Morning arrived with a sense of ceremony— not loud, not explosive— but calm, dignified, and absolute. The kind of morning that felt like a page turning on the world itself.
Charlestown lay under a thin veil of golden sunlight. Mist drifted above the quiet streets, curling around lampposts before dissolving into the warm light. Birds perched on rooftops, chirping as though heralding the departure of someone significant.
Inside Crimson Hills Villa, Steven Blake stood silently in front of the mirror, fastening the strap of his watch. Not his Rolex. Not the Patek. Just a simple one.
He liked beginning monumental days with small rituals—something that reminded him of where he started.
He smoothed his shirt, ran a hand through his hair, and took a breath. Today was the day.
He was leaving Charlestown behind.Not forever—but long enough for the world to look different when he returned.
He stepped out of his room, dragging his suitcase behind him, and found his parents already waiting at the door.
Natalie rushed over immediately, eyes soft and watery."Steven… you packed everything?"
Steven smiled gently. "Yes, Mom."
"You have your documents? Your laptop? Your chargers? Your—"
"Natalie," Morris sighed. "Let the boy breathe."
But even he, the usually stoic one, was tense.
Steven approached them with quiet warmth.
"I'll be fine."
"We know," Natalie whispered, smoothing a wrinkle in his shirt that didn't exist. "But AIISA… it's not an ordinary place."
"A place full of heirs, prodigies, geniuses…" Morris muttered. "Some of them think they're above the law. Just… stay calm. Don't provoke anyone."
Steven raised a brow."Dad… when have I ever been reckless?"
Morris looked at him flatly.
"…Do I need to replay the news clip of you racing a supercar on a private circuit after a birthday party?"
Steven cleared his throat. "That was… different."
Natalie laughed through her nerves.
"Just promise us you'll be safe."
Steven nodded. "I promise."
A sharp, powerful engine roared outside the villa gates.Then another.And for a moment, even Steven's parents paused.
The gates slid open.
A black Brabus G63 burst into the driveway like a panther leaping from shadow to light.Its polished frame reflected the sun in bold, clean lines.
Leon Black stepped out wearing sunglasses far too expensive for his personality, grinning like he owned the sky.
"Steven Blake! Get your genius butt out—we're hitting the road!"
Behind him, a sleek snow-white Mercedes slid to a stop with gentle precision.Veronica stepped out first, graceful and glowing under the morning sun.Mira followed, carrying her backpack while simultaneously filing her nails.
Steven's heart softened at the sight of them.
His people. His circle.
These were the ones walking with him today into the future.
Veronica approached first and hugged Natalie."Auntie, we'll take care of him."
Steven raised a brow. "Shouldn't it be the other way around?"
She ignored him entirely. Mira laughed.
"Well, we're ready," Steven said.
Leon smirked. "Then what the hell are we waiting for? Let's move."
But before he entered the car, Steven turned once more to his parents.
Natalie pulled him into a hug so tight he felt the tremble in her hands.
"Make us proud."
"I already am," Steven whispered.
He stepped back, lifting his suitcase and sliding it into the trunk of the Speedtail.One last wave—and the engines roared to life.
The journey from Charlestown to Aurelius City felt like slipping from one universe to another.
Leon's Brabus led the way, thundering down the open highway with the arrogance only a seven-hundred-thousand-dollar beast could command.
Steven followed in the Speedtail, its interior humming like a whispering spirit.
Veronica rested, eyes closed, enjoying the sun."You ever think," she said softly, "just how much things have changed?"
Steven glanced sideways."What do you mean?"
She smiled at him—that gentle, unguarded smile he saw only when they were alone.
"About a year ago, you were the quiet boy at the back of class who ate cafeteria noodles."
Steven chuckled. "Those were good noodles."
"They were terrible," Veronica laughed. "But now look at you. Crimson Hills Villa. Multiple companies.And today… AIISA."
A soft breeze flowed through the car.
Steven tapped the steering wheel lightly.
"Things changed fast," he admitted. "Sometimes I feel like I woke up in someone else's life."
Veronica watched him quietly.
"No," she murmured. "It's still yours. You worked for it."
Up ahead, Leon's voice crackled through the group call.
"HEY! Mira is refusing to pick music! Someone help me!"
"Because your playlist is awful!" Mira shouted in the background.
Veronica laughed so hard she almost cried. Steven smirked.
And for long miles, it felt like the universe itself was smiling on them.
When the towers of Aurelius City finally emerged on the horizon— Mira stopped mid-sentence. Leon removed his sunglasses. Veronica sat up straight.
"…Is that all one campus?" she breathed.
No one answered. No one needed to.
The Aurelius Institute of Integrated Sciences & Arts was not a school.It was a sovereign territory—a kingdom of intellect and ambition.
The road curved, and suddenly—There it was.
Two colossal stone pillars rose like ancient guardians, carved with intricate sigils that hinted at centuries of legacy.Between them stood a monumental stone archway, regal and timeless, vines crawling across its frame.
Etched in gold:
AURELIUS INSTITUTE OF INTEGRATED SCIENCES & ARTS
—Where Tomorrow Is Forged.
The words glowed without needing light.
Steven felt something inside him stir— anticipation that bordered on hunger.
Leon parked first, stepping out with an expression of awe he would never admit.
"What the… This place looks like it could house a whole nation."
Mira whispered, "It's like stepping into another realm…"
Steven said nothing. He only stared at the archway.
At the threshold of a world built for giants. And for the first time that day, a thrill shot through him.
This was where he would shape an empire.
The central plaza of AIISA was packed—students from every corner of America, each dressed in understated but unmistakable luxury.
Chauffeurs adjusted coats.Bodyguards stood discreetly behind heirs.Parents—powerful, wealthy, influential—hovered with proud, worried eyes.
A massive stage dominated the courtyard.
As the four took their seats among the sea of students, the atmosphere shifted.
A tall senior stepped onto the stage.
His presence alone silenced thousands.
Sharp black coat.Sharper jawline.Eyes like a hawk who already knew more law than most judges.
William Crane — Student Council President.
Whispers erupted:
"That's him!"
"The law prodigy!"
"He's handled over a hundred cases—won all of them!"
William raised a hand, and silence fell instantly.
He spoke like a man who didn't need permission to lead.
"Welcome to AIISA. Here, no teacher will coddle you.No class will chase you.No hand will pull you along.
AIISA opens doors—but you must walk through them yourselves."
His voice echoed across the plaza.
"Strength, intelligence, ambition…Those mean nothing unless you act.
From today—your future is your responsibility."
Then he stepped aside.
Another figure took the stage—this one brighter, warmer, but equally powerful in his own way.
Stylish hair. Smile charming enough to calm a storm.
Elias Hart — President of the Aurelius Enterprise Guild.
Veronica whispered, "The boy with the Midas touch."
Elias winked at the crowd.
"Good morning, future billionaires and empire builders." Laughter rippled.
"At AIISA, if you have a dream—we'll give you the tools to turn it into a corporation.
If you have an idea—we'll turn it into an empire.
So don't be shy.If you're hungry for greatness…come find us."
The plaza erupted with applause.
Steven leaned back, watching both William and Elias with interest.
These were the kinds of people AIISA produced. And these were the kinds of people he would surpass.
After the ceremony, seniors guided the students toward two towering skyscrapers, casting long shadows across the plaza.
The towers rose like twin guardians, cutting clean lines into the sky:
Solaris Tower — Boys' Dormitory— Silver steel, sharp edges, bold windows. A blade forged in sunlight.
Selene's Paradise — Girls' Dormitory— White marble, soft contours, warm illumination. Moonlight given shape.
A senior calling names shouted:
"Blake, Steven — Solaris Tower, room S-1502!""Black, Leon — Solaris Tower, room S-1503!""Adams, Veronica — Selene's Paradise, room P-1408!""Mason, Mira — Selene's Paradise, room P-1410!"
Leon fist-pumped."Room neighbors, baby! Steven, get ready to hear me play drums at 3 AM!"
"I'm requesting a transfer," Steven replied dryly.
Veronica giggled and bumped his shoulder."Be nice. He's excited."
Mira nodded solemnly. "He needs adult supervision."
The four received sleek welcome packages:
- AIISA crest badges- Multi-page campus maps- Important contact numbers- Instructions for attire pick-up- QR codes linking them to official WhatsApp groups
AIISA New Batch, AIISA Notices & Alerts, AIISA Alumni & Mentors
A senior added cheerfully:
"The life at AIISA will begin soon! Rest well."
The four stood before the towering buildings.
Solaris Tower shimmered like a sword descending from the heavens.Selene's Paradise glowed like the quiet, serene moon.
Veronica looked at Steven.
"Tomorrow… we actually start."
Steven exhaled slowly, lifting his suitcase.
"No," he corrected gently."We start now."
Leon grinned. Mira smiled. Veronica nodded.
They separated, stepping toward their new homes.
A new chapter.A new battlefield.A new future.
And as Steven crossed the threshold into Solaris Tower—
He knew something with absolute clarity:
AIISA would challenge him. Pressure him. Test him. Forge him. Transform him.
And he was ready.
"AIISA," he whispered under his breath, "let's see what you've prepared for me."