Chapter 30: Rules

The classroom was still filled with conversations when the door suddenly opened. A woman walked in, and the noise gradually died down.

She was strikingly beautiful, with long black hair cascading over her shoulders and brown eyes behind a pair of elegant glasses. Her figure was full and curvaceous, and the confidence with which she carried herself made it difficult for anyone not to notice her.

She wore a fitted blouse beneath a tailored jacket, paired with a short skirt and heels that clicked against the polished floor.

She placed her iPad on the lecturer’s desk and looked around the room.

"Settle down."

Her voice wasn’t particularly loud, but it carried enough authority to make the students obey almost immediately.

She waited until everyone was seated before turning towards the projection board.

"Good. I’m Instructor Victoria, and I’ll be handling your introductory business and management course this semester. Before we begin, there are a few things you need to understand about Aurelius Academy."

Rather than reading the rules aloud, she tapped her iPad several times.

The projection board behind her flickered, and seven rules appeared on the screen.

"Read them carefully. These aren’t suggestions. They’re the standards every student in this institution is expected to follow."

Morales leaned back in his chair and glanced at the board.

AURELIUS ACADEMY – PRESTIGE CLASS REGULATIONS

RULE ONE: ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE

Every student must maintain the minimum academic standard established by the academy. Repeated failure in examinations, assignments, or compulsory assessments will result in academic probation. Continued failure will lead to expulsion.

RULE TWO: DISCIPLINE AND CONDUCT

Physical violence, intimidation, harassment, threats, and deliberate humiliation of other students are prohibited. Any student found guilty will face suspension or expulsion depending on the severity of the offence. Wealth and family influence will not protect anyone from punishment.

RULE THREE: FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Students must honour all financial agreements, debts, and obligations entered into within the academy. Fraud, deliberate non-payment, financial manipulation, or the use of money to force another student into an agreement will attract severe disciplinary action.

RULE FOUR: PARTICIPATION IN ACADEMY ACTIVITIES

Every student must participate in compulsory academic activities, group assignments, examinations, and official competitions. Refusing to participate without an approved reason will result in a failing grade and possible loss of academy privileges.

RULE FIVE: PROTECTION OF ACADEMY PROPERTY AND INFORMATION

Stealing, damaging school property, accessing restricted facilities, manipulating academic records, or interfering with the academy’s security systems is strictly forbidden. Serious violations will result in immediate suspension and possible expulsion.

RULE SIX: REPUTATION AND PERFORMANCE

Students admitted into the Prestige Class without an established family background, financial standing, or influential connections are expected to prove their worth through their performance and conduct.

Such students must establish a respectable name for themselves within the academy community or secure a position between first and fifth place in either of their first two major examinations.

Failure to meet either condition will result in the entire Prestige Class repeating the academic year.

Just after reading that rule, students turned to face only one person. Morales. "He is the poorest in this class, sure he’s not going to make us repeat." Some whispered to one another.

"That bastard might make us repeat this year, he better leave this place before someone kill’s him."

"Why the fuck would someone poor think he has the chance at a school like this, he better leave."

The murmur grew loud, the instructor then gave a brief glance at Morales who didn’t give a fuck about anything they said and she thought. ’They shouldn’t be that certain that he is a failure.’ Then she inhaled and exhaled before calmly telling them. "Eyes on the screen please." And they all stopped murmuring.

RULE SEVEN: NO SPECIAL TREATMENT

No student will receive preferential treatment because of their family name, wealth, connections, or social status. Equally, no student will be granted special consideration simply because they come from a disadvantaged background. Everyone will be judged by the same standards.

He rubbed his forehead. ’Can you people mind your own damn business?’

A bulky student sitting a few seats away stared at him. Another boy beside him followed his gaze, looking at Morales with an expression that suggested they had already formed an opinion about him, he didn’t know why they were looking at him like they were going to eat him anytime soon.

Morales noticed them but couldn’t be bothered.

He had more important things to think about. For example, the woman standing at the front of the classroom.

His eyes briefly returned to Instructor Victoria. ’What a woman.’

He had to admit that Aurelius Academy had an impressive collection of beautiful women. Between the students and the instructors, there was no shortage of people capable of catching his attention.

He was certain he would get to know her better before his time at the university was over.

"Are you all finished reading?" Instructor Victoria asked. The students gradually turned their attention back to her.

"Good. These regulations exist because Aurelius Academy is not an ordinary institution. You are surrounded by people who will eventually occupy important positions in society. Some of you will become influential business owners, politicians, investors, and leaders. Your actions here will determine how people remember you long after graduation."

She adjusted her glasses.

"Now, let’s discuss something more interesting."

She tapped her iPad again, and the rules disappeared from the projection board. A new slide appeared.

"Business is not simply about making money. It involves understanding people, identifying opportunities, managing resources, and knowing how to make decisions under pressure."

She spent the next few minutes explaining the fundamentals of business management, touching on financial responsibility, leadership, competition, and the importance of understanding consumer behaviour.

Morales listened with mild interest.

He already understood most of what she was saying, especially when it came to money. Still, he didn’t mind hearing her explain it. She was a surprisingly engaging instructor, and the students seemed equally attentive.

After finishing her introduction, Victoria placed her iPad on the desk. "Now, let’s move on to your first group assignment."

The classroom became noticeably quieter. "Every student in the Prestige Class will participate. You will be divided into groups of five, and each group will be responsible for organising an unforgettable entertainment event."

A few students exchanged excited looks. "Before anyone gets too excited, understand that this is an examination, not an opportunity to throw an ordinary party."

She tapped the screen, bringing up another slide.