Chapter 28: Changes (Part-2)

As soon as they left, Zen received a message from Shreya,

|Come to my office immediately.|

Zen immediately left for Shreya's office. He had a lot of doubts right now and the message came at the right moment. He entered, finding her amidst a pile of papers that could rival the Himalayas.

"Master," he said, giving a little bow, "I hope you can enlighten me on the mysterious happenings of our academic universe. New students, new professors." Zen asked with exaggerated actions that didn't match his emotionless handsome face.

"Hey," Shreya said, looking up from her paper fortress, "sit down. I've got some news. You might not know, but currently, the Rogers family enjoys a certain edge over most of the great nobles in the USA."

Zen took a seat, already feeling like this was going to be one of those days.

"Hmm… is it because they have someone of their blood in the high ranks of UHF?"

 "You are partially correct. UHF has high-ranked executives from many noble families worldwide, but the Rogers are also basking in the glory of Liam and his father, both considered geniuses. It's the military personnel and commoners who keep these nobles in UHF in check."

"But that still doesn't explain why they would spend so much on admitting a student. He can get admitted next year easily."

Shreya leaned in, ready to drop a bombshell. "Before answering that, do you know what the Prominda Galaxy is?"

"I have no clue."

"Prepare to have your mind blown. The Prominda Galaxy is home to one of the most advanced human civilizations in the universe, situated more than 10 million parsecs from Earth. It's ruled by humans and is over 100 times bigger than the Milky Way."

"Holy Fuck! That's just insane. Just how powerful they are?"

"I can't even imagine. Anyways, they're an important strategic partner of Earth, donating technologies and 'Garbi' to us for a long time. Although, I say strategic partner, we don't even have proper contacts with them. UHF just informs them when they need stuff."

Garbi is the fuel for spaceships, powered by nuclear fusion and matter-antimatter collisions, producing an unimaginable amount of energy to propel spaceships through wormholes safely.

"Now here comes the interesting bit. The UHF was contacted by the Prominda authorities a month ago. They've asked us to send 40 students from each academy to the Prominda Galaxy for a training program in the middle of next semester."

"That's really interesting. So that's why the Rogers family spent so much. And I suppose that the new professor will be one of the instructors accompanying us."

Shreya smiled, appreciating Zen's deduction skills. "Exactly. But there will be 5 people from our academy, including me, so you don't have to worry."

That's fine. How are we selecting the students?"

Seeing no reaction from Zen, Shreya got a bit irked. "Hey! I am going there for you. Why are you so nonchalant about it?" The temperature in the room increased, and Zen, now covered in sweat, knew better than to mess with his master.

"Haha… how can it be so? I changed the subject because I might start jumping with happiness hearing that my beautiful master will accompany me…" Zen said awkwardly.

"Hmm, good. Well, there will be 10 students from every year, of course. You will be coming as the first-rank holder of the year, and your sister will come as the topper of the economics department."

"Umm.. also.. Will Evelyn.."

"Yes, she will also come, but remember, Liam, Stacy Hudson, and Oliver Banks will also be there."

'This is turning into a fucking sapce-circus. I am sure things will not be boring with these jokers around. Oh, how happy I am that I came here.'

"That's allI know, stupid disciple. Although I am excited about this training program, I am more excited about meeting your family." Shreya was really intrigued by Elizabeth's antics and her persona. She couldn't wait to meet the commoner family she couldn't even collect proper information about.

"Oh! I see, master. Don't worry, master. I will not let society norms block us. I will make sure my mother accepts both you and Evelyn." Zen nodded repeatedly with a dead serious expression.

"Sure! I too believe I can charm your parents." Shreya replied with a wink and a cute expression. Her fingers crossed, making hearts with them.

Zen looked at Shreya with wide eyes, "Bleughhh! Don't ever do that, master." Zen looked down like he just witnessed a horror show.

No response came, so Zen hesitantly looked up. Shreya was trembling with anger. Zen, sensing danger, quietly stood up,

"Umm… goodbye, master!" And bolted away at top speed. It seems Zen's sprinting skills were honed in the art of evading Shreya's anger.

—-----------------------------

Two days of sheer anticipation passed like snails in slow motion. Today was the day Zen, Anna, Shreya, and Evelyn were leaving for Zen and Anna's home sweet home. The squad gathered in front of Shreya's private plane, parked below the colossal garden behind her house.

The trio beside Shreya couldn't believe their eyes. The jet before them didn't scream commercial; it screamed "Shreya's wild ride." It boasted four big engines on the side, but what really threw them for a loop was its color – pink. Yes, the jet was a dazzling shade of pink. And if that wasn't enough, it was adorned with bunny paintings all over the body. 

"Master…" Zen began, but a sudden heavy hand on his shoulder brought his voice to a halt. Zen froze as he felt a warm breath behind his ear.

"Think before you speak, stupid disciple," Shreya's voice, a whisper that echoed loud enough for everyone, warned.

"Y–Yes. Master, your aesthetics are a–amazing. How did no one ever think of painting a jet like this? Ha.. Ha… Ha," Zen stammered, desperately trying to recover.

"Good. Now let's not waste time and go." Shreya marched off to the pink wonder. Despite her attempt to conceal it, a blush painted her beautiful face, and the others couldn't help but notice.

"Hehe, master has a really cute side," Zen commented obliviously, unaware of the cold glare lurking from behind.

They finally boarded the plane. Although they were jolly, no one could deny the nervousness of finding the big secret Ashford family was hiding.