"Officer!" called Nate from the back seat.
"Yes, young master?" the officer replied.
"You don't really have to call me young master. But… I'm curious about the school my mom's been bragging about for a week."
The officer chuckled. "The school your mother mentioned is called the School of Pearls. That institution has produced the finest, bravest, and brightest—of all kinds."
"All kinds?" Nate asked, eyebrows pulling together.
"All kinds," the officer repeated. "The school isn't just for academic excellence. It trains for everything—combat, deep-space navigation, exploration, power-based disciplines, and preparation for posts in the Space Government, depending on what the students aim for."
"So tell me," Nate leaned forward, "did you also go to the same school, Officer?"
"No. For your information, young master, I'm not from this planet. I was assigned for space-travelling duty only."
"Oh—sorry about that. When you were assigned to my mother, I was the one riding in the car."
"Haha, no worries, young master. I enjoy talking with you. This ride is good company."
"So what was the name of the school you attended on your planet?" Nate asked, his curiosity sharpening.
The officer smiled. "Young master, in every world the school is the same. The School of Pearls exists on all planets. The first students of the Elder founded it, following the command to share knowledge everywhere. As for me—I am a Light-power wielder, so many of my courses focused on physics… and combat."
"We are shortly arriving at the school, young master," the officer said.
"Ah, what a drag… I don't want school," Nate grumbled, slumping in his seat.
"It's fine, young master," the officer replied warmly. "The first week is only for getting to know the school. There will be an exhibition showing what the School of Pearls represents. After that, there will be an opening test for all students. Based on the results, the school will decide which course each student can take."
Nate frowned. "So… the school decides what we have to learn?"
"No, young master," the officer said, shaking his head. "That only applies to students who fail the tests. When someone fails, the school forms a complete report about them—strengths, weaknesses, habits, potential. Then it assigns them a path they're best suited for, based on their performance."
"Why?"
"So that no student ends up regretting the path they choose," the officer explained. "Some students think they know what they want, but when the training begins, they crumble. The School of Pearls makes sure everyone grows in the direction they are truly capable of."