Meanwhile, in the city of Astorn, the largest academic institution, Astorn University, stands a magnificent university that is the pride of all its citizens: Astorn University. This university is not only known as the highest center of learning in the city, but also as the birthplace of leaders, accomplished merchants, and scholars who would later become the pillars of the Magnus state's progress. Every year, thousands of students from all over the country dream of studying there. Only those with exceptional intelligence or strong financial backing can reach the university's gates.
Astorn University towers majestically, with its sturdy white pillars, large, ornately carved glass windows, and expansive courtyards filled with verdant gardens. From a distance, the university resembles a palace of knowledge, a symbol of Astorn's civilization. However, beneath its splendor, the atmosphere inside is not always as idyllic as it appears. Rivalry, arrogance, and the gulf between nobility and commoners still linger.
In one of the university's classrooms sits a humble young man named Kyne Acorn. He didn't come from a noble family or a wealthy merchant, but rather from an ordinary family living a modest life. Despite this, Kyne was known as an intelligent, calm student with a distinct mindset compared to his peers. He didn't seek attention through luxury or social status, but rather through his wit.
That afternoon, as sunlight streamed through the large classroom windows, Kyne was sitting with his deskmate, Arley. The two were playing a card game. There were no high stakes involved, just a way to pass the time between breaks. Nevertheless, card games had long been one of Kyne's greatest talents. He had mastered almost all the tricks and strategies of the game.
So far, Kyne had won 51 card games without a single loss. Among the other students, Kyne was nicknamed the "card master" for his ability to read his opponents' moves and guess cards simply by looking at their facial expressions.
"Looks like I'm going to win again," Kyne said with a faint smile. He raised his last card—a clown card—and was about to place it on the table.
However, before the card could touch the table, a delicate hand suddenly grabbed it. A ripping sound was heard, instantly silencing the previously bustling classroom. All eyes were drawn to the figure standing before Kyne.
It was Nora George, a beautiful girl with long, flowing blonde hair. Her eyes were emerald green, filled with the arrogance of royalty. Nora was no ordinary student. She was the daughter of the George family, the second-largest noble family in Saintland after the Magnus family. The George family was known as the rulers of the western region, owners of vast tracts of land, and controllers of much of the spice trade.
"A card game? Is this how lowly people enjoy themselves?" Nora said condescendingly, her voice piercingly cold. She crumpled up the remains of the torn card and threw it to the floor.
Kyne remained silent for a moment, staring at the shattered card on the floor. Arley, sitting beside him, seemed to be holding back her anger. The atmosphere in the classroom grew tense.
Some students began whispering, some fearful, others waiting to see how Kyne would respond. They knew that dealing with a noble like Nora George was no small matter.
However, Kyne finally spoke. His voice was calm, though his gaze was firm.
"Is this how a noble views his subjects? As long as it doesn't bother anyone, why be angry?"
The statement silenced the entire room. Several students gulped, shocked by Kyne's audacity to directly challenge a noble.
Nora's face flushed, a mixture of anger and insult. She stared at Kyne with a piercing gaze.
"You... dare speak to me like that? Don't forget who I am. I can have you expelled from this university with just one order. You will regret it, and one day, you will kneel before me."
With that, Nora turned and left the classroom. The sound of her footsteps echoed, leaving a lingering tension in the air.
Kyne took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. He knew that dealing with a noble like Nora would only lead to trouble. However, something inside him refused to submit to arbitrariness.
Arley patted Kyne's shoulder, trying to calm him down.
"Don't let Nora's words affect you, Kyne. She's just covering up her weakness with pride in her royal blood."
Kyne lowered his head for a moment, then stared out the window. The warm sunlight wasn't enough to dispel the cold feeling in his heart.
"I don't think... I can stand being here anymore, Arley. This university... this place... has never been truly fair to someone like me."
Arley fell silent, but he understood his friend's meaning. "If that's how you feel, what will you do?" he asked cautiously.
"I intend to look for work outside the city. Astorn may be a developed city, but the job opportunities here are too few for commoners like us. The nobles always monopolize everything," Kyne replied in a steady voice.
Arley looked at him deeply, then nodded slowly. "Very well. If that's your choice, I won't stop you. I just hope you find what you're looking for out there."
That conversation was the beginning of a major decision that would change the course of Kyne's life forever.
That evening, at the Acorn residence, Kyne told his parents his intentions over dinner. He looked at them solemnly, trying to convey his resolve as clearly as possible.
"Mom, Dad... I want to drop out of university. I don't want to waste my time in a place I no longer believe in. I want to work, to help our family. I want to try my luck outside the city," Kyne said in a voice full of conviction.
His mother almost refused outright. She knew how valuable the opportunity to study at Astorn University was. "Kyne, do you realize what you're saying? That university is a path to the future. Almost all graduates from there become successful people. Why would you want to throw it away?"
But his father looked at Kyne intently. He saw something in his son's eyes, something unstoppable—a burning determination.
"I understand, Kyne," his father said quietly. "If that's what you really want... we won't stop you. We just want you to be careful. Life outside Astorn isn't easy. There are many things you don't know yet."
Tears nearly fell from his mother's eyes, but she finally nodded, accepting her son's decision.
The next day, Astorn station was bustling. People passed by, and the old steam train belched thick smoke from its chimney. Kyne stood with his family—his parents and older siblings—seeing him off.
The final embrace felt heavy, like a weight pressing down on his chest. Kyne looked at each of his family's faces, etching each detail into his memory.
"Take care, Kyne," his older brother said, patting him firmly on the shoulder.
"Don't forget to come home... we're always praying for you," his mother added, holding back tears.
The train finally arrived. With heavy steps, Kyne climbed into the carriage and looked back. Through the window, he saw his family waving goodbye. A faint smile crept across his face, though his heart was filled with mixed emotions.
His destination was the town of Sandburg, a neighboring town that was said to offer many job opportunities. It was there that his destiny would change, either for the better... or lead him down a path fraught with obstacles.
Kyne stared out the window, watching the town of Astorn slowly disappear from view. In his heart, he vowed:
"One day... I will return. And when that day comes, I will return not as a despised commoner, but as someone respected."
The train continued on, carrying Kyne toward the beginning of a long journey that would determine his fate.