My name is Vine Zengtock, and I'm 17 years old. For as long as I can remember, I've dreamed of gaining admission to Evren's Victor University, the one and only EV. I've heard countless stories about its prestige—one of the finest institutions in the world. Anyone who has stepped through its gates seems to go on to become someone remarkable. But I doesn't need that as I belong to Zengtock family; my father, Mr. Leo Zengtock, is one of the biggest businessmen around, so fame isn't something I desperately need.
Still, I had high expectations for this university. As I approached its grand entrance, nerves fluttered in my stomach. How would the faculty react to me? Would they even like me? My mind raced with possibilities, each more daunting than the last.
As I entered the university grounds, I was awestruck. The imposing buildings loomed above me, evoking images of Hogwarts from Harry Potter, and I half-expected Dumbledore to make a surprise appearance. Tss... what a silly thought, I mused to myself.
Students bustled around me, their chatter filling the air with a mix of laughter and gossip. I spotted a girl nearby and decided to approach her. Tapping her shoulder lightly, I asked, "Excuse me—"
"Yes?" she replied, turning with an amused smirk.
"Can you tell me where the dean's office is?" I inquired, trying to sound confident.
"Newbie?" she quipped, her eyes dancing with mischief.
"Uhm... if you could just tell me the way to the dean's office..." I replied, trying to maintain my composure.
"Just go straight, then take a left" she said, and I hoped she was directing me correctly.
Following her instructions, I navigated the hallways and, to my relief, arrived at the dean's office without any detours. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door.
"Come in" a voice called from within.
As I stepped inside, I introduced myself. "I'm Vine Zengtock, D.O. Leo Zengtock and Lily Zengtock."
"Oh! Bless you, my child. Come, sit" he said, gesturing to a chair with an inviting smile.
"I wasn't expecting you to accept our invitation, to be honest. I'm very happy that you'll be joining our college. Your father is a remarkable man; I've had the pleasure of meeting him twice, and I like him already" the dean continued. "Most students seek admission here simply to bask in the glory of our prestigious lectures, aiming for fame and fortune. You, on the other hand, come from a good background, both rich and well-known. Why did you choose to join us?"
I felt a flutter of nerves as I considered my response. "I've heard a lot about this university, and despite its reputation, one thing that captured my attention was its profound commitment to knowledge and history. I've always been passionate about these subjects, and I believe this university is the perfect place to nurture my interests and expand my understanding."
As I spoke, I noticed the dean's bright expression. I could tell my answer resonated with him.
"But there's much you should know about this university, Ms. Zengtock" he said, standing and moving toward the window. "Being gifted with knowledge can sometimes feel like a curse." He pointed toward the dense forest that bordered the campus. "There are some forbidden places you should avoid... like this."
Curiosity piqued, I stood and joined him at the window. The forest outside was shrouded in shadows, its treacherous underbrush seemingly alive with secrets. "The forest has its own history and mysteries" he continued, his voice low and somber. "Students like you often become entranced by its allure and wander inside... but they never come back."
"What's inside?" I pressed, unable to quell my curiosity.
"See, it's better if you don't know. There are wild creatures in there—lions, bears..."
"And...?" I pressed further.
"Nothing! Just don't let this forest occupy your thoughts!" he snapped, turning away from the window and settling back into his chair.
"But sir! Isn't this just going to create more intrigue? Doesn't it attract students to the forest?" I argued, my curiosity refusing to back down.
"Students always find a way to get into trouble" he replied, glancing at his watch. "Your lecture has already started. Class 1Y awaits."
"Hmph" I muttered as I stepped out of the office, feeling a mix of frustration and intrigue. "What a delusional person he is…" I whispered to myself, still pondering the mystery of that forest and what lay hidden within its depths.
I navigated through the hallways, frustration mounting as I searched for Class 1Y. "What is this maze-like interior!?" I exclaimed in exasperation, my voice echoing off the high ceilings.
"Hey, missy with the red hair!" a voice called out, grabbing my attention. I turned to see a boy leaning casually against a pillar. "Finding your class?" he asked, a playful grin on his face.
"Uhm... I guess" I replied, slightly flustered. He wore a black hoodie that hung loosely over his frame and baggy jeans that seemed to blend into the shadows. His striking blue eyes stood out against the darkness of his attire, and his pure black hair framed his face with an effortless coolness.
"Newbie?" he smirked, and I nodded, feeling a bit self-conscious under his gaze.
"Miss Wine Hair" he said, stepping closer, "you have pretty hair, no doubt."
I raised an eyebrow, a mix of intrigue and annoyance coursing through me. "Pretty green hazel eyes as well," he added, extending his hand. "I'm Axton Rivers, second-year student."
"Vine Zengtock, first year" I replied, shaking his hand. His grip was firm and confident, and I could sense a certain charm radiating from him.
"Zengtock?" he repeated, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, well, it's best if you ignore my background" I said, trying to downplay my family name.
"Hmm... Well, you have a pretty name, just like your hair—red like wine, Ms. Vine" he said with a cheeky smirk.
"Can you tell me where Class 1Y is?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation back to my original purpose.
"And can you tell me the way to your heart?" he shot back, leaning in a little closer with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Jerk" I retorted, shoving him away. "I can find that on my own."
I turned and continued down the hall, but as I walked, I suddenly found myself in a dark and unfamiliar part of the college. "DAMN IT! WHERE AM I?" I muttered, my frustration morphing into apprehension. The hallway was empty, the air thick with an eerie silence.
A strange, pungent smell wafted towards me from the end of the corridor, where smoke curled lazily upwards. The dean's warning flashed in my mind: "Some places are forbidden."
I hesitated, instinctively stepping back. The last thing I wanted was to not to caught wandering where I shouldn't be. I quickly turned on my heel and retraced my steps, determined to find my way back to safety.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I spotted the door to Class 1Y. With a sigh of relief, I pushed it open, ready to put the confusion of the hallways behind me.