Joe leaned back, staring into the shifting light of the simulation. Lumi had given him a directive—acquire all knowledge necessary for survival. Agatha had given him something equally vital—learn what it means to be human.
Both paths were necessary.
Both paths would shape who he was meant to be.
He turned to Lumi. "So for the next ten years, I study everything I can."
"Yes," Lumi confirmed.
Joe turned to Agatha. "And I also make friends, live like a normal human, and tell you all about it?"
"Yes," Agatha said, crossing her arms.
Joe laughed, a rare, genuine moment of lightness between the three of them.
Maybe—just maybe—both paths would lead him exactly where he needed to go.
And so, the journey began. The boy who would shape humanity's fate was about to embark on a quest unlike any other.
One that balanced knowledge and experience. One that fused logic and emotion.
One that would prepare him for what was yet to come.
As they closed out the evening, the steady pulse of Lumi's signal and the soft presence of Freya in the background underscored a profound truth: in the delicate dance of connection—be it with technology, other beings, or even oneself—the journey was as vital as the destination.
The golden hues of the Indraprastha sunrise filtered through the intelligent skylights of the grand mansion, illuminating the polished floors with a soft glow. The air carried a faint aroma of freshly baked bread and exotic fruit—a seamless blend of traditional human cuisine and advanced molecular gastronomy.
Joe stretched, the events of the previous night still lingering in his thoughts. His discussion with Lumi and Agatha had left him with a sense of purpose—a clear roadmap for his journey ahead. Today was his first real step toward that future.
His grandmother, Silviya Trudeau, sat gracefully at the head of the table, sipping her morning tea with a serene smile. Across from her, his grandfather, Silvester Trudeau, a man of sharp wisdom and strong convictions, finished reviewing the latest military developments on his holographic tablet.
Joe greeted them warmly and took his seat. A plate automatically adjusted to his dietary preferences, serving him an array of high-energy, meticulously balanced foods—from protein-rich solar-grown grain toast to synthetic fruit infused with neural-enhancing compounds.
As they ate, Silvester leaned forward. "Joe, I want you to accompany me today to the headquarters of Trodeau Industries on Luthen, the second moon of Indraprastha."
Joe glanced up, intrigued but hesitant. Trodeau Industries was the sole manufacturer of wormhole-generator-equipped ships in human space. Visiting the headquarters could give him insight into the future of interstellar travel—one of the key elements in Lumi's directive for technological advancement.
Before he could reply, his grandmother chimed in, "Or perhaps you'd rather come with me, dear? There's a new selection of tailored garments arriving in Indraprastha's finest shopping districts. I think it's time we updated your wardrobe." She smiled gently, knowing Joe had a tendency to avoid extravagance.
Joe smiled, appreciating their concern but already firm in his decision.
"Thank you, Grandfather. Thank you, Grandmother. But I have different plans today."
They both regarded him curiously.
Joe set his cup down and straightened slightly before speaking. "I'm planning to apply for the entrance exam at the University of Heritage. The test is scheduled for next month, and I need to start preparing."
Silvester's brow furrowed slightly. "The University of Heritage?"
Eleanor's face lit up. "Oh, Joe, what a marvelous decision!"
The University of Heritage was unique among Indraprastha's academic institutions. Unlike the hyper-specialized schools of engineering, military tactics, and biotechnology, it followed an ancient human doctrine—one that emphasized holistic education. Students learned major academic disciplines alongside physical education, ensuring both intellectual and physical growth. This was one of the few places where human augmentation technologies were selectively regulated, allowing students to develop natural skills before relying on enhancements.
Joe continued, "I want to prepare for the exam seriously. This university doesn't just train specialists—it trains people to understand the world, to experience it fully. If I'm going to help shape humanity's future, I need a perspective that isn't limited to just science, war, or diplomacy."
Silvester's expression remained unreadable for a moment, then he gave a short nod. "Hmph. You sound like your mother. I already told you that you need not apply for the test, I can easliy get you admitted to the school."
Joe's chest tightened slightly at the mention of Elizabeth Maya—his late mother, the woman whose wisdom had once guided both Vashara and Indraprastha's long-term strategies. He barely remembered her, but stories had painted her as a woman of unparalleled balance—strong yet compassionate, a leader who understood the intricacies of both power and morality.
"It's a bold decision," Silvester finally said. "You will not simply be a scholar. You will be walking among people who are untouched by the burden of leadership, those who have lived normal lives. It may test you in ways you do not expect."
Joe nodded. "That's exactly why I need to do it."
Eleanor clapped her hands lightly, delighted. "Then you have my full support, Joe. The test will challenge you in many subjects—you will need a structured plan to ensure you're fully prepared."
after breakfast Joe spent the next few hours drafting his plan along with his grandparents. He divided his preparation into four core areas and decided to give at least 7 to 8 days to each core subject.
Academic Knowledge: Studying physics, history, philosophy, and economics to ensure he grasped both theoretical and real-world applications. He believed that he had enough knowledge in these aspects and would check the coursework and study the missing part.
Physical Education: Training in both traditional human sports and adaptive exercises designed for augmented and non-augmented individuals. He was nearly twice as strong compared to normal human child of his age. His rigorous physical training on Vashara had made his physique almost perfect for his without any aid of cybernetic implants.
Critical Thinking & Leadership: Simulating complex scenarios with Lumi to refine his ability to analyze situations beyond simple logic. His high IQ and strategic exercises done in past can easily cover this aspect.
Social Interaction: Immersing himself in normal human environments, forming friendships, and learning how society functioned outside of elite spheres. This was the most difficult aspect for him as he was weakest in this aspect.
Each day leading up to the entrance test, he would allocate time to these domains, ensuring his growth was well-rounded. after reviewing the coursework, he decided to allot maximum time to social interaction aspect.
His grandfather decided to help him in Academic Knowledge and Critical Thinking & Leadership, while his grandmother decided to supervise his Physical Education training and teach him Social Interaction.
He felt very warm and delighted with his grandparent's support and decided to give his best to this test. He hoped to finally shed his now obsolete identity of Mayan heir and become a normal 10-year-old human.
As evening approached, Joe sat by the mansion's digital interface, ready to reconnect with Lumi and Agatha.
The path forward was clear now.
For the next ten years, he would become more than just an heir.
He would become someone who understood what it truly meant to be human. And that journey—one that blended intelligence, experience, and emotion—would soon begin.