Chapter 1: The Entrance Exam
Aaron Zakhrov stood in the center of the St Ignatius Academy exam hall, taking in his surroundings.
It was massive, with a high vaulted ceiling, white stone walls and frosted windows set in tall pointed arches, making it look like the nave of a gothic cathedral.
The sunlight bathed it in an ethereal and diffused white light.
"Hey, kid. You lost?" asked a tall, broad-shouldered boy, as Aaron found his assigned desk.
"No, have an exam card, just like you," replied Aaron sitting down and placing his bag on the floor.
"Think you can handle Ignatius? This place is called the Ivy-League crucible, the Jesuit forge of Hell.
I’ve heard that this entrance exam makes the SAT look like a walk in the park," said the boy with a smirk.
Aaron raised an eyebrow. "Which is why we all are here, right?" he asked.
"Man, you are one cold dude. Guess not having your hormones kick in yet is a big help.
Name’s Jason by the way," said the boy, extending his hand.
"Aaron Zakhrov," replied Aaron, shaking Jason’s hand.