The group passed through the school corridor and entered the principal's office.
Indira made a quick phone call, summoning the filming crew.
"This is Jeff Pidkavsky, our university's social media director. Just call him Jeff," Indira introduced to Xia Shang.
"Hello." The Caucasian man before Xia Shang appeared tall and thin—fairly ordinary looking with nothing particularly remarkable about him.
"You go prepare a script for Mr. Jervis immediately. He'll soon serve as our university's vice-president. Hurry up—he doesn't have much time."
Indira sternly instructed.
"Understood." Jeff hurried toward the door but got stopped by Xia Shang. "Forget the script—I'll improvise."
"This..." Jeff hesitated, glancing at Principal Indira since she represented his direct superior.
"If Mr. Jervis prefers improvisation, then we won't need any script. I'm fully confident in Mr. Jervis' performance."
Once preparations completed, Indira seated herself behind her desk and nodded toward the camera. "You may begin."
Behind the camera, the cameraman gave an OK signal.
"I'm Principal Indira Shetty. Welcome to Godolkin University." Dressed in an open green suit, Indira rose slowly with commanding presence. "Since 1996, we've nurtured the brightest, most exceptional young heroes. More importantly, we're a big family—a unique community featuring distinctive colleges filled with countless peers."
"Cut!"
Unsurprisingly, this take passed smoothly.
Next, everyone moved to the main hall of the academic building.
"Action."
"Here, you'll receive rich cultural foundations while embracing your uniqueness to drive change."
Admittedly, Indira's speech maintained perfect pacing—politically correct yet fitting current circumstances. However, Xia Shang's attention remained fixed on the basement nearby. Its layout reminded him of prison cells—each steel-reinforced chamber holding one superhuman. Most looked extremely young—likely students—and their mental conditions seemed poor, as if enduring prolonged torture.
"How intriguing." A smirk curled Xia Shang's lips.
Observing how beneath this prestigious university lurked hidden darkness.
Was this Indira's personal initiative or another secret Vought base? Xia Shang couldn't determine yet. However, he could confirm one thing—the basement conducted some form of human experimentation involving supes.
Inside the grand hall, Indira continued powerfully: "Initially, you'll study challenging core courses like 'Hero Theory' and 'Understanding Brand Marketing,' after which you may declare your major..."
Her words contrasted sharply against the twisted faces suffering within the basement.
One side displayed serene tranquility; the other revealed hellish torment.
"Whether aiming for slums or red carpets, Godolkin University provides the safest grounds for growth.
Additionally, let me introduce our special guest—Vice President-designate Mr. Jervis."
As the camera shifted toward him, Xia Shang calmly smiled.
"Former Vice President of Vought Corporation, Mr. Jervis possesses extensive experience managing, marketing, and handling media relations for superheroes. I believe his arrival will help more students achieve their dreams."
"I'm Jervis. Godolkin University rightfully deserves its reputation as a cradle for superheroes. I've encountered many promising newcomers here—full of boundless energy and vigor. They remind me of future Queen Maeve, Trainwreck, even Starlight. If you also wish to become America's protector like them, hesitate no longer—Godolkin University will make your dream come true."
"Excellent!" Upon hearing the director call cut, Indira clapped joyfully.
"Mr. Jervis, your performance exceeded expectations. Glad you decided to join us."
"The pleasure's mine."
After filming, Xia Shang accompanied Indira to tour Godolkin's library, cafeteria... and stadium.
"Go! Go! Golden Boy—you're the strongest!"
"We love you, Golden Boy!"
"Damn it! I bet heavily on you, Golden Boy—don't disappoint me!" An enthusiastic male student shouted without noticing Xia Shang and Indira approaching from behind.
Only after Xia Shang coughed politely did he reluctantly turn around—but upon recognizing Indira, his face instantly fell. Damn, when had the principal arrived? Now he was ruined.
"What are the odds between Golden Boy and his opponent?" Xia Shang smiled, sitting beside the student while observing the central arena.
"T-That's... Principal." Trapped between two authority figures, the student drooped his eyebrows miserably, whispering, "25-to-1. If Golden Boy wins, my hundred-dollar bet becomes $1250."
"Why not bet on Golden Boy losing? If he loses, you'd gain $2400." Xia Shang watched Golden Boy ignite flames across his body, punching his opponent's face.
His opponent appeared strong too—after crashing down, he quickly rose again, eyes glowing green.
"There's no way Golden Boy can lose."
The student muttered softly.
Suddenly uncomfortable, he hastily invented an excuse and fled his seat.
Meanwhile, Golden Boy dodged incoming laser fire by soaring skyward. Like a blazing fireball, he crashed downward onto his rival.
The tremendous impact sent his opponent flying out of the ring.
When the flames cleared, Golden Boy stood triumphantly in the center, raising both arms high to display victory.
"Truly the number one student. His chances entering Vought look excellent," Xia Shang remarked casually, watching Golden Boy embrace his girlfriend tightly.
"By the way, what exactly constitutes his superpower? Is it merely flame generation?" He asked Indira.
"He possesses Meave-level super strength combined with full-body combustion. Moreover, his flame temperature continuously escalates. When he first enrolled, his flames barely reached several hundred degrees Celsius. Now they exceed thousands—capable of melting even steel."
(End of Chapter)