The security man locked eyes with Mason, who hung up and slid his phone into his pocket. During his phone call, Mason noticed that the security man instructed his subordinate to allow several female students into the auditorium, even when they didn't have their student pass with them. The subordinate wasn't pleased with the instruction since his superior had already denied a male student access to the auditorium for not having his student.“You better do as you're told!” the man growls, pushing his colleague out of the road. “Here you go girls, you can go in,” he smiled, allowing the giggling girls through.Meanwhile, Mason who was watching the scene couldn't figure out what pleasure the security man would have for denying him access but he didn't think much and was glad he could turn the situation around.When he approached the entrance again, the security man scoffed as he thought Mason must have returned to his senses, and had come to beg so he could be allowed into the auditorium.
Inside the vastly decorated auditorium were several banners cascading down the white wall of the hall which describe the awards, and the congratulatory ceremony. The atmosphere was filled with cheerfulness and excitement leaving a subtle of anticipation on the participating students and along the space was a series of chairs arranged down to the horizon ending a few meters from the dais.Mason glanced through the crowd, and he could see more than six hundred students from various levels navigate to occupy them, except for Jeremiah. When Mason couldn't figure out his location, he brought out his phone to dial his number."Mason!" a voice called, and he raised his head to the direction to see Jeremiah waving from the middle roll of the hall. Several eyes turned in his direction; those who didn't know him glimpsed at him while those at his level focused on Mason, who made his way through the walkway."Why on earth will you come to school like this!" Mason muttered to himself, moving tow
Silence roamed between the two friends; even when Jeremiah said nothing, he knew he was saying everything. "She is just a friend," Mason said, ignoring Jeremiah's prying gaze, which didn't quench the stunned expression and the sarcasm in his eyes."Since when did you and the prettiest girl in our department become friends?" Jeremiah asked, slurring the last words. Mason didn't bother to provide an answer to the question and quickly dismissed the topic by placing his index finger on his lips to silence Jeremiah. "The ceremony is starting," Masaon said, nodding at the person approaching the dais. Jeremiah reluctantly shifted his eyes to the man holding a microphone, staring at the crowd with a broad smile."Good day, distinguished student it is my pleasure to announce the commencement of the Art project ceremony, and before we do, there are some important personnel I would like to invite to the VIP reservation," he said and shifted his eyes to the card on his hand."Firstly I would lov
The whispers of students lasted for about two minutes before the host tapped at his microphone signaling for silence. The noise died down prompting all eyes to turn in his direction. The host cleared his throat and announced. “With the official seated we will proceed with the next phase of the ceremony,” he said then paused at the lady in a white dress who approached the podium and whispered into his ear. She handed him a list of the qualified students for the Art project, making total silence soar through the room as the participant focused their eyes on the paper even when they couldn't make out the names on the list.“On behalf of the school, I would like to call on Mason Williams, to announce the name of the qualified student and also give out the awards,” the host said, turning to him with a nod. Without hesitating Mason stood to his feet, and with the crowd tracing his every step, he approached the host, who handed him the list of the qualified candidates and the instructions t
The voice of the excited crowd, chanting Cleopatra's name, lingered in the air, as they waved her triumph flag. The officials seeing their reaction wore stunned expressions, as they shifted their eyes from her to her fans, which consisted of her colleagues and those who were from other levels. Mason, wearing a similar expression, didn't want to interrupt their celebration, and gave them a few seconds, before he softly tapped at his microphone, sending a hush through the crowd who finally rested their gaze on him. Complete silence filled the room, making everyone sit on their edge, as they waited for the last name to be called.“That last name on the list today is no other than,” Mason paused, raising his gaze to the crowd filled with anticipation, except for Jacob, who was already on his feet, standing in the shadows of the walkway and waiting for his name to be called. Mason, noticing his figure, wore a mischievous smile. “The name of the last qualifiers is none other than John Steve
A little while later the ceremony came to an end, and students in groups hushed out of the auditorium, discussing the details of the event and the qualified winners, who won the million dollars. Mason trailing the line could have a few little curious eyes staring at him. Within a few minutes, they all exited the hall, making their way to their various Classes.“Mason!” a voice called, and he turned to see Jeremiah running towards him. His face was filled with excitement, making a smile appear on Mason's face. “I can't believe it, man! You're now a prestigious student!” He half yelled, placing his arm across Mason's shoulder.“I guess I am!” Mason replied, pretending to be surprised at the announcement. Though he felt bad lying to his best friend, he couldn't tell Jeremiah the truth, as it would result in him asking more questions, which was the last thing he wanted for now.“Damn, I'm sure that's why Mr. Douglas couldn't make any move against you, since he already knew you were a pres
“What?” Mason's voice reverberated through the room. He quickly placed the phone in his other ear, hoping he wasn't hearing things, as Miranda's words repeated in his head. “Did I hear you say, you have a lead?” Mason asked, hoping she was sure about her statement. The Tag placed on the Suspect was a Ghost, and the system refused to help or provide him any information that could help him catch the suspect, which seemed impossible, and even the Celestial assassin couldn't find anything.Miranda sensing Mason's doubt repeated in the same thrilled tone. “Master, I am very sure about the information. The team has been working on this for days and this time we have a possible lead on our suspect, and the good news is, it is in a familiar location,” she added, making Mason nod, curling his hand into a fist.“Good job, Miranda, send me the location and I will meet you there,” Mason instructed.“Yes, sir, I will do that right now,” she replied immediately before the line was disconnected. Sec
The sun fell beyond the horizon, sending darkness through the busy street of Aleric City. The atmosphere loomed with smoke from the car exhaust, assisted with other mundane activities that completed the night. Light from various buildings and the headlights of cars illuminate the street, casting shadows in different corners. Mason, sitting inside a coffee shop, raises his cup to his mouth and glances from his watch to the activities of the young generation through the transparent walls of the building. The salesgirl standing on her toe constantly shifted her eyes from him to Miranda and her associate, who also mirrored Mason's actions, as they watched the club opposite the shop. “It seems like they are waiting for someone,” the first sales girl whispered to her colleagues. Her attention focuses on the mysterious young man holding a cup of coffee. The intimidating aura surrounding him stung her curiosity and she shifted her eyes back to her friend. “Go ask if he needs anything el