16. AD ASTRA (1)

This time, we’re heading back to Windenburg to check in on Mrs. Dean and the former Vampire Slayer.

Klara has been diligently working on her Charisma and Debate skills. Every now and then, she also publishes academic papers. And very often, she feels thankful for her wonderful family.

Meanwhile, Akito has finally maxed out his Handiness skill and is getting more confident with the Fabricator. He only sorts through his own trash now—just in case he finds some missing upgrade parts.

Yet, more and more often, he feels a fear that was unfamiliar to him till now.

Akito: I don’t get it. I used to risk my life every day, walking out the door not knowing if I’d return. And I was never afraid of death. Until now.

Klara: You had the Protection Ring, you knew it would protect you.

Akito: Well, yeah, you’re right. But now it’s different.

Klara: Well, we’re both closer to the end than the beginning. I’ve been thinking about it more often, too.

Akito: And how do you deal with it? Thinking about The End?

Klara: I think about what we started—our wonderful sons and their families. Our grandchildren. We built something beautiful, and that will last. That helps.

Akito: I’m so lucky to have you. I love you.

Every now and then, Grandma and Grandpa visit their granddaughter Izi.

Klara: Oh yes, this style definitely suits Piotr and Yuki’s personalities. I totally see why they wanted to live in the Arts Quarter.

Akito: Wooooo!!!

Piotr: Come on, let me show you the rest of the apartment.

Akito: We’ve already seen the kitchen and living room.

Piotr: We have way more space now. Like, this is our bedroom...

...and this is the Inspirational Room.

Akito: So, is inspiration better before or after a smoke break?

Piotr: Oh, Dad, I see you’re in a good mood, haha.

Akito: Well, fire it up, let your old man relive his youth.

They also visit their other granddaughter, Maja. Nothing beats playing together on the beach.

Klara still teaches Psychology, but as a Dean, she spends much more time in her office—reviewing budget plans, writing grants, and drafting recommendation letters. Sometimes, she has to schedule faculty meetings. Usually, it’s a pretty tedious task, but this time, Klara had something special planned...

Akito still goes for a morning jog (though he doesn’t push himself as hard as he used to). But today, he discovered a new building on his usual route...

Akito: I could’ve sworn there was an old warehouse here yesterday… For Sale? Interesting.

Akito: How was your day, honey?

Klara: I pitched my idea for the faculty meeting to the Chancellor, and he was thrilled! He immediately gave me a bonus and said that if I keep this up, there will be a chance for promotion soon!

Akito: That’s amazing! I… I have a surprise too. I took out a small loan and bought a store… You know, to sell my furniture.

Klara: WHAT?! That’s incredible!!!

The next day, they went together to check out the new store.

Akito: It’s still pretty empty—I need to set everything up.

Klara: It’s fantastic! I’m so glad you decided to take this step.

Akito: I’ve been thinking about it ever since that guy in Henford-on-Bagley suggested it ages ago. But the timing was never right. I think the Watcher put this building in my path on purpose.

Akito immediately got to work, and soon enough, all the furniture was on display. WOODBRARY was ready for its Grand Opening. The last thing left was to hire an employee. Their new hire, Ignacy Gracz, quickly got down to business.

The first few days weren’t easy.

Akito: (to himself) A vampire? Well… I guess I can’t be too picky about customers right now…

…Miss Agata, since you’ve already bought a table, why not complete the set with a pair of matching chairs?

…So, how’s it going?

Ignacy: I like it here. I actually have an idea for a small storefront redesign.

The day of the faculty meeting arrived. Klara had organized a charity gala! The goal? Raising funds for new university equipment.

The family supported Klara however they could.

Piotr: This university is a piece of history, and great stories deserve to be preserved!

Filip: …Mom was part of the Debate Guild here. Clubs like that should exist for generations.

Loario: I heard you write books too.

Guest: Oh yes! I love your child psychology guides! And my kids adore your fairy tales!

The fundraiser was coming to an end.

Klara: Oh, Zoe, you won’t believe it—we did it! We raised the entire amount!

Zoe: Bravo, darling!

Guest: A toast to our amazing Dean!

A commemorative photo was taken, and from that day on, it hung in Britechester’s Student Union as a proud reminder.

After such a successful event, Klara was instantly promoted to Chancellor of Britechester. And that wasn’t the end of the good news.

TV Host: Until recently the Dean of Psychology, Klara Drozd has managed to raise 100,000 simoleons for her university at a charity gala.

Co-Host: The entire amount will be used to upgrade campus equipment, including new computers and other essential tools…

As Chancellor, Klara now has a ton of administrative responsibilities. But she never misses a chance to visit the current members of the Debate Guild and share her experience.

Zoe: So, how’s life as Chancellor?

Klara: I still can’t believe I’ve made it this far.

Zoe: Remember when we studied here together? Feels like a lifetime ago!

Klara: And it was thanks to you that I joined the Debate Guild. So many good things started from that…

And so it began—and it continues to this day!

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