As the seconds ticked by, Mason's figure blended with the hushed crowd of students diligently scratching their pens across their papers, trying to solve the questions. Focused on Mason, Mr. Hasatin resumed his invigilation, navigating through the students with his eyes constantly shifting between the wall clock and his direction. A wide smile illuminated his face when he saw that Mason was the only student solving the test questions without the aid of a calculator. ‘You think you're brilliant and can solve problems without a calculator? Let me see how you intend to pass without confirming your answers,’ Mr. Hasatin muttered to himself, shaking his head. Meanwhile, Sonia, who was also standing in front of the class, couldn't help but notice the lecturer's animated gestures. She followed his gaze and arrived at Mason's desk, which had no calculator. She knew Mr. Hadatin wouldn't allow borrowing a calculator, and solving the questions without one would be more difficult, as the expre

“Austin,” Mr. Hasatin's voice resonated through the classroom, causing all the students to turn their attention to the front. The air was thick with a mix of anticipation and dread as he scanned his list of names before looking up at the boy, who sat frozen in his seat. Austin's gaze flickered nervously around the room before finally settling on Mr. Hasatin, whose expression was stern yet tinged with disappointment as he continued, “Your test score is 10 out of 100!” The words hung in the air, punctuating the silence and eliciting a wave of murmurs and gasps from the other students. Austin, who was short of words, quickly forced a lump down his throat as the reality of his test score slapped his face. More whispers from other shocked students emerged as they lingered their gaze on the boy who had never missed a class and was regarded as not only Mr. Hasatin’s disciple but the best student of his course. “Oh my God, I can't believe this!” A girl sitting in front of Mason excla

“That's alright,” Mason replied with a casual smile, unfazed by the curious glances from those around them. With a fluid motion, he retrieved his phone from his pocket and tapped at the screen, which lit up, and exchanged numbers with them, sealing their brief conversation with a friendly nod. After a few warm goodbyes, he headed toward the administration building where his car was parked. Mason circled out of the parking lot and headed downtown Aleric City, navigating through the familiar streets lined up with shops and cafes, bustling with activities. After a few miles, he finally arrived at Heaven Institution, where Helen attended school.Keeping his promise to pick her up, Mason slowed down and navigated toward the elegant, modern building with its sleek glass facade. In front of the building, staff dressed in sharp formal wear gathered in the late afternoon light, and their polished shoes gleamed as they exchanged polite smiles and warm handshakes with the parents who had come t

As Mason approached the entrance to the fifth-grade iris classroom, two men in black suits, which he recognized as Helen's security guards, were sentinel outside the closed door. When they spotted him and the lady walking next to him, they instantly shifted their attention, performing a precise and synchronized bow that demonstrated both respect and discipline. Mason, without a word, returned their greeting with a firm nod. Ms. Telsa gently place her card on the door, and as the door slide open, the hushed murmurs of the classroom faded, and all eyes turned to the newcomers. A curious blend of surprise and interest filled the room, and the students dressed in their neat uniforms collectively directed their gaze from Ms. Telsa to the man who had interrupted their ongoing class.Mason, who wasn't expecting such a scene, instantly glanced at the watch before he navigated his gaze to the lady standing in front of the classroom.‘Are all the teachers in the school this young?’ He muttere

“Have some faith in your brother, Helen,” Mason said, faking a hurt expression. “I don't need to practice how to skate since I have a natural talent for it,” he grinned, maneuvering their way towards the other side of the park. Unlike the rest area of the park, surrounded by people and chaotic happiness, the building, which Mason assumed was meant for skating, stood empty and silent, prompting him to look up for any sign of life within its uninviting façade.“Are you sure we are in the right place?” Helen asked, her little brows knitting together as she surveyed the scene. "It looks deserted. Why is it so empty?" She asked, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. Mason, who couldn't provide an answer to her question, tilted his head slightly toward the two men positioned near the entrance. The way they stood, broad-shouldered and alert, instantly sparked a sense of recognition. Their postures were rigid, exuding an air of authority, and he quickly deduced that they were not