Born to Rise : Becoming Vice President

Chapter 67 – ASTRA's Legacy

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A new semester had begun at Seoul University.

But the atmosphere was no longer the same.

The School of Engineering was now guarded by private security. International students were flocking to enroll in the newly elevated Innovation Technology Program, now the university's flagship course thanks to G-Force and the birth of ASTRA. At the campus café, people no longer gossiped about dating rumors of young lecturers—they whispered, "Did you know Gevran from the AI class? He's the one who made ASTRA."

Yet for Gevran and his friends, fame felt far from comfortable.

They returned to their old classroom, sitting in their usual seats—only now met with stares of awe, jealousy, and... subtle intimidation.

"We look like a boyband," Mi Yong whispered, sipping his coffee.

"More like... targets," Haesung muttered, glancing toward the corner where Cain Seo-Jun sat—silent, expressionless, but eyes sharp as ever.

Yes, Cain was back. After his fall from grace and the near-collapse of his family's reputation, he had returned quietly. No longer flanked by his clique, he moved alone—and that made him more dangerous. Rumor had it he was forming secret alliances with members of elite clubs like White Paper Club and Bloom Society.

"Gevran," the professor's voice broke the tension, "since you and your team have redefined the future of our curriculum, I'd like to invite you all as guest speakers for next month's seminar: 'The Future of Human-Tech Interface'."

The whole class applauded.

But amid the applause, Gevran noticed one thing: Cain didn't clap.

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Student Council Room

Park Jiwan projected a holographic map of the new campus facilities. "We now have a fully government-funded innovation lab. But... every move we make is being watched."

Eunwoo added, "University officials are feeling political pressure. Some are even pushing to shut down future ASTRA projects. They fear the power it holds might be used politically."

"My father said," Haesung chimed in, "ASTRA has touched the realm of power. This isn't just a startup anymore. We're talking global impact."

Silence fell over the group.

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Under the Ginkgo Tree – Center of Campus

Gevran sat alone, staring at a photo on his tablet—ASTRA surrounded by smiling children during a hospital visit. A small smile touched his lips.

"So this is what it feels like... to be part of something bigger," he murmured.

Footsteps approached.

Cain stood beside him. Silent. Neither smiling nor threatening.

"You won, Gevran."

Gevran didn't respond.

"But the world's not done with you. You think you can save it all? ASTRA isn't a toy. You know that."

Gevran stood up, meeting Cain's gaze.

"I didn't create ASTRA to be liked. I created it... to help heal the world."

Cain narrowed his eyes. "Then welcome to the real game. Let's see who lasts longer."

He turned and walked away.

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Back in Class

Seoul University had changed—but G-Force remained united. They sat together, planning their next moves for the semester. Not just business or tech strategies—but how to protect what they had created.

"ASTRA isn't the end," Gevran said during their evening rooftop meeting. "It's just the beginning. Our legacy isn't a robot. It's the courage… to keep dreaming."

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The chapter ends with the university's digital banner flashing:

"WELCOME TO THE NEW ERA – WE ARE THE INNOVATION GENERATION."

And beneath the Seoul night sky, five friends looked ahead—

Toward a world that would never be the same again.

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