Chapter 1: University of Haraeom
Director James called for an urgent meeting a day before the start of the fall semester.
Every Dean, Head of Department, Professor, Assistant Professor, newly recruited faculty member and the heads of campus security operations were instructed to report to the conference room by 9:30 a.m. sharp.
Within the next fifteen minutes, the spacious conference hall was filled with faculty members, all waiting silently for the Director to begin.
"Good morning, Director James," they greeted in unison.
"Good morning, everyone."
Director James adjusted his glasses before scanning the room.
"First of all, thank you all for assembling on such short notice."
His eyes wandered toward the last row.
"Ah... if I'm not mistaken, one of our newly recruited assistant professors joined us directly after graduating from this very university. I seem to have forgotten his name... that young and handsome fellow."
"Miguel, sir," one of the professors replied.
"Ah, yes... Miguel."
Just then, the conference room door swung open.
"I'm... I'm terribly sorry, sir!" Miguel rushed inside, slightly out of breath. "There was a—"
He barely reached his seat before Director James raised a hand, stopping him.
"This Generation Z..." the Director muttered under his breath before continuing his address.
"As all of you know, the University of Haraeom is not just another institution. It is one of the most prestigious universities in the world."
He paused.
"In fact... we are number one."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"If we sneeze, every prestigious university across the globe catches a cold."
A few professors chuckled softly.
"We didn't earn that reputation by chance. We earned it because of each one of you. And this year, I expect nothing less than excellence once again."
His tone suddenly became serious.
"I don't want a single controversy associated with this university."
"No violence."
"No drugs."
"No discrimination."
"No headlines that bring disgrace to Haraeom."
Silence filled the room.
"This year's incoming batch is exceptionally talented. I can confidently say I haven't seen a class this promising in years. Expectations are high, and so are our responsibilities."
He slowly looked around the room.
"Inside this campus, there are no rich students or poor students. No full-fee students or scholarship students."
"There are only students."
"Our duty is to provide them with quality education, guide them toward excellence, and ensure they grow into responsible individuals."
"I expect every one of you to discourage illegal activities, promote discipline, and create an environment where every student feels this university is their second home."
"They arrive tomorrow."
"For many of them, this campus will become more than a place to study. Most of our dormitories are already fully occupied."
"So welcome them warmly."
He glanced at his watch.
"I won't take much more of your time. You all know your responsibilities."
"This meeting was simply a reminder."
"You may all leave..."
He looked toward the back of the room.
"...except Miguel."
One by one, the faculty members left.
Soon, only Director James and Miguel remained.
Miguel already knew why he had been asked to stay.
"Sir... I can explain why I was late."
Director James raised his hand again.
"No."
He slowly stood up.
"Do you understand how prestigious this university is?"
"Yes, sir."
"And do you understand how influential the people sitting in this room are?"
"Yes, sir."
Director James noticed Miguel glancing down at his phone hidden beneath the table.
"If you arrive late to a meeting like this, you're not merely disrespecting me."
"You're disrespecting everyone present."
Miguel nodded.
"Yes, sir. I understand."
His eyes instinctively shifted toward the glowing phone screen once again.
Director James sighed.
"No... no..."
Then his voice rose.
"Keep that damn phone away!"
Miguel immediately shoved it into his pocket.
"Sorry, sir."
Director James walked toward the window before speaking again.
"You are one of the brightest young researchers this university has ever recruited."
He turned around.
"But because you've joined us directly after graduation, I'm not assigning you to third or fourth-year students."
Miguel listened quietly.
"Instead..."
"I want you to teach the freshmen."
Miguel looked surprised.
"They'll relate to you more easily. You're closer to their generation, you understand their mindset, and I believe you'll earn their trust much faster than most senior faculty members."
Director James's expression became unusually serious.
"And there's another reason."
He lowered his voice.
"I want your help."
Miguel frowned.
"Haraeom has remained the world's number one university for decades."
"I intend to keep it that way."
"I want you to quietly observe the students..."
"...and help me eliminate every illegal activity before it spreads across this campus."
Miguel's smile slowly disappeared.
For the first time since entering the room...
He realized this wasn't just another teaching job.
It was a mission.
