"The Clash is exactly three weeks away."
Dean Marcus paced the length of the penthouse living room. He looked absolutely exhausted. The fifty year old charter had nearly broken his spirit.
Ryan Parker sat quietly on the leather sofa. He watched the golden text of the System interface fade from his vision. He had his escape route.
"It is a decennial competition," the Dean continued. His voice was tight with severe anxiety. "It is strictly reserved for elite classical prodigies. The judging panel consists of global maestros who completely despise modern music."
Ryan opened his sleek silver laptop. He accessed the secure academy portal.
"If I win, I receive an honorary alumni status," Ryan stated. His fingers moved efficiently across the keyboard. "That immediately severs the underg
