Past

On his way to his university, Michael felt like a weight had dropped off his shoulder. Which was surprising considering Michael almost never went to class, even in high school.

Michael always felt that most teachers just.. waste time, the material he takes in a 2 hour class, he could take on his own with the help of textbooks and the internet in 30 minutes. So he would show up just for exams, and he would get an above average grade.

Which in Michael's opinion was fair, even though he would study very fast. He like any other teenager in the word, was very lazy.

Bringing him out of his thoughts, Michael arrived at his university's gates. It was a pretty average university taking all things in account, but considering Michael lived in Egypt, a developing country, This was one of the few decent universities in the country.

The university was just a big pale orange rectangular building, surrounded by a 4 meter tall fence, with some grass, trees, bushes placed randomly around the building.

After showing the security guard his ID, Michael walked in, headed to the president's office.

He didn't know why, but the university stated that dropping out required you to go to the president's office.

While on his way, he encountered some of his classmates. They were just acquaintances so Michael exchanged a few words of greeting and continued on his way.

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

"Come in" An aged voice sounded through the door.

Walking into the office, Michael felt the only word to describe the office was.. books. There were shelves filled with books everywhere and you could smell the paper from anywhere within the room.

'He must really like reading.'

"What brings you here, young man?" The president said after noticing that Michael seemed absentminded. Bringing Michael out of semi-trance of admiring all the books.

"I'm here to drop out."

"Do you like books? you've been staring at them ever since you came in."

The president responded, seemingly ignoring Michael's statement.

"Uh-" Michael didn't know how to respond after getting completely ignored, but decided to answer the question anyways.

"I think so, I'm not sure though. It wholly depends on the book I'm reading."

"Hahaha, good answer young man. It's definitely unique, very fitting." The president responded with a hearty chuckle.

'What's going on? Is he going senile?' Michael felt that this conversation was one of the strangest he's ever had.

"I won't take more of your time away, I'll accept your dropout request, I will also give you a full refund, I'm feeling nice today."

"Thank you, President Altum"

"Please, call me Arthur. No need for formalities, you're not a student anymore"

"Thank you, Sir Arthur."

"Alright off you go now, I'll take care of all the legal procedures, the tuition money will be forwarded to your bank account"

Arthur waved his hand dismissively. After Michael walked out and closed the door behind him, Arthur muttered to himself.

"He looks promising, although I feel a slight relation to him, this shouldn't be possible."

"Forget it, I'm an old man I shouldn't interfere with the new generation. But I will satiate my curiosity."

Walking out of the university, Michael felt very strange, the president gave out a very weird.. vibe. It felt strange to be in that old man's presence.

Shaking off any weird thoughts, Michael realized that he should be celebrating! he dropped out and managed to get a full refund somehow. He was expecting all the money would go to waste.

'Celebrating with my own thoughts isn't very fulfilling.'

Michael pulled out his cellphone, and dialed his friend.

"Hey Kai, do you have any plans for today?"

"Hell yeah I do! We are going to eat out at Benny's, the food there is one of the best to ever exist" "As in 'We' you mean you, Nathan, Jessica, and Rose?"

"Yes." Kai responded, a little confused as to why Michael would ask.

"Okay, count me in."

"Excuse me? Are you an evil clone that stole my friend?" Kai spoke in a horrified voice.

"Shut the f*ck up, tell me the time and I'll show up, don't worry I'll pay for my portion."

"6:30PM-" Michael immediately hung up the phone after hearing the time.

Noticing that the time read 5PM, Michael had an hour of free time. He decided to stretch until he had to go.

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(Benny's, 6:28PM)

Arriving at Benny's, Michael could smell a delicious aroma as soon as he walked into the restaurant.

The restaurant was comprised of 3 floors, the 1st floor included vending machines, candies, and ice creams.

The 2nd floor was full of tables and waiters and waitresses.

The 3rd floor was just one giant kitchen, while it might look like having an entire floor for a kitchen may be a little overkill, it was barely enough to keep up with the demands, as Benny's is the most famous restaurant in the entire city.

Walking up the stairs to the 2nd floor, Michael spotted his friend sitting at a table positioned in the corner.