It was winter. Rufus had been the king of the kingdom of Fairfax for around a year. He had called everyone to meet him in front of the gates of the royal palace. Amala, Pema, Edward, Haley, Yosef, Joan and Gwon were all present and were waiting for Rufus to arrive.

“Sorry to keep you waiting. I have a big announcement,” Rufus said and appeared in front of them.

“So what is this big announcement you had?” Haley asked.

“So let me begin. As we know now divinity is not only based on heritage and that anyone can obtain it. Many people have a chance of gaining divinity if they just know how to manifest it. We need to help them reach their true potential. With these new divine people of both races, we can help close the gap between the nobles and commoners. They can gain positions in the government based on merit, not lineage. These new people can become lords of the unmanned regions and help them prosper and protect them. A truly equal country for all,” Rufus explained his grand plan.

Everyone looked at each other and doubted the whole idea.

“Rufus, I am sorry, it would be hard to do this. First of all, harnessing divinity takes years. You also were not this strong when you manifested your powers. It took you some years also. The common person doesn’t have the time to do that. He has to work in the fields, factories, mines or somewhere else. Only the nobles have the privilege to learn to use their divinities,” Doreen explained her doubts.

“That is the point. We will teach them how to use it. We will give them housing, food and even a small salary to attend a school. A school for the divine. Anyone who is deemed worthy enough to enroll shall have a spot in this new academy. We will mold the divine people of tomorrow,” Rufus added.

“Building this school would cost a lot of money. We have new income, yes, but it doesn’t seem reasonable to use it for this new venture of yours,” Doreen said.

“But we do have a building.”

Rufus stared at the royal palace behind him.

“I have grown tired living in the royal palace. The rooms are too big, the beds are too soft and in many other ways, I have had enough living such a luxurious life. Living in such a palace is not for me and I am sorry, I will not live there anymore. I rather though see it used for something good. A place to help the people who have potential. We didn’t get the chance to go to such a place and I am sure it would have been helpful,” Rufus explained his desire to leave the royal palace.

They all looked at Rufus and they knew he had felt miserable always when he was in the royal palace.

“I guess it is settled then,” Edward said and walked over to Rufus.

“Wait up a minute!” Doreen yelled.

“Yeah, it can not be helped,” Haley said and walked beside Rufus.

“That palace was anyways overrated,” Amala said and walked next to Rufus.

“They don’t have a good bath,” Pema said and joined them.

“I guess I don’t have a choice,” Joan muttered and followed Edward.

“I really don’t want to move out, but I guess I have no other choice than to get on with the changes,” Yosef said and grudgingly walked toward the others.

Doreen and Gwon were the only ones not standing beside Rufus.

“Don’t worry Gwon. Liana will be joining us,” Rufus said and got Gwon to join them.

Only Doreen was still opposing the idea. They all stared at her waiting for her to stop being stubborn and let Rufus have his way.

“So what do you want to name this new school…...?” Doreen asked.

They all smiled and looked at the palace.

“Any suggestions?” Rufus asked.

“How about Harley’s Divine Academy?” Haley suggested.

They nodded.

“It is settled. Let it be then Harley’s Divine Academy,” Rufus said with a bright smile.

~ ~

[300 years in the future]

“Welcome to the Harley’s Divine Academy, the most prestigious academy in the Aesis world. I am the head lecturer at this school, Doreen.”