Dear World,

Prologue

Sylvie Mercier adjusted her backpack with nervous anticipation as she neared the imposing iron gates of Luimer Raxion Elite University. The autumn air hinted at fresh starts, but her thoughts were consumed by the scholarship exam looming ahead. For Sylvie, this day represented the payoff for years of dedication and effort.

As she entered through the gates, Sylvie felt a rush of both excitement and nervousness. The courtyard was lively with students chatting energetically, their laughter bouncing off the old stone buildings. Tall oak trees swayed in the breeze, creating patterns of light and shadow on the cobblestone paths.

But amidst the lively scene, Sylvie felt a prickling sensation on the back of her neck. Instinctively, she glanced around and her eyes locked with those of a man standing beneath a nearby tree. He was older, dressed in a dark coat that seemed out of place amidst the sea of youthful exuberance. His gaze was intense, almost penetrating, and for a moment, Sylvie felt a shiver run down her spine.

She quickly averted her eyes, a sense of unease settling in her stomach. Had she imagined the intensity of his stare? Brushing it off as first-day nerves, Sylvie pushed forward, her steps purposeful as she made her way towards the administration building.

After a month of waiting and studying hard, Sylvie checked her mailbox and found the news she'd been hoping for. With shaking hands, she opened the letter from Luimer Raxion Elite University and quickly read through it, her heart pounding with excitement.

"Congratulations!" the letter exclaimed in bold letters, confirming her achievement of the prestigious scholarship.

Overwhelmed with joy and relief, Sylvie couldn't contain her excitement. "I did it! I actually did it!" she exclaimed to herself, her voice a mix of disbelief and happiness. She hurried out of the mailroom, clutching the letter to her chest as she practically floated to a nearby coffee shop.

The familiar chime of the doorbell greeted her as she entered, the scent of freshly baked goods and the aroma of coffee enveloping her senses. Behind the glass display, a colorful assortment of cakes and pastries beckoned.

"Hello! How can I help you today?" the barista asked with a warm smile.

Sylvie returned the smile, her eyes immediately drawn to a decadent chocolate cake adorned with swirls of creamy frosting. "I'll take that one, please," she said eagerly, pointing at the cake.

"Good choice! Celebrating something special?" the barista inquired as he carefully boxed up the cake, tying it with a cheerful ribbon.

"Yes, I just found out I got the scholarship I've been hoping for," Sylvie replied, unable to contain her excitement.

"That's fantastic news! Congratulations!" the barista exclaimed sincerely.

"Thank you so much!" Sylvie replied, her gratitude evident in her voice. She paid for the cake and walked back to her apartment, cake in hand, her heart still fluttering with happiness.

Unlocking the door to her small but cozy living space, where sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the worn wooden floors, Sylvie set the cake down on the kitchen counter. She reached for a knife and sliced a generous piece, savoring the rich chocolate flavor.

"This is definitely a moment worth celebrating," she mused aloud to herself, a smile playing on her lips.

As she indulged in her celebratory cake, Sylvie couldn't help but reflect on how far she had come—from the uncertainty of the scholarship examination to this moment of triumph. Her thoughts briefly wandered to the man she had seen at the university gates that first day. 

Who was he, and why had he been watching her? The curiosity nagged at her, but she pushed it aside, choosing instead to revel in the present moment and the promise of a new chapter unfolding at Luimer Raxion Elite University.

Little did she know, that fleeting encounter at the gates would set off a chain of events that would unravel the mysteries hidden within the walls of Luimer Raxion Elite University—mysteries that would intertwine with her own journey in ways she could never have anticipated.

---Keiseritzky

Hello readers, this version has been edited. Sorry for any inconvenience.