NEPOTISM

"I am sorry, once again. I know I should not have started a fight on my first day," exclaimed Airen while walking with Zeckry towards his dorm and sensing tension between them. "Just be glad you survived, Professor Kendric," said Zeckry as he put his hand on Airen's shoulder and calmed down, Airen hearing the name for the first time. Asked "who is Professor Kendric?" Zeckry let out an exhale and said to Airen, "The tall old man you saw before in the auditorium, his name is Kendric Williams. He is the one and only nightmare of every student in Selcer." Airen thought he was probably not joking, as his ability made him unable to move. Airen asked abruptly, "His level, what's his level?" Zeckry answered, "No one knows. That's what makes him so frightening. I believe he's the real head of Selcer, and the dean is just a face for him to hide behind, but that's just a theory."

Airen listened to this, thinking of how someone so secretive in this age of tech, like a simple search, can show everything about a person his past and present. "Looks like we're here," Zeckry interrupted Airen's train of thought. Airen looked toward the building. "It is a ten-floor building, each floor having five rooms each for two students. But don't worry, you don't have a dorm mate," as Zeckry said this, he took out his ID and pressed it against a glass panel. Rays of blue light gave the shape of a door, and the doors opened automatically, revealing an elevator. As Zeckry completed his sentence, Airen said jokingly, "Thank God for nepotism, right?" Zeckry giggled and said to Airen, "You better be grateful, then." The door closed as Zeckry and Airen got on, and Zeckry pressed the button for the fifth floor. He said to Airen while handing him a silver envelope with the symbol on the front, "This has your ID and your badge." As Zeckry said this, they arrived at their destination, in front of Room 504. "So, enjoy. Best of luck to you," as both of them shook hands and said their goodbyes, Zeckry left from the same elevator they came from.

Airen opened his dorm room, and the room exuded a cozy elegance with its harmonious blend of muted tones and vibrant accents. A single-sized bed, adorned with soft, textured bedding, took center stage against a feature wall with tastefully hung artwork. A compact desk, bathed in natural light from a large window, boasted neatly organized study essentials. The room's functionality was complemented by sleek storage solutions, including a stylish wardrobe and floating shelves displaying curated decor. A plush rug and comfortable reading nook created inviting corners, while personalized touches like fairy lights and framed memories infused warmth, making it a perfect haven for focused study and relaxation.

Airen, impressed by the overall looks and functionality of the room, noticed in the middle his suitcase holding his luggage. Airen started to make himself at home. He first explored his room and found a door hidden from the front door on the right side. Airen opened the door and found an attached bathroom with a small shower and bidet. Airen went out of the bathroom and started to unpack. He only had tracksuits and comfortable clothes, as well as two pairs of joggers and a picture of Airen with his family on a family dinner with Airen's face blurry .Airen placed it beside his bed after putting his tracksuits and sleepwear in his closet. When everything was settled, he placed his shoes beside his bed and took off his uniform. He went into the shower, and after taking the shower, Airen dried up and started opening up the silver envelope that Zeckry had handed him.

Airen opened the envelope and pulled out the letter within. The letter read:

"Heartfelt congratulations, Airen Altrof, on your acceptance to Selcer Academia!

Dear Airen,

I hope this letter finds you in the highest spirits and brimming with excitement, as it is my immense pleasure to inform you that you have been accepted into Selcer Academia! Your journey into the realm of new discovery in our world is about to unfold, and I couldn't be more thrilled to welcome you to our esteemed institution.

Your parents would be so proud of you as you have decided to follow in their footsteps. I am confident in your ability and quite pleased with your decision of joining the academia and love how you have grown to be a strong young man. I hope you rely on me in the future as well if there are any problems.

Enclosed in this letter, you'll find your official Selcer Academia ID card, a tangible symbol of your membership in our extraordinary realm of knowledge and skills. Additionally, you'll discover a badge for your school blazer, a mark of pride that signifies your place among the talented individuals who call Selcer Academia their academic home.

May your time at Selcer Academia be filled with wondrous discoveries, lifelong friendships, and personal growth. Take pride in your achievements, and never forget the magic that lies within you. The entire faculty is eager to witness the incredible journey that lies ahead for you.

Once again, congratulations, Airen! May your academic pursuits at Selcer Academia be as enchanting as the world we inhabit.

Warm regards,

Professor Amber Blaikie

Selcer Academia"

Airen read the letter and felt gratitude as well as guilt for relying on his aunt, whom he used to not even talk to before his parent's death. Airen took the attached card as well as the badge that he had before, placing the letter in the cabinet in the nightstand. He stood up put the badge on his blazer as well as the Id card in his side pockets after which Airen started to wear the sleepwear, after the long day, Airen slept on his bed oblivious of the future.