The morning sun hadn't even warmed the pavement when James stepped onto the Midbridge University campus, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his hoodie only half-zipped.
Then he saw her Professor Franklin, standing by the entrance of the lecture hall like a boss battle waiting to be triggered.
"James," she called out, arms folded like a general. "Walk with me."
He paused. "I didn't plagiarize Descartes, I swear."
She didn't even smile. "Just walk."
James jogged to catch up as she spun around and marched along the edge of the Humanities building.
"I'm either about to get recruited for something incredible or expelled with flair," he muttered under his breath.
She led him down a narrow hallway decorated with event posters no one read.
One flier advertised a knitting club that hadn't updated its QR code since the Obama administration.
Franklin stopped near a dusty bulletin board. "You've caused quite a stir, Rivera. Yesterday's classroom performances? Spectacular. Too spectacular."
James gave a sheepish grin. "I've been moisturizing and ingesting knowledge."
"Half the faculty think you're a prodigy," she continued. "The other half think you hacked the school servers."
"Which would be more impressive?" he deadpanned.
She actually smiled. "Fair. Listen, Midbridge is participating in the Interstate Academic Debate Championship. We need someone... flashy. Someone who can outtalk the Ivy kids. You interested?"
He raised an eyebrow. "Let me get this straight. I show signs of actual intellect for once and now I'm the chosen one?"
Franklin rolled her eyes. "Don't get cocky. You're being considered. There's a vetting panel. A committee of senior researchers, some of whom think podcasts are radical technology. You'll face them today."
James blinked. "So, like... mini-bosses before the real dungeon?"
"Exactly."
"I'm in."
Later that day, James climbed the stairs to the top floor of the admin building like he was ascending Mount Olympus except Olympus probably didn't have flickering fluorescent lights.
The door to Room 504 creaked open to reveal a panel of five professors seated in a semi-circle, each surrounded by books, tablets, and the kind of frown that came from reading too many bad essays.
"James Rivera," said the man in the center. "Welcome. I'm Dr. Belgrave. Please, take a seat."
James nodded, walked in, and sat with a theatrical flop. "Thanks for having me. Love the 'intellectual inquisition' vibe."
There was a pause.
Then a few faint chuckles.
Dr. Lynn, sharp eyes and sharper cheekbones, cleared her throat. "Let's begin. You're being vetted to represent Midbridge University at the IADC. The theme this year 'How Nationalism Reshapes Global Diplomacy.' You'll be required to argue both perspectives."
James nodded slowly. "Okay. Dual wielding ideology. Got it."
"What are the mechanisms through which nationalism alters diplomacy in the 21st century?" asked Dr. Patel.
James adjusted in his seat. "Primarily, nationalism polarizes the diplomatic field. Leaders turn inward, emphasizing sovereignty over cooperation, which weakens multilateral agreements. Look at Brexit national identity over regional stability. Or India's stance on global trade talks. Sovereignty rhetoric is in globalism is out."
Dr. Belgrave raised a brow. "And your counterpoint?"
"National pride can also unify," James said. "It builds internal cohesion, which can be a foundation for clearer negotiation positions. Some countries leverage nationalism to demand more equal footing see ASEAN states balancing U.S. and China."
"What role does media play in fueling nationalist agendas on the global stage?" Dr. Lynn asked.
"Media is the mana source for nationalism," James replied. "It amplifies narratives, controls emotional tones, and cherry-picks conflict to build an 'us versus them' mentality. Especially social media that's basically a propaganda tool disguised as cat videos."
Another professor, Dr. Wong, leaned in. "How do you interpret the resurgence of protectionist policies in major economies?"
James cracked his knuckles. "Protectionism is nationalism's loot crate. Politicians promise jobs and economic control, but it's often just a flashy skin over systemic issues. It's effective short-term populism but weakens global trade infrastructure long term."
"And what's your take on nationalism within multilateral organizations like the EU or UN?" asked Dr. Chavez.
"Think of it like a guild raid where some members start hoarding buffs and skipping strategy meetings. It disrupts cohesion. We've seen this in the EU's refugee policy breakdown and member states pushing sovereign agendas despite collective goals."
Dr. Lynn arched an eyebrow. "Baudrillard and hyperreality how do they relate?"
"National identity now is a simulacrum," James said smoothly. "It's constructed. Memes, nostalgia, curated history people aren't loyal to nations; they're loyal to narratives. Baudrillard would argue most nationalist ideology is a hyperreal projection a copy with no original."
"Hmm," muttered Dr. Lynn. "And what would you say about Fukuyama's liberal democracy thesis?"
James shrugged. "Fukuyama was doing post-Cold War fanfiction. He underestimated capitalism's mutation. Liberal democracy didn't win it just got better PR. The sequel's been messy."
The panel exchanged amused looks.
They threw tougher questions populism's influence on treaties, historical comparisons, implications of right-wing nationalism in the EU.
James fired back with practiced poise and meme-level analogies.
"Nationalism is like PvP in MMOs," he said at one point. "Sometimes it keeps players sharp. Other times, it spawns griefers and loot hoarders. The global economy suffers lag."
Even the stone-faced professor cracked a grin.
Then came the killer.
"What's ASEAN's internal cohesion amid U.S.-China tension?"
James blinked. "Uh…"
System. Emergency pack. Light. I don't want brain freeze.
Deploying ASEAN Geopolitics Micro Module – 35 KHCS. Stand by.
The knowledge slid into place like puzzle pieces made of espresso.
"They operate like a raid guild," James said aloud. "Everyone has their own stats, their own gear, and half are secretly alliance hopping. Their unity is performative hedging bets between big players to avoid being stomped. Smart, but fragile."
Silence.
Dr. Lynn stared at him. "Did you just call ASEAN a raid guild?"
James spread his hands. "Would you have preferred chess metaphor? Because I got one of those too."
Laughter broke out.
Real laughter this time.
Dr. Belgrave set down his pen. "Well. I believe the vote is clear."
Dr. Patel nodded. "It's been a long time since someone challenged us this well. Welcome to the team, Rivera.
James stood with a grin and gave a mock salute. "Time to show the Ivies how a mid-tier boss rolls."