The morning sun cast its gentle, soothing light, softly bathing the cobblestone sidewalk. Bakvik strolled along at a slow, almost languid pace, seemingly engrossed in a private game of observation. His keen eyes watched the other students, who were rushing like a unified tide toward the lecture halls, each individual with a clearly defined destination. The surrounding air was filled with a chorus of chatter and laughter, harmonizing into the rhythm of university life. Yet, deep within his core, Bakvik felt a profound isolation, as though he stood utterly alone while the world spun rapidly around him.
He mumbled to himself, his expression thoughtful, as he sought to define the nature of the institution he currently inhabited.
"This isn't a school..."
"...This is a university."
Continuing his unhurried walk, he soon encountered a cluster of students coming from the opposite direction. Their eyes fixed upon him without reserve, burning with undisguised curiosity, as if he were an anomaly or a complete stranger who did not belong there. Bakvik, driven by sheer habit, slid both hands deep into the pockets of his hoodie. He came to a halt when his path was obstructed by a small crowd of students engaged in animated conversation, before muttering a quiet lament about the profound loneliness that plagued his mind. "I'm in a university, but I don't have a single friend."
Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed loudly from the thick foliage of a large tree, the sound laced with sheer panic as it pleaded for rescue.
"Somebody! Help me!"
Bakvik narrowed his eyes, peering up into the dense branches with surprise, and asked about the ridiculous predicament.
"What are you doing up there?"
Clinging precariously to a branch was Lonner, a classmate he had met just the day before. Lonner's face was utterly pale, like a mask of absolute terror. Bakvik watched from below, a faint smile touching his lips, before agreeing to the plea with a confident gesture.
"Alright!"
It did not take long before Bakvik successfully helped Lonner descend back to solid ground. Lonner seemed severely out of breath, a consequence of being stuck in the tree for an excessive amount of time. He offered his sincere gratitude, his eyes locked onto Bakvik's face.
"Thank you very much."
However, Lonner's gaze then shifted to scrutinize Bakvik's features more closely, causing him to gasp in recognition as he finally confirmed his identity.
"You... you're Bakvik?!"
Bakvik offered no reply. He recognized Lonner, but consciously chose not to dwell on the matter. He urged Lonner to hurry, taking off at a run to ensure they wouldn't be late for their classes.
"Hurry up! We're going to be late!"
Lonner, still bewildered and flustered, chased after him, huffing and puffing heavily.
Later, at 10:20 a.m., a senior student called them over to receive some necessary papers. As they walked, a mysterious young man was observed glaring at them with an expression of palpable, sheer disgust radiating from his being. He was a man with a sharp, penetrating gaze, dressed similarly to a third-year student, except for the unbuttoned state of his uniform jacket. He spoke to Lonner, his eyes relentlessly fixed on Bakvik.
"He's the new kid, Lonner?"
Lonner replied with a serious, unwavering tone. "Yes!"
The mysterious man stared at Bakvik with an intense look of utter disdain, then walked past without uttering another word. As the man went by, Bakvik narrowed his own eyes, shooting a cold, cutting stare at the receding figure. Once the man was out of sight, Bakvik turned to Lonner and asked in a low voice.
"Who is he?"
Lonner's eyes widened dramatically in fear. He leaned in and whispered into Bakvik's ear with the utmost caution, desperate to guard the critical secret from prying ears.
"Professor Nesvan. He's the leader of an influential group."
Lonner gave a small, nervous nod before urgently pressing them to move on.
"Let's hurry."
As Lonner sped up, Bakvik glanced back at the spot they had just left. He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, as if some heavy thought or presence was deeply unsettling his mind. They arrived at a room labeled (Klar). Before entering, they saw a middle-aged man with blond hair and glasses; his face was serene and composed, hinting at the vast academic wisdom that awaited them inside. The man introduced himself, looking at Bakvik with an inquisitive gaze that sought to understand the new student. "I am Professor Klar."
Bakvik replied with a determined and confident smile. "My name is Bakvik Vovisan."
The Professor offered a faint, polite smile, then slowly closed his eyes as a sign of goodwill. "Nice to meet you."
Following this, Professor Klar began to explain the various essential details, from the university's curriculum and strict rules to the yearly announcement of top students. Both students sat and listened to the lecture with intense focus. Before they were allowed to leave, Professor Klar thanked them respectfully. "Thank you both for your time."
Later, Bakvik had to proceed to his next class. He separated from Lonner and walked alone through the expansive university building. Several students passed by, offering him a pleasant smile of goodwill. He briefly glanced at them and returned a polite smile. It was at that precise moment that a young woman walked up to him unexpectedly. She possessed an incredibly mysterious charm, and she briefly swept her gaze over Bakvik without looking directly at his face.
As she drew near, Bakvik felt an assault of some strange energy, causing an intense, throbbing headache. He immediately clutched his head with both hands in agony. Critically, no one else seemed to notice the presence of the mysterious young woman. She walked away like a phantom. Bakvik continued forward without daring to look back, murmuring to himself in confusion and dread over the sudden, inexplicable event.
"What the hell is going on!?"
..To be continued...