Chapter 1 (Part 1)


"Eurgh!" Oliver groaned.


     A loud moan passes through Oliver's lips as his eyes wince. The pain shoots through his entire body, traversing from his head to his spine. As he nearly tumbles to the floor, Josephine and Gregory hurriedly step forward and catch his shoulders. Despite being veiled by the unconditional aid of the people surrounding him, Oliver cannot help but succumb to his painful misery, his eyes dropping.


     Josephine and Gregory gasp and hold Oliver up, their eyebrows flying towards their hairline. Summoning their strength, they assist Oliver in straightening his body. As Oliver regains his energy, he fixes his posture and takes a deep breath to compose himself. A heavy, audible sigh then lifts off Oliver's tongue, and his brows furrow with pain.


"Oliver, you must rest, as I say," Gregory urged with conviction.

"But... but..." Oliver panted.

Josephine placed a firm palm on Oliver's shoulder, her sharp gaze locked on Oliver's glistening pupils. "Mr Podeshire. We know Jean will be gravely disappointed if he learns you're not following Gregory's order to rest," she reminded him.


     Oliver ponders Josephine's profound words, reflecting deeply on what she said. The thought of Jean's disappointment frightens Oliver, causing his breath to hitch, his chest expanding rapidly. Panting, Oliver closes his eyes briefly and knits his brows. With a firm decision, Oliver bobs his head up and down lightly, a line forming on his lips.


"Let's get you back to your room," Gregory whispered.

"Alright..." Oliver sighed with a hint of resignation.


     Oliver, led by Josephine and Gregory, turns back to the stairs. Channelling his energy, he climbs the grand staircase as Josephine and Gregory support him by the shoulders. Grunting, Josephine and Gregory pull Oliver upwards, assisting him in climbing the lofty stairs.


     Returning to his bedroom, Oliver lies on his bed, aided by Josephine and Gregory's tender arms. As Oliver's head sinks to the soft comfort of his plush pillows, Josephine drapes his body with a warm blanket, providing him gentle heat. Meanwhile, Gregory tucks Oliver on the bed, ensuring he receives enough care in time of need.


"Everything will be fine," Gregory said. "Everything will be fine, I promise."


     In the meantime, in a reputed university called Asbranne National Campus, students gather in the halls and converge like merging rivers. The institution spreads like a city, covering the land with its mighty structures. The school's roof, made of ocean-blue slate tiles that contrast against the red bricks of the facade, stands proudly, reaching as far as the altitude where the birds fly. Massive windows dot the walls, offering a view of the world beyond the thick glass.


     A lengthy trail traverses the university's enormous blooming front yard, where luscious plants and leaves unfurl like the majestic wings of a phoenix. Tall iron gates stand as sentinel, a barrier between the busy road and the magnificent campus. Atop the gates are concrete tiles that display the prestigious school's name—Asbranne National Campus.


     The sun climbs higher, reaching its zenith in the expanse of the bright azure sky. As the cold but gentle wind pushes the dense grey clouds away from the atmosphere, the cerulean shade of the heavens above appears. With the day progressing, the school bells, hanging in the clocktower, begin to swing in motion and resound like a resonant gong. Flocks of birds take flight with the smooth caress of the wind, passing above the university like a meteor shower in the night.


     Within the grand walls of the lavish university, students congregate in the massive, church-like cafeteria, all vying to claim their meals at the wooden counter. The cafeteria unfolds, holding more than hundreds of hungry students simultaneously. Wooden chairs and rectangular tables draped with white sheets occupy the space, offering a place for the students to dine. White panellings and pillars line the hall, contrasting against the dark wooden walls.


     As the clock points towards lunchtime, every student, from first-years to third-years, emerges from their classroom and streams along the hallways like a silent creek. Then, everyone gathers in the cafeteria to fill their stomachs. Despite the busy day, the students come out with stunningly refined appearances.


     Clad in black tailcoats, the male students don matching black trousers and shoes. Beneath their coats, they wear white vests and long-sleeved shirts. Finishing their look, they adorn ascot ties around their neck.


     Meanwhile, the female students wear black waist-length coats, matching their black flats and voluminous pleated skirts that reach their mid-calf. Pearl-white stockings grace their legs, harmonizing with their white vests and shirts. Black bowties encircle their blouses' collars, completing their dignified ensemble.


     A sash wraps around the students' waists, its colour symbolizing the students' grade level. First-years adorn sashes with the colour of the setting sun. Second-year students sport sashes that mimic the colour of the bright sky. In the meantime, third-years wear sashes resembling the lively colour of a ripe, scarlet apple.


     While most students gather in the cafeteria, others head to their dorms to collect school supplies for the upcoming subjects. The dormitory brims with students, the ambience overflowing with the faint sound of footsteps and creaking wooden floorboards. Once the students claim their belongings, they exit their dorms, dismissing themselves from the bustling area.

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