The room fell into a strange silence.
Three people stood and sat facing one another—the Dean behind his desk, the Army Head seated calmly, and PK standing in between. For the first time since entering the room, even PK was genuinely confused.
Why is the Head here personally?
A simple call to the base would've been enough…
The Army Head was the first to break the silence.
His voice was calm, controlled, yet carried unquestionable authority.
"Since you are now aware of Captain PK's official position," he said, turning slightly toward the Dean, "his identity must remain strictly confidential."
The Dean nodded instinctively.
"Furthermore," the Army Head continued, "Captain PK is to be permitted to leave classes or the college premises at any time, without question, whenever duty calls—or whenever he deems necessary."
The Dean blinked.
Once.
Twice.
"Yes—yes, of course," he said hurriedly.
PK, on the other hand, nearly raised an eyebrow.
Wow, he thought. That's… convenient.
He maintained a neutral expression, but his mind was already working.
Then, casually—almost innocently—PK spoke up.
"Sir," he said, looking at the Dean, then briefly at the Army Head, "is there any special provision to complete my course earlier and obtain my degree?"
The Dean froze.
"What?" he asked reflexively.
PK continued smoothly, his tone sincere.
"If possible, I'd like to focus more on serving the country. Balancing full-time duty and college long-term may not be efficient."
For a moment, the Dean didn't know where to look.
Early graduation?
Military intervention?
This student is a Captain?
Normally, such a request wouldn't even reach his desk—let alone involve the Army Head himself.
The Dean cleared his throat.
"Well… technically," he began slowly, "there are accelerated programs, credit transfers, and special examinations, but those are reserved for—"
"For national service cases," the Army Head interrupted calmly.
The Dean stiffened.
"Yes," he said quickly. "Yes, of course. National service."
PK watched quietly, suppressing a smile.
The Dean adjusted his glasses, visibly sweating now.
"If Captain PK completes the required credits, projects, and examinations, we can… expedite the degree."
"How long?" PK asked.
The Dean hesitated.
"A few months. Maybe less, depending on performance."
The Army Head nodded approvingly.
"That will be acceptable."
The Dean nodded along immediately.
"Absolutely. Completely acceptable."
PK almost felt bad.
Almost.
The Army Head stood up.
"This visit wasn't necessary for such a small matter," he said calmly, glancing at PK, "but I wanted to personally ensure there would be no… inconvenience."
PK understood.
This wasn't about college.
This was about goodwill.
About keeping him satisfied.
The Army Head turned toward PK.
"Focus on your studies for now. Serve when required. Everything else will be handled."
"Yes, sir," PK replied respectfully.
As the Army Head exited, the Dean remained seated, staring at PK as if seeing him for the first time.
Captain.
Student.
Authority wrapped in casual clothes.
The Dean forced a nervous smile.
"C-Captain PK… please feel free to inform us if you need anything."
PK nodded politely.
"Thank you, Dean."
As he turned to leave, one thought echoed in his mind—
So this is what power looks like…
And he had only just begun.