The man's grayish-blue eyes were strikingly similar to Julian's, but they held a dignified and stern glint, betraying the characteristic aura of an alpha.
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The University of Kaisersiedeln wasn't just any institution; it was a renowned center of learning, particularly celebrated for its cutting-edge science programs. Many distinguished scientists, some even Nobel Prize contenders, walked its halls as students. These luminaries often returned as tenured professors or guest lecturers, enriching the academic environment for future generations.
This prestigious faculty, coupled with the university's advanced curriculum, made the University of Kaisersiedeln a magnet for the brightest minds. Students with an unwavering dedication to scientific research, mostly alphas, flocked to the university eagerly, ready to embark on their research journeys.
The University of Kaisersiedeln offered two distinct admissions tracks, catering to different applicant profiles.
The first, the direct track, provided a coveted pathway for a limited number of students. This track was available for children of prominent families with sufficient financial resources to support their academic pursuits. However, securing a spot wasn't solely based on lineage. Academic performances, extracurricular activities and achievements, quality essays and powerful recommendations, among other factors, were meticulously evaluated to ensure these students also possessed strong academic potential.
The second track, the indirect track, was even more selective. Entry was granted by exclusive invitation, reserved for individuals who exhibited exceptional scientific talent. Here, financial background held no sway; pure scientific brilliance was the sole criterion. Notably, the selection process was entirely gender-blind.
Understanding the financial burden of higher education, the University of Kaisersiedeln offered robust scholarship programs to ensure access for all deserving students. These scholarships stemmed from various sources -- government initiatives, research institutes eager to invest in future brilliance, and even charitable organizations funded by generous benefactors.
The scholarship programs were further designed to promote inclusivity across genders. While some scholarships were open to all, others were specifically targeted toward beta and omega students, aiming to bridge any potential gaps and foster a future scientific landscape rich in diverse leadership.
Through this commitment to equality, the government, in collaboration with the University of Kaisersiedeln, sought to empower betas and omegas to become leading figures in scientific exploration.
"And Julian Haas is a recipient of one of these scholarship schemes, is that right?" Maximillian asked after he finished reading through the impressive university profile.
Julian's PhD program supervising professor, the esteemed Prof. Dr. Mannheim, sat opposite him. Despite his usual rigid posture, the professor couldn't hide the litany of praises brimming on his lips.
"Absolutely, Agent Grant. Mr. Haas is a truly exceptional student. His brilliance and intuition are unparalleled among his peers. He is currently finalizing his doctoral dissertation, thus he dedicates himself to his experiments, often working late into the night. His work ethic is truly commendable."
"How is his relationship with his peers?" Maximillian asked. "Does he get along well with the other students?"
The professor gave Maximillian a cryptic smile.
"Agent Grant, brilliant minds often find themselves drawn to solitary pursuits. Mr. Haas' dedication to his research may limit his social interactions, but I trust you won't hold that against him."
"Of course not," Maximillian returned the professor's smile.
"I just wonder if he is suffering from any kind of financial difficulties in the past two years."
"Nothing that I am aware of," Professor Dr. Mannheim squinted at Maximillian.
"It is very unlikely for someone with such a brilliant academic background to end up working as a mere nurse assistant in a mental institution, if you understand my concern."
"Ah."
A cloud of understanding settled over the professor.
"I am aware of his part-time job at the Eichwald Center for Neurology and Psyche. But Agent Grant, maybe you misunderstood him. Mr. Haas' doctoral research concerns a comparative analysis of antidepressant efficacy across various dosage regimens and exposure durations in depressed patients.
I believe that he offers his assistance in exchange for the hospital data, not to mention that it is his first time working in the medical field. It will be good for his resume after graduation."
"I see. Then, Professor Mannheim, do you have anything else to add to Mr. Haas' profile?"
"Nothing that comes to mind, Agent Grant."
Maximillian snapped his tablet shut with a decisive click and rose from his chair. Extending his hand towards the professor, he said, "In that case, I'll excuse myself. Thank you for your time, Professor Dr. Mannheim."
The professor grasped Maximillian's hand firmly. "Likewise, Agent. Happy to help."
As Maximillian turned to leave, his gaze snagged on a wall adorned with framed digital portraits of legendary figures in genetic engineering and biotechnology. A single name escaped his lips as he fixated on one particular photo: "Atticus Bates."
Professor Dr. Mannheim, who had followed Maximillian's gaze, stepped out from behind his desk. "Ah, yes," he said, joining Maximillian in admiring the photograph. "Dr. Bates, a true inspiration for any student in the field of genetic engineering. His contributions are simply invaluable."
The professor turned back to Maximillian, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. "Speaking of groundbreaking work, Agent Grant, have you ever heard the whispers about the third evolution?"
Maximillian met his gaze with a knowing smile. "Indeed," he replied. "As far as I know, Dr. Bates' groundbreaking, Nobel Prize-winning invention promises to enhance the human genome in a novel way, potentially unlocking a whole new level of heritable human potential."
"Very well said," Prof. Dr. Mannheim sighed. "However, right now, the third evolution remains tantalizingly out of reach, a shimmering mirage on the horizon of the future. All we can do at this point is pray for Dr. Bates' swift recovery."
"I trust that the entire humanity bemoans the recent tragedy," Maximillian replied.
His gaze then drifted to the photograph beside Atticus Bates'. Unlike the others adorned with testaments to their scientific triumphs, this one remained curiously devoid of any inscription.
Prof. Dr. Heinrich Krausser, 1990 - 2030.
"This esteemed professor passed away quite early," Maximillian commented. "Who is he?"
"Oh, Prof. Dr. Krausser used to be a tenured professor in this university many years ago. He was several years my senior, and I admire him greatly for his dedication to give rise to the next generation of genetic engineers and biotechnologists," Prof. Dr. Mannheim readily answered.
Maximillian paused for a moment.
Heinrich Krausser's grayish-blue eyes were strikingly similar to Julian's, but they held a dignified and stern glint, betraying the characteristic aura of an alpha.