Chapter 35: Decision
The room remained heavy with silence as each faculty member weighed the decision. Finally, Professor Hartley broke it.
"I propose we put it to a vote," he said, his voice steady but cautious. "We've debated enough. It's time to decide: does Rio get admitted through the Akashic Project, or do we send him on his way?"
Dr. Elara nodded, her expression resolute. "Agreed. But let's not forget what we're deciding here. This isn't just about his talent—it's about his potential to withstand what the Akashic Project will demand of him."
Dr. Patel folded his arms, his gaze sharp. "If we vote yes, we're taking a massive risk. If he can't handle it, the consequences could destroy him. And if that happens, it's on us."
Ms. Birch interjected, her voice softer but no less firm. "And if we vote no, we may be turning away one of the most promising young musicians we've seen in years. Isn't it our responsibility to cultivate that potential, even if it means taking a risk?"
Dr. Liao sighed, tapping his pen rhythmically against the table. "Let's be clear about what we're discussing. The Akashic Project is not a standard mentorship program. It will strip him bare, force him to confront his deepest fears and weaknesses. If he emerges intact, he'll be stronger—exceptional, even. But if he falters…"
He let the sentence hang, unfinished. The implications were clear.
Professor Winters leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. His dark-framed glasses caught the light as he spoke. "I've seen students walk away from the project shattered. Brilliant minds lost because they weren't ready. But I've also seen what it can create—students who've gone on to redefine music. The question is, which path will Rio take?"
A tense pause followed. Then Dr. Patel spoke again, his tone curt. "Let's vote and be done with it."
Professor Hartley nodded, standing as he addressed the group. "All in favor of admitting Rio under the condition he undertakes the Akashic Project?"
Dr. Elara's hand was the first to rise, followed by Ms. Birch. Professor Hartley lifted his own hand with a quiet resolve. Three votes.
"All opposed?" Hartley continued.
Dr. Patel's hand shot up without hesitation, joined quickly by Dr. Liao and Professor Winters. Three votes against.
Hartley exhaled slowly, looking around the room. "A tie."
For a moment, the faculty exchanged glances, the air crackling with tension. Finally, Dr. Elara leaned forward, her eyes narrowing slightly. "The Akashic Project allows for a tie-breaking condition. If the vote is deadlocked, the candidate's fate can be decided through an observation phase—a probationary test under controlled circumstances."
Ms. Birch nodded. "That would give us a clearer picture of whether he's capable of handling the full program. It's fair."
Dr. Patel frowned. "You mean putting him through a trial by fire. You think that's fair?"
"It's better than making a decision based on guesswork," Dr. Elara countered, her tone firm. "Give him the chance to show us what he's made of. If he fails, the burden is his to bear—not ours."
After a long pause, Hartley nodded. "Then it's settled. We'll offer Rio conditional admission with a probationary phase. If he succeeds, he moves forward into the Akashic Project. If he fails…" He didn't finish the sentence. He didn't need to.
The group murmured their agreement, and Hartley rose, gathering his notes. "I'll inform him of our decision. Let's hope we're making the right one—for him and for PIUT."
----
As I sat in the waiting room, my mind still reeling from the intense interview and musical performance, the door slowly creaked open. To my surprise, Emma peeked in, her eyes darting around nervously before settling on me.
"Oh! I-I'm sorry," she stammered, half-hiding behind the door. "I didn't realize anyone was in here."
I smiled, trying to put her at ease. "It's okay, come on in. I don't bite."
Emma hesitated for a moment before shuffling into the room, clutching her notebook tightly to her chest. She perched on the edge of a chair as far from me as possible, her gaze fixed on the floor.
An awkward silence filled the air. I cleared my throat, deciding to break the ice. "So... quantum computing, huh? That's pretty impressive."
Emma's head snapped up, her eyes wide with surprise. "Oh! Um, thank you. I-I heard your music. It was beautiful."
I felt a warmth spread through my chest at her compliment. "Thanks. I didn't know you were listening."
"Your performance was broadcasted," she mumbled, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "I could hear it from the other room. It was... it was like nothing I've ever heard before."
Encouraged by her words, I leaned forward. "You know, I've always been fascinated by the connection between music and mathematics. There's a rhythm to equations, a harmony in algorithms."
Emma's eyes lit up, her shyness momentarily forgotten. "Really? I've thought the same thing! The way quantum states interact, it's almost like a cosmic symphony."
As we talked, Emma gradually relaxed, her initial nervousness melting away. We found ourselves deep in conversation, discussing our hobbies and interests. I found out she also likes to watch anime and read manga's, a weeb like me.
"You know," I said, chuckling, "when I first saw you, I thought you were some kind of prodigy who had it all figured out. It's kind of reassuring to know you're just as nervous as I am."
Emma laughed, a melodious sound that filled the room. "Me? Have it all figured out? I'm a mess! I nearly passed out when they asked me to explain my algorithm."
"At least you didn't offer yourself up as a joke," I retorted, recounting the earlier incident.
Emma burst into giggles, covering her mouth with her hand. "Oh god, that was hilarious! I thought I was going to die from trying not to laugh."
As our laughter subsided, a comfortable silence fell between us. Emma twirled a strand of hair around her finger, looking thoughtful.
"Hey, Rio?" she said softly. "Do you think... if we both get in... maybe we could collaborate sometime? Your music and my algorithms... I think we could create something amazing."
I felt a spark of excitement at the idea. "That would be incredible, Emma. I'd love to-"
The door swung open, cutting me off. Sarah stood there, her eyebrow raised as she looked between us.
"Mr. Rio, Ms. Kürz, the committee is ready to see you both now."
As we stood to follow Sarah, Emma and I exchanged a glance.
"Ready?" I asked Emma.
She took a deep breath and nodded, a determined glint in her eye. "Ready."