed, feeling a sense of deflation in my words.

Dean Ariel's expression reflected a mix of empathy and understanding. "I'm afraid so, Suzuki. Your friend's case is indeed a unique one. Sometimes, time itself becomes a crucial factor in the healing process."

I gave the Dean a last lingering look, gratitude mixed with a tinge of sadness, before slowly rising from the comfortable chair.

The scent of aged books and wisdom lingered in the air, encapsulating the essence of the Dean's office.

As I exited the room, the weight of uncertainty still clung to my thoughts, but there was also a glimmer of acceptance.

Sometimes, all we can do is be patient, trusting that the passage of time will bring about the answers we seek.

Leaving behind the hallowed space of the Dean's office, I found solace in the familiar surroundings of Bright Academy.

The hallways beckoned me forward, filled with the echoes of countless stories and journeys undertaken by its students.

Armed with a renewed sense of hope and the lingering scent of books in my mind, I resolved to support Kian as best I could during his journey towards recovery.