The driver’s voice rang out, interrupting my thoughts.

"We've arrived at your destination, sir. Your fare is five copper coins."

Ik glanced at the driver who had pulled him from his thoughts. After a short silence, the driver spoke again.

"Sir, I said we've arrived. Pay your fare."

"Oh…" Ik snapped out of his daze, fumbling as he reached into his pocket. He pulled out a small purse, opened it, and started counting his money.

"One… two… three… four… "

Looking up at the driver, he realized he only had four copper coins.

"Um… I only have four."

He glanced at the driver in embarrassment, but the man's face darkened with irritation.

"Ugh… you damned brat! If you can’t afford the fare, don’t use public transport!"

The driver eyed him up and down before speaking again.

"Give me your brown scarf and don’t let me see your face again."

And just like that, Ik was thrown out of the carriage, stripped of both his money and his scarf.

Standing before the university entrance, he sighed in defeat.

"Looks like I’ll have to walk back."

The university was grand, its white iron columns towering majestically. A regal purple emblem was carved into the gate, depicting chains binding a violet flame.

Mesmerized, Ik gazed up at the towering gate, more than fifteen meters high. Yet, the university itself was even more impressive. Its architectural design was breathtaking, its black and white hues creating a striking contrast. It wasn't just the beauty that captivated him but also the sheer scale—spanning over a square kilometer in buildings alone, with the entire campus covering more than twenty square kilometers. A miniature city housing over a hundred thousand people.

After admiring the entrance from afar, Ik took a deep breath and approached the two guards standing before the gate.

"Hello, I’m a new student at Asri Blair University."

He presented his student ID, confirming his enrollment.

The guards exchanged glances, clear disdain on their faces. One of them wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"You filthy beggar, do you really think you can fool us dressed like that? Do we look like idiots?"

"Huh? What do you mean? Am I really that dirty?"

Ik glanced at himself—his brown jacket, small glasses, white shirt, and brown trousers. He looked quite decent, at least for an average person. Yet, the guards sneered, covering their noses as if he reeked.

"We can’t let you in looking like this, even if you are a student."

Ik gestured to himself in frustration.

"I’m wearing my best clothes! I even bought white jasmine cologne for ten copper coins after working two weeks, and you still say I look disgusting?"

He glared at them, angered by their cruel words. He tried to argue, to force his way in, but the guards remained unmoved.

"Don’t even try, filth. We won’t let you in no matter what. Leave before we make you."

Their patience was wearing thin, their voices carrying a clear threat.

Ik gave them one last desperate look, hoping for any mercy. But there was none.

Defeated, he turned away, shoulders slumped.

"How unlucky can I be? Three months of work at the clock shop, and I still can't meet the simplest requirements."

Step…

Step…

Step…

His footsteps echoed as he walked away, head bowed, mind racing for a solution.

Then, the sound of hooves and wheels broke his thoughts.

A carriage drawn by two majestic horses stopped in front of him.

The craftsmanship was exquisite—elegant, noble. The emblem of a shield crossed by two swords was engraved on its side, a symbol of power and prestige.

Yet, despite its beauty, something about it unsettled Ik.

"Why did it stop in front of me…?"

A sense of unease crept in as he took a step back, deciding it was best to avoid trouble.

But as he hurried away, the carriage started following him.