Graduation
USA, New York, 13 May 2001
The sun was shining brightly over the Columbia University campus, casting a warm glow on the historic buildings and lush green lawns. It was a perfect day for the graduation ceremony, a day I had been looking forward to for years. As I donned my cap and gown, I felt a mix of emotions—pride, excitement, and a touch of nervousness.
My thoughts drifted back to my journey here. It had been a challenging but rewarding experience, filled with countless hours of study, late-night debates with Harvey, and the unwavering support of Aunt Chloe. She had been my rock, guiding me through the complexities of law school and helping me navigate the challenges of living in New York. Today, she was the only family member who could make it to my graduation, and I was grateful for her presence.
As I made my way to the ceremony, I thought about Rick and Dee Dee. After I left Los Angeles three years ago, they had both focused intensely on their careers. Rick had now become the Chief of the LAPD. It was an incredible achievement as he is now responsible for the entirety of police forces in Los Angeles.
When I left for Columbia, Rick threw himself into his work with even greater intensity. He tackled high-profile cases, implemented new training programs, and worked tirelessly to improve community relations and police politics.
His efforts paid off when he was appointed Chief of the LAPD just 2 months ago, a position that recognized his years of service and his unwavering commitment to the city. Hence his absence, because of the responsibilities for being new in the position.
Dee Dee, too, had achieved great success in her career. She has now become the Director of the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is a newly made California's statewide criminal investigative bureau under the California Department of Justice that provides expert investigative services to assist local, state, tribal, and federal agencies in major criminal investigations ranging across the state.
Earlier, Aunt Dee Dee had transferred from the LAPD to the Sacramento PD on my parents' advice. They had heard rumors about the establishment of the California Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and saw it as a strategic move for her. My mother, with her CIA connections, and my father, with his position in the Department of Defense, had a knack for foreseeing such opportunities. Their guidance proved invaluable as Dee Dee has now become the Director of the CBI.
Dee Dee's rise was marked by her keen investigative skills and her ability to lead and inspire her team. She had always been a natural detective, with a sharp mind and a relentless drive to uncover the truth.
As I walked across the stage to receive my diploma, I thought about the impact Rick and Dee Dee had on my life. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for everything they had done for me, even if they couldn't be here in person to share this moment.
After the ceremony, I met up with Aunt Chloe. She was beaming with pride, and her eyes were filled with tears of joy. "You did it, Alex," she said, pulling me into a tight hug. "I'm so proud of you."
"Thanks, Aunt Chloe. I couldn't have done it without you."
We spent the rest of the afternoon celebrating, reminiscing about the past few years and talking about the future. Graduating from Columbia Law School was a significant milestone.
The next day, I packed up my belongings, left the dormitory and went to Aunt Chloe's apartment.
As I lay in my bedroom in Aunt Chloe's apartment, I let my thoughts drift. It had been three years since I moved to New York to study law. Now, at 17, I was far ahead of my peers, already making strides in a world many only dream of.
Living with Aunt Chloe had been an incredible experience. Her guidance and support had been crucial in my academic success. She wasn't just a mentor but a pillar of strength and wisdom. Yet, despite my intense focus on my studies, I had not neglected my other skills. My fighting skills, honed under the tutelage of Uncle Rick and Aunt Dee Dee, had only improved. Daily training sessions ensured I stayed sharp, ready for any challenge.
Additionally, I had mastered another language, bringing my total to five. Learning new languages came naturally to me, thanks to my past life memories and my system's help. Each language opened new avenues of understanding and connection in this fusion world.
Feeling a sense of accomplishment, I decided to check my system. I focused, and a familiar screen appeared before my eyes, displaying my attributes and skills.
---
Name: Alex Hunter
Age: 17
Attributes:
- Intelligence: 155 (IQ)
- Strength: 157
- Agility: 155
- Endurance: 150
- Charisma: 85
Skills (Highest lv : 5)
Education :
- School Education : Lv 5
- Legal Knowledge : Lv 5
- English : Lv 5
- Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, Russian : Lv 4
Fighting :
- Martial Arts: Lv 3
- Self-Defense: Lv 3
Detective:
- Crime Scene Analysis: Lv 2
- Analytical Thinking: Lv 3
- Problem-Solving: Lv 3
- Observation: Lv 3
- Witness Interviewing: Lv 2
- Negotiation : Lv 3
---
Looking at my stats, I felt a surge of pride. My intelligence had increased slightly, a direct result of my rigorous studies and learning. My physical attributes were also impressive, a testament to my relentless training.
I scrolled through my skills, noting the progress I had made. Some fighting and detective skills have advanced level, thanks to my intense training exercises. My legal knowledge and negotiation skills had improved steadily under Chloe's mentorship.
The languages section made me smile. Each new language I learned had been a doorway to a different culture, a new way of thinking. Mastering Russian had been particularly challenging, but the sense of accomplishment was worth every moment of struggle.
Closing the system screen, I took a deep breath. I was ready for the next phase of my journey. The foundation had been laid, and I was eager to see where my path would lead me next. Living in this fusion world, filled with characters from movies and TV, was an adventure in itself. And I was determined to make the most of every opportunity that came my way.
As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of calm and anticipation. Tomorrow was a new day, and with it, new challenges and opportunities.
-----------------------
The week had flown by in a blur of packing, goodbyes, and final preparations. My time at New York had come to an end, and now, I was ready to return to Los Angeles. As I stood in my bedroom, the same one I had spent countless nights studying and reflecting, I felt a mix of emotions. Excitement for the future mingled with nostalgia for the past few years.
Harvey, now 22 years old, has also completed his studies. Over the past three years, we had become close friends, navigating the challenges of law school together. His sharp mind and relentless drive had impressed Aunt Chloe and he has now become an intern at Hunter law firm.
"Ready to head back?" Harvey asked as he leaned against the doorframe, a confident smile on his face.
"Yeah, it's time," I replied, zipping up my suitcase. "I wish you all the best in your career. "
"Absolutely," Harvey said with a shrug. "I will become a senior associate in the firm in less than 5 years. Mark my words."
I nodded, amused by his declaration.
We headed to the living room where Aunt Chloe was waiting. After saying goodbyes to Harvey and Aunt Chloe, I catch a taxi to go to the airport.
"Goodbye, Aunt Chloe," I said as I sat in the taxi, smiling and waving.
As the taxi departs, I reflected on my time in New York. The experiences, the friendships, the lessons—it had all been an incredible journey. But now, it was time to return to Los Angeles.
The airport was bustling with activity, and I navigated through the crowds with ease. Checking in my luggage and going through security.
Boarding the plane, I found my seat and settled in. The hum of the engines was a comforting sound, and I closed my eyes, letting my thoughts wander. I thought about Rick and Dee Dee, about their impressive careers and the impact they had made. I thought about my parents, who had always pushed me to be the best I could be.
As the plane took off, I looked out the window, watching the city of New York shrink beneath me. I was leaving behind an important chapter of my life, but I was also moving towards a new beginning. Los Angeles awaited, with its own set of challenges and opportunities.
As the plane soared through the sky, I leaned back in my seat, a smile on my face. I was going home.