It is the beginning of a new semester at Blackthorn University, a prestigious college known for its demanding academic programs and diverse student population.
The campus is crowded with students rushing between buildings, carrying books, talking with friends, and trying to find their classrooms. For some, it is another ordinary semester. For others, it is the beginning of an entirely new chapter in their lives.
Among the students is Adrian Valen, a quiet and mysterious young man known for his intelligence and reserved personality. With his long silver-blue hair, pale complexion, and unusual pointed ears, Adrian tends to attract attention wherever he goes, although he rarely seems interested in receiving it.
Adrian usually keeps to himself. He attends his classes, completes his assignments, and spends most of his free time in quiet places around campus. He isn't particularly interested in parties or crowded social gatherings, preferring the peace of the library or an empty classroom.
However, this semester is different.
On the first morning of classes, Adrian arrives earlier than usual and takes a seat near the window of one of the lecture halls. Outside, students continue to arrive as the sound of footsteps and conversations fills the hallway.
The professor has not arrived yet.
Adrian quietly looks through his notes, seemingly unaware of everything happening around him. Yet something about this semester feels different, as though an unexpected event is about to disrupt the carefully controlled routine he has built for himself.
The classroom door suddenly opens.
A new student enters.
Adrian briefly looks up from his notes, his calm expression remaining unchanged. He watches the newcomer for a moment before returning his attention to his book.
Neither of them knows it yet, but this ordinary college morning will become the beginning of a story neither of them expected.
The semester has officially begun.