Personal Mentor
I was on my way to Marfik—the junior area, to attend lessons for my Universe Governance class, acronym as UG. My heart thumping against my ribcage like a wild star beast. Celene's warning echoed in my mind—"Be on time, Avant! You need to make a good impression!"
It felt like a cosmic curse as I rushed towards Marfik, the junior area located on the western section of ARA. I pushed through the sea of students, each immersed in their own chatter, the aroma of starberry pastries wafting from the nearby café teasing my senses.
Why was Celene so anxious? The thought nagged at me.
Meeting my personal mentor shouldn't be this nerve-wracking, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more at stake than just a simple lesson. I had to shake off my apprehension; I'd faced battles against formidable foes, but a classroom? That was a different kind of battlefield.
With a quick tap, I activated my GPS, guiding me through the intricate architecture of the Academy until I reached the enormous dome-shaped building that loomed over me—the Royal Vaelus Office. My breath hitched; this was where the powerful resided, those who wielded not only knowledge but authority.
"Am I really supposed to be here?" I whispered to myself as I stepped through the grand entrance. The lobby shimmered with an opulence I'd only seen in my mother's stories. Polished marble floors gleamed under the lights, and holographic displays flickered with the essence of galaxies.
I approached the reception desk, where a woman sat, her demeanor as warm as the starlight. "Hello, you must be Avant. I'm Daria," she greeted, a professional smile gracing her lips.
"Uh, yes. That's me. I was told to come here for my UG class." I nodded, perplexed at how she knew my name.
"Yes, we were expecting you. Please come with me. I will bring you to your office."
"My office?" I echoed, confusion swirling in my mind.
Daria led me through the building until we arrived at a sleek transport node. With a flash of light, we teleported to a spacious room that seemed to pulse with energy. A table dominated the center, its design exuding an aura of authority, almost throne-like in appearance.
"Here is where you will start your UG class. Your personal mentor will arrive shortly," Daria explained before departing, leaving me alone in the opulence of my new surroundings.
As I took in the lavish décor—walls adorned with interstellar art and a glass screen depicting swirling galaxies—I felt an unfamiliar energy envelop the room. Before I could ponder it further, a figure materialized, shimmering with an intensity that momentarily blinded me.
"Very good. You're early."
The man before me had raven-black hair that framed his chiseled face, his deep blue eyes glinting with a hint of green, as if the universe itself swirled within them. He wore a formal suit, starkly contrasting the combat attire I was accustomed to seeing at the Academy.
"Your Highness, Avant-Dar," he bowed deeply, a hint of mischief in his smile. "I'm Zorvan Orlen. Your personal mentor. You can address me as Master Zorvan."
"H-hello. You don't have to bow to me. Just call me Avant." My voice wavered slightly, confusion swirling in my mind.
"You must be curious about what lessons you will be learning today, right?" His smile broadened, and I could feel the weight of expectation.
I nodded eagerly, my mind racing.
"Well, for starters, let me tell you this: from now on, I will train you to be a ruler. And this…" He gestured expansively, as if the room itself were a kingdom. "…is your office from now on."
"I don't understand. What do you mean this is my office?" I stammered, my heart sinking.
"It is what it is. You do know that you're a Vaelus, right?" The way he said it made it sound like a thunderclap.
"Um… I thought I was just here to get stronger," I replied hesitantly.
"Ah, but you're the direct heir to the throne, Your Highness," Zorvan declared, his voice echoing with authority. "All rightful Celestial heirs must learn governance to prepare them for ruling the universe."
"What do you mean Celestial heir?" My head spun. This was too much. I was barely grasping my own identity as a Celestial God in training, and now I had to think about ruling?
Zorvan watched my bewilderment with a steady gaze. "Your Highness," he began, but I cut him off.
"Call me Avant, please."
His eyes sparkled with amusement. "I'm afraid you need to get used to it, Your Highness. I'll call you Avant-Dar, but that's as far as I go. After all, I am also a Royal Advisor to the emperor." He paused for a moment before continuing, "As I mentioned earlier, you will learn governance from me. Being a Vaelus means you are of royal descent, and with your Celestial traits, your destiny extends far beyond that of Asclepius alone."
"Wait, what? I don't remember signing up for this," I blurted out, the weight of responsibility settling heavily on my shoulders.
"You are destined for greatness, Avant-Dar. Even greater than that of our current emperor. You must understand the ropes of leadership before you can take the throne. For now, you'll start small—becoming the President of Ophiuchus Royals here in Marfik."
"The Ophiuchus Royals?" I repeated, grappling with the avalanche of information. I've heard of them. In fact I encountered one of them at Cauda dining hall a few nights before.
Zorvan nodded, his demeanor shifting from stern to encouraging. "Each class division has their own Ophiuchus Royals, composed of the best of the best students. They manage everything—arena tournaments, squad mission assignments, and conflict resolution."
"So you're saying I have to run things?" I felt a mix of dread and disbelief.
"Not yet, but you will learn how. Let's start by introducing you to your team." Zorvan clapped his hands, and in an instant, the lavish office transformed into a sleek boardroom. A long table stood at its center, and my heart raced as I noticed the empty president's seat—the very seat I was meant to occupy.
In an instant, all eyes turned towards me, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. "Welcome, President Avant," Zorvan said with a flourish.