PROLOGUE
In the early 16th century, during the era of the Renaissance whose influence was also spreading to European colonies in Asia, there stood a renowned hotel in the town of Ayutthaya, Thailand – the Pavilion Grand Hotel. It was built by Samson Devillion, a wealthy noble merchant who amassed his fortune through the trade of silk, precious woods, and spices. Its architecture was unique for that time: a perfect blend of Western influence and traditional Thai craftsmanship, making it a favorite residence for merchants, royal officials, and travelers passing through the kingdom.
It was never actually targeted by "terrorists"—instead, the people with ill intentions during those times were thieves, bandits, and power-hungry individuals. The Pavilion Hotel became a center for transactions and secret meetings, making it the focus of those who craved wealth and influence.
Lufeng, a merchant from Xibao (an ancient city in central China known for its precious stones), arrived in Thailand in 1523. He brought with him a priceless Green Jade Stone—a gem extracted from the remote mountains of his homeland, said to have been safeguarded by his family for generations.
During his journey, Lufeng fell ill and was injured, and he was nursed back to health by Samson Devillion at the hotel. From that moment on, they became the closest of friends. Lufeng shared the stone's secret with Samson: it was not only valuable culturally and monetarily, but it was also believed to possess a special "energy" that brought good fortune to those with pure intentions. Stories about it granting "world domination" were merely exaggerations spread by those who did not understand its true meaning—to Lufeng, it was a symbol of their ancestors and the unity of people.
In 1541, before Lufeng passed away due to sickness, he entrusted the jade stone to Samson. Samson chose to hide it beneath the hotel—in a secret chamber built under the gardens, protected by thick walls and a complex locking system he designed himself. He never used it for power or wealth; instead, he treated it as a sacred promise to his friend.
By 1557, a rumor spread across the land claiming that the Devillions possessed a legendary jade stone. This rumor originated from a former hotel employee who had stumbled upon Samson's records regarding the artifact.
Because of this, many individuals and groups attempted to seize it: merchants wanting to sell it for a high price, local lords believing in its power, and even colonial officials wanting to impress their superiors. But every attempt failed. It seemed as if luck was on Samson's side—locks would jam, guards would catch intruders, or the complex underground passages would lead them astray. This was not due to any "magic" from the stone, but rather because of Samson's careful preparation, strong security, and the loyalty of his employees who truly loved him.
In 1589, at the age of 82, Samson Devillion was nearing the end of his life. Before he died, he showed the secret chamber and the jade stone to his brother, Cristian Devillion. He commanded Cristian to keep it hidden well and never to use it for personal gain—but to continue the promise he made to their friend Lufeng.
After Samson's passing, Cristian altered the details of the chamber and hid all records of the jade stone. To this day, the story of the Green Jade Stone of Pavilion Hotel remains a legend among the elders of Ayutthaya—some believe it still lies buried underground, while others consider it merely a tale told to glorify their history.
As for the Pavilion Hotel, it was destroyed during the war, but its ruins can still be seen in parts of the province, serving as a reminder of a story about friendship, trust, and a stone that became a symbol of secrets from the past.
"Zai, grandson, are you alright?"
Zai paused reading the book and looked up at his grandmother.
"I'm fine, Grandma. Don't worry about me," Zai said, forcing a sad smile.
"Alright then. I'll just arrange your things and cook some food. I'm sure you're tired from the trip," the old woman said before leaving the room.
Alone in his new room, Zai took a deep breath and looked out the window, where the vast mountains were clearly visible.
His parents had died in a fire just three weeks ago. After their burial, his grandmother brought him from the city to live here in Ayutthaya, so he could continue his college education—especially since classes were starting again in just two weeks.
He sat heavily on his bed and looked at the thick book entitled The Green Jade Stone, said to be part of the history here. He had seen it in the living room upon arriving earlier and immediately borrowed it to read. Zai was the type of person who was endlessly curious, and he had always been fascinated by history and powerful artifacts.
"I'll put you away for now. I'll continue reading later," Zai whispered to the book, dusting off its cover gently.
________
"Zai, my nephew! You are so handsome! You may be small and thin, but you are really good-looking," said his Aunt Vivian.
Is she complimenting me or insulting me? Zai thought to himself.
"Thank you, Auntie," he replied with a forced smile.
"How old are you again?" asked Aunt Vivian.
"I'm 18, Auntie," Zai answered shortly.
"18? Wow, you look like you're only 12! I hope my children inherit your looks. Oh by the way Zai, what course are you taking?" she asked nonstop.
"Nursing, Auntie," Zai replied.
"Didn't your Papa say you were going to take Law?" Vivian questioned.
"I wanted to before, but I changed my mind," Zai said.
"Oh stop asking so many questions, Vivian! The boy needs to eat," interrupted his grandmother, Grandma Nena.
"Mama, you're always defending him," Vivian pouted.
_______
After eating, Zai returned to his room and stared at the photo of his parents.
His father wanted him to be a lawyer to fight for the oppressed, but when his parents died in the fire, he realized how much the world needed people who were willing to take care of others and protect them from danger. He wanted to use knowledge to protect people—that was why he chose Nursing.
To distract himself from the sadness, Zai decided to continue reading the book. While he was immersed in the pages, his grandmother walked in.
"Is the story good, dear?"
Zai smiled faintly and nodded. "I don't know, Grandma... but it feels so real," he said, furrowing his brows.
"We think alike, dear. I believe that story is true too," the old woman said with a smile.
"Grandma, where do you think the Green Jade Stone is now? Is it really still underground where the hotel used to be? Or is it just a myth?" Zai asked curiously.
"For me, dear, it is still in the hands of the Devillions. I believe there are still Devillions in this world connected to the stone. Perhaps some of them hide their true surnames. As long as the Green Jade Stone exists, there will always be people willing to kill just to get it," his grandmother explained.
"Grandma, in all these years, have you noticed anything related to the story?" Zai asked.
"Nothing really... except for Pavilion Academy. It was built in 2019, and I heard it will finally open this coming school year," Grandma Nena said.
"What connection does it have, Grandma? Aside from the name 'Pavilion'?"
"The school stands exactly where the Pavilion Hotel used to be. It has been eight years since construction started in 2018, but it was only finished in 2019. It took a long time before they decided to open it because of so many rumors surrounding the place," she recounted.
"I want to study there when classes start," Zai said excitedly.
His grandmother paused for a moment before nodding slowly. "If that is what you really want, dear, just remember to always be careful. That place is full of secrets, and some of them might be dangerous."
_______
"Dear, how many suitcases are you bringing?" Nena asked her grandson, who was busy packing his things for his dorm at Pavilion Academy.
"Two suitcase, Grandma. I'm kind of lazy to do laundry, so I brought a lot of clothes. That way, I won't run out of things to wear," Zai explained.
"Alright then. But you can still come home every Saturday and Sunday, right? That's what the Dean told me when we enrolled you yesterday," Grandma Nena reminded him.
"Yeah, but this is just in case," Zai replied.
They were now traveling towards the location of Pavilion Academy. Zai was excited because this would be his first time seeing the school—he wasn't able to come during the enrollment yesterday.
Upon arrival, they saw a massive gate with a long line of people, presumably students eager to study there.
"Dear, we'll just wait here with your Aunt. You go inside and fill out the forms, okay?" Grandma Nena said before kissing him on the forehead.
"Okay, Grandma. Thank you, Auntie," Zai said before entering the premises.
As he walked inside, Zai was amazed by the vastness of the area. There were three huge 10-story buildings—probably the classrooms—and on the right side, another three buildings with five floors each, likely the dorms. In the center, the name Pavilion Academy was carved beautifully.
"Newbie?"
Amidst his awe, a voice brought him back to reality. It was a woman's voice—cool and stern. Zai turned around and saw a tall girl with short hair and bangs. She looked really tough and stylish.
"I know I'm beautiful, so stop staring. I'll ask again: are you a newbie?" she said with a smirk. So cool.
"Newbie? Didn't the school just open? Grandma said this school year is the first time it will open for some reason," Zai said, confused.
"Oh dear, it seems like your Grandma told you wrong. This school was built in 2019 and opened in 2023. Most of us students here in Ayutthaya like me have been studying here since then. So yeah, you really are a newbie," she explained with a smile.
"Why is everything so confusing," Zai muttered.
"You're right, it really is confusing. So confusing. Sometimes I really think about just transferring and graduating somewhere else," she said while looking at the building.
"But why didn't you?" Zai asked curiously.
"Because I decided to just wait for his arrival. I'm excited to see bloodshed just to achieve ambition, and I'm also excited to see true love. I can feel it... it's all close now... I can't wait any longer," she said with a mysterious grin.
"What are you talking about?" Zai asked, bewildered.
"You won't learn if you just listen to others. The key to knowledge moves on its own. That is also the way to survive deadly curiosity," she said meaningfully.
"You're just making me more confused," Zai said.
"Well then, sorry. But before I leave, let me give you some advice: be careful of the people you meet. If you want to survive, you need to choose your friends wisely. But it might be safer not to make friends at all. Goodbye," she said before walking away.
"She's so weird," Zai said to himself as she left.
A moment later, out of curiosity, an elderly teacher approached him.
"You must be wondering why the stories about this school are different," the old man started. He looked at the school building, leaving Zai silent. "It was built in 2019, but in 2023, it was only opened for selected students. It wasn't until this year, 2026, that it officially opened for everyone. Sometimes, the officials limit information to prevent unnecessary interest in the secrets of this place."
"Secrets?" Zai asked, furrowing his brows, but it was too late—the old man had already walked away quickly.
Zai continued walking, but he had no idea where to go. He didn't know where to get a guide slip for Nursing students, even though his Grandma told him to get one because it contained all the information he needed, like his dorm building and classroom location.
"All new students, please come here and tell me your course!" announced a girl wearing an SSG uniform, holding a microphone so her voice could be heard clearly.
Carrying his two suitcases, Zai lined up. The line wasn't very long, which probably confirmed what the girl said earlier—not everyone there was new; some had been studying there since last year.
"Did you know? The secret professor we never saw last year is said to be teaching Human Anatomy this year," said a girl standing right behind Zai.
"Really? Last year we were all so curious about him, who knew he would finally show up now?" replied her friend.
"Right! If the rumors that he's handsome are true, wow, the Nursing students are so lucky. I wish I took Nursing too, why did I even choose Business? So annoying," the first girl said dramatically.
"Next, cutie boy! What's your course?" the SSG officer asked. Zai hadn't noticed it was his turn yet; he was too busy eavesdropping.
"I'm taking Nursing," Zai said. The officer smiled at him.
"I really thought there were only 9 Nursing students. I'm so glad one more added, so now you guys are 10. I hope more come," she said before handing Zai his guide slip.
"Thank you," Zai said with a smile before leaving.
When he was far enough, Zai stopped for a moment and read what was written on the slip: 3rd Building, 5th Floor, Room 3. That was his dorm location. He smiled slightly, finally knowing where he was supposed to go.
__________
"Professor Master, there are actually 10 students taking Nursing," the Dean reported.
"10? You said 9 earlier! I was fine with 9, why did you add another?" Professor Levi said angrily.
"I apologize, Professor Master. But he was the last one in line. His name is Zaimixx Faustino."
The anger on Levi's face instantly turned into shock. That name sounded familiar... especially since it was the name that his ancestor, Samson Devillion, always mentioned in his dreams.
"The last heir of the Green Jade Stone, grandson. The Green Jade Stone is very important to me, and it was cherished by our ancestors too. I hope you will value it just as they did, grandson. But before that, let me introduce you to Zaimixx," said the spirit of Samson Devillion.
"Who is Zaimixx, Grandpa?" Levi Devillion asked in his mind.
"Let him reveal himself to you first, grandson."
__
"What does he look like?" Levi asked, staring blankly.
"According to the SSG officer, he's cute. He looks younger than 18—quite thin, and stands about 5'1" tall."
Levi cleared his throat and looked out the wide window of his office. "If it is really him..." he whispered. "It won't be long before we find out his true purpose here."
END OF PROLOGUE.....
The year is 2026 – eight years after Pavilion Academy was built, seven years since construction began, and one year after Zaimixx Faustino lost his parents. For him, entering the school was simply about studying and finding answers. But little did he know, he himself was the answer that everyone was looking for.