After lunch, when we returned to the temporary pavilion that served as the command center for the construction of the academy, I felt it was time to establish the organizational structure that would define how the next phase of human evolution would be implemented. I couldn't just open the doors and expect 9 million candidates to organize themselves spontaneously.
"Premier Xi," he said as we settled into the makeshift conference room, "I need to propose a framework for academia that goes beyond the traditional curriculum."
"Please elaborate."
"Based on the global numbers of auras identified and considering the need for healthy competitive motivation, I propose dividing the academy into a system of clans and circles that will create both collaboration and aspiration for growth."
Xi leaned forward, interested. "Clan system? Like military structure?"
"More like a combination of the university house system with Eastern martial arts traditions. Each student will belong to a specific clan, which will become their academic family, support network, and competitive team."
Dr. Li Wei took out the tablet to take notes. "How many clans are you considering?"
"Twelve clans, each with a unique identity, particular specialization, and traditions of their own. This will allow for smaller, more intimate groups within the massive population of the academy."
Premier Xi nodded thoughtfully. "Twelve is an auspicious number in Chinese culture. And how would students be assigned to clans?"
"Combination of aura color, personality, natural aptitudes, and personal choice. But once assigned, the clan becomes a long-term commitment. Loyalty and internal cooperation will be key."
The Minister of Education joined the conversation. "And how would the clans interact with each other?"
"Healthy competition. Regular tournaments testing different aspects of development - not just magical capabilities, but also theoretical knowledge, collaborative projects, contributions to the common good."
"Interesting," Xi muttered. "And within each clan?"
"Here I introduce the circle system. Each student will begin in the Outer Circle, regardless of aura potential. Progression to the Inner Circle and then the Middle Circle will be based on actual development, not just natural talent."
Dr. Li raised his eyebrow. "Even students with violet auras would start at the basic level?"
"Exactly. Potential is not achievement. Development requires work, discipline, and demonstration of character. A student with a yellow aura who demonstrates exceptional dedication can eventually surpass a student with a violet aura who is lazy."
"And what differentiates each circle?" asked the Minister of Education.
"Outer Circle - fundamentals. Meditation, theory, development of personal discipline, basic skills. Typical duration: 1-2 years."
"Inner Circle - practical application. Development of specific skills, research projects, teaching younger students. Typical duration: 2-3 years."
"Central Circle - mastery and specialization. Development of advanced capabilities, independent research, preparation for graduation, and contribution to the outside world."
"What about after graduation?" Xi asked.
"Graduates become ambassadors of the academy to the world, applying their skills for the benefit of humanity. But they maintain a lifelong connection to the clan and the academy."
"The system sounds well structured," Xi noted. "But you mentioned there was something beyond the three circles?"
It was time to reveal the most ambitious aspect of the plan.
"Yes. I propose to create a fourth level - the Primal Circle. Limited to only twelve people at any one time, one from each clan. These will receive direct personal instruction from me and will be prepared for... special responsibilities."
Silence in the room. Everyone understood that I was creating an elite within the elite.
"What kind of special responsibilities?" Dr. Li asked carefully.
"Members of the Primal Circle will become the future leaders of the academy when I am no longer present. They will also be responsible for more advanced aspects of human development that I cannot yet reveal publicly."
"And the criteria for selection to the Primordial Circle?"
"A combination of exceptional ability, impeccable character, vision for the future of humanity, and... compatibility with knowledge that transcends the current scope of academia."
Premier Xi studied my expression carefully. "Dr. Thorne, are there aspects of your work that you haven't shared with us yet?"
It was a direct question that required a careful answer.
"Premier Xi, the discovery of auras is just the beginning. As the academy develops and students advance, new capabilities and knowledge will emerge that are currently beyond public understanding. The Primordial Circle will be prepared to deal with these developments."
"What kind of developments?"
"Interdimensional communication. Limited temporal manipulation. Perception of threats that could affect human civilization. Preparation for... possibilities that I prefer to remain theoretical for now."
The atmosphere in the room changed. Everyone realized I was talking about something far beyond medical healing and levitation.
"Dr. Thorne," Xi said slowly, "are you preparing for something specific?"
"Premier Xi, I am preparing for a future that I hope will never be necessary. But if it is, humanity will be prepared."
Dr. Li Wei leaned forward. "And how would the clans be organized? What identities would they have?"
"Each clan will have a symbol, colors, traditions, and specific specialization. For example:"
"Golden Dragon Clan - specializing in healing and energy medicine. Symbol: dragon in golden spiral."
"Crimson Phoenix Clan - specializing in personal transformation and rebirth. Symbol: phoenix in red flames."
"Silver Tiger Clan - specialization in physical and mental strength. Symbol: tiger leaping over silver moon."
"Jade Serpent Clan - specializing in ancient wisdom and occult knowledge. Symbol: serpent coiled in jade crystal."
"Dark Wolf Clan - Specializes in teamwork and strategy. Symbol: Wolf pack under night sky."
"Celestial Eagle Clan - specialization in perception and clairvoyance. Symbol: eagle flying towards the sun."
"Earth Bear Clan - specialization in connection with nature and elements. Symbol: powerful bear in forest."
"Clan of the Windy Hawk - specialization in speed and mental agility. Symbol: hawk cutting through the winds."
"Clan of the Flaming Lion - specialization in leadership and courage. Symbol: lion with mane of fire."
"Clan of the Wise Turtle - specialization in patience and deep knowledge. Symbol: ancient turtle with mystical runes."
"Mystic Raven Clan - specialization in mysteries and advanced magic. Symbol: black raven with luminous eyes."
"Clan of the Pure Unicorn - specializing in purity of intention and spiritual healing. Symbol: white unicorn with crystalline horn."
The Minister of Education was taking quick notes. "And how would students find out which clan they belong to?"
"Elaborate Selection Ceremony. Combination of personality test, demonstration of natural affinities, and element of personal choice. But once selected, the clan becomes the central identity of your academy experience."
"What about clan rivalries?" Xi asked.
"Healthy competition, not hostility. Quarterly tournaments in various categories - magical abilities, academic knowledge, collaborative projects, community contributions. The winning clan receives prestige and additional resources."
"But also," I added, "projects that require collaboration between clans. Learning to work with different people is essential for real development."
Dr. Li Wei looked at his notes. "The system is… ambitious. How would we practically implement it?"
"First, we need to open the official recruitment process. Announce globally that candidates with detectable auras can apply through Chinese embassies or directly through the online portal."
"And specific criteria?"
"Ideal age: 16-35 years. Detectable aura of any color. Basic psychological stability. Commitment to at least 3 years of study. And most importantly - genuine motivation to use abilities for the benefit of humanity, not personal gain."
Premier Xi stood up and walked to the window overlooking the building. "Dr. Thorne, this is much more elaborate than a normal university. You are creating a new form of civilization."
"Exactly. Academia cannot be just a school that teaches magic tricks. It must be an incubator for the next phase of human evolution, with values, structures, and goals that transcend traditional education."
"And how do we ensure that graduates will use capabilities responsibly?"
"The clan system creates accountability. Alumni maintain loyalty to the clan and academy. Irresponsible behavior reflects poorly on the entire group. Peer pressure to maintain high standards."
"In addition," I continued, "members of the Primal Circle will serve as global overseers, monitoring graduates and intervening if necessary."
The Defense Secretary, who had remained silent, finally spoke: "Dr. Thorne, from a national security perspective, how does China maintain influence over people with capabilities that could surpass our own military forces?"
It was a question I knew would come eventually.
"Minister, the academy will operate on principles that transcend national boundaries. Graduates will not be 'Chinese with superpowers' - they will be global citizens committed to the well-being of all humanity."
"But physically located in Chinese territory."
"Yes, but governed by principles that guarantee autonomy and neutrality. Similar to the United Nations in New York - physically on American soil, but not controlled by the United States."
Xi turned from the window. "Dr. Thorne, I accept that the academy should have autonomy. But we expect graduates to have... special appreciation... for the nation that provided their education."
"Of course. Gratitude is a fundamental value that will be taught. But gratitude informed by wisdom, not blind loyalty."
Dr. Li Wei looked at his watch. "Dr. Thorne, if we are going to announce the recruitment process, we need a specific schedule."
"I propose a three-phase sequence:"
"Phase 1 - Global Announcement: Next week. International press conference announcing opening of applications."
"Phase 2 - Application Period: 6 weeks. Time for global candidates to apply and undergo initial screening."
"Phase 3 - Final Selection: 2 weeks of intensive assessments here in China. Practical tests, interviews, clan assignment ceremony."
"And when would the first class start classes?"
"January 2026. Allows time to complete basic installations and prepare detailed curriculum."
Premier Xi nodded decisively. "Dr. Thorne, we approve the proposed framework. We will begin implementation immediately."
"An additional consideration," I added. "To manage enrollment volume, I suggest country quotas based on population and financial contributions to the academy."
"How would it work?"
"China: 40% of vacancies, as host country. BRICS+Asia countries: 35% combined. United States: 15%. Europe: 8%. Rest of the world: 2%."
"What if a specific country produces exceptional numbers of qualified candidates?"
"Merit system will allow reallocation. If Brazil identifies a thousand candidates with violet auras, they will receive additional places at the expense of countries with fewer qualified candidates."
The Foreign Secretary joined the discussion. "Dr. Thorne, this will create intense competition between nations."
"Healthy competition. Countries will be encouraged to identify and nurture latent talent in their populations. It benefits everyone."
"What about countries that cannot afford financial contributions?"
"Scholarships based on pure merit. We will not let potential go to waste due to economic limitations."
Premier Xi returned to the table. "Dr. Thorne, a question about the Primordial Circle. How do we ensure that members remain loyal to the academy's original vision?"
It was a fundamental question about succession and continuity.
"The Core Circle will be more than an administrative group. It will be... a brotherhood bound by shared experiences that transcend normal relationships. Members will develop a connection that makes betrayal nearly impossible."
"Like this?"
"Aspects of the Primal Circle training will create genuine psychic bonds. Not mind control, but mutual understanding so deep that individual interests naturally align with the collective good."
Contemplative silence in the room.
"Dr. Thorne," Xi said finally, "you are describing evolution not just of individual capabilities, but of fundamental human consciousness."
"Exactly. Academia is a laboratory for the next phase of human evolution. Not just what humans can do, but how humans relate to each other and to the greater universe."
Dr. Li Wei closed the tablet. "Dr. Thorne, when would you like to make the public announcement about the academy's structure and recruitment process?"
"Tomorrow. Live global broadcast from the construction site. Show physical progress while explaining the organizational system."
"And the format?"
"Formal press conference followed by extensive Q&A session. Full transparency about structure, expectations, and goals. Humanity deserves to fully understand what we are offering."
"Dr. Thorne," Premier Xi stood up, "you are creating something that will change the course of human history. China is honored to be a partner in this endeavor."
"Premier Xi, the partnership is bilateral. China provides resources and stability. I provide vision and methodology. Together, we are creating a future that no country could achieve alone."
When the meeting ended at 6:30 p.m., I stood in the room looking out the window at the illuminated construction site. Even at night, construction continued. The lights created an artificial constellation where a city dedicated to human evolution was being born.
"System," I muttered silently, "feasibility analysis of the proposed structure."
COMPLETE STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS:
CLAN SYSTEM: GREAT FOR MOTIVATION AND IDENTITY
CIRCLE SYSTEM: EFFECTIVE FOR GRADUAL PROGRESSION
PRIMORDIAL CIRCLE: NECESSARY FOR LONG-TERM CONTINUITY
RECRUITMENT PROCESS: SUITABLE FOR GLOBAL SCALE
OVERALL EVALUATION: VIABLE AND OPTIMIZED STRUCTURE
"Probability of success?"
BASED ON HUMAN BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS:
PROBABILITY OF SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION: 89%
PROBABILITY OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: 76%
PROBABILITY OF ACHIEVING LONG-TERM GOALS: 94%
I smiled with satisfaction. In less than a week, I had gone from being a one-man teacher to an architect of a new form of human civilization.
Tomorrow he would announce to the world that the next phase of human evolution was no longer theory.
It was a reality under construction, with an application process open to anyone brave enough to transcend current limitations.
The Academy for Human Transcendence was ready to begin selecting the first group of humans who would become something more than human.
It was a historic moment that would define the future of the species.
And it was happening here, under Chinese leadership, with my guidance.
It was the perfect beginning to what would be the greatest adventure in human history.