Streaks of many colors passing by were all that was within my field of vision, accompanied by the soft vrooming sounds of a soft engine. Staring onto the surrounding views from within the small window, this was my first time getting a ride in a car, not to mention, a limo...kind of extravagant for a first experience, but, that wasn't the reason for my trance.

It all dates back to a week ago, inside my room. I could still remember my mom's stern expression, and her domineering pose as she towered over my seated form on my bed. This was a typical scene within every home, any family, but what made it worth remembering was what transpired after that.

"You're going to Ubec City next week. Start packing up."

A questioning gaze was all I could muster, emphasized by my turned head. Knowing that I would react that way, however, I got an answer in the form of a letter being held up in front me, its back visible, and an eye-catching stamp placed upon the opening curve. It seemed all too familiar, but from where, I couldn't make out at all.

"This is a letter of recommendation to Chevalier University. I graduated there and I believe you'd be able to expand your horizons if you studied there as well." She explained further, with a smile.

Okay. ignoring 'what horizons I COULD expand' , that explains things. Chevalier University was a well-known school within the country, maybe even the continent. It was the "go-to" school for many geniuses in the younger generations who later became prominent figures in the world. Within the past decade, its consistency in producing top-notch graduates hasn't faltered in the slightest, as it took multiple top ten spots within the national rankings for overachieving students.

I was unbelievably shocked. For the me that never gave even the city's mayor any face by not bowing to him, or the me that didn't even gave beauties a pass, this was even something I couldn't imagine. Being able to study at this school would be an HONOR...and that shock still had me staring at the mentioned letter for a few minutes, ignoring several sentences my mom could have blurted out.

"Do your best. *kiss*"

I was only snapped out of my daze after my mom kissed my forehead and left the room, the sound of the door shutting reaching my ears.

After that whole fiasco, several questions I had for my mom was ever asked, as she left home, and with the nature of her work, required her to be gone from home almost 14 hours a day. In the blink of an eye, a week passed without me having to ask a single of those questions, as we would be interrupted by my sister's sudden requests or her nagging me to do chores and help her with homework. And before I knew it, my bags were packed, and a limo was parked outside of our home. I was standing outside, my mom and little sister behind me, gazes welcoming the newly arrived entourage.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"Yo, kid. Bernadette here mentioned that you were heading to Ubec for Chevalier. Transportation is a bit hard to come by, do let me do you a favor and take you there ourselves. It wasn't an option to refuse as Aulenia asked me for it, as well. Hahaha~"

"Ohhh~ Dad, you don't need to say it like that. Lum, you chariot awaits~ Let's go!"

Two figures exited the limo at that moment, an adult and a young lady giving a majestic air. The dignified man standing before me was the mayor of our Sakura Town, Mr. Ein Rosewind. The lavender haired beauty standing next to him with an over-the-top steward's bow was his daughter and my childhood friend, Aulenia Rosewind.

In an instant, i was pulled into the limo by Aulenia and my luggage was lifted into the limo's storage by her father, the limo finally starting to operate. Looking back, I was sent off with waves of farewell and smiles on the faces of my mom and little sis.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

"We're here."

My reminiscence was stopped along with the streak of colors all together as, after several hours of travel, we arrived at our destination.

"......"

The view that came into focus was the towering jade gate with a huge insignia depicting a lion's roar, surrounded with the eight rays of the sun behind it, as well as silhouettes of huge structures, all designed admirably stretching into the distance as far as my eyes could grasp. It was the first time I had witnessed such a scene and I didn't have the words that could describe it. This is Chevalier University. It truly was majestic and domineering, located at the heart of Ubec City.

Stepping out of the limo, I took my luggage and with a bow, expressed my gratitude to my escorts.

"I guess we won't be seeing each other for a while."

I could only nod. After that, she gazed at me deeply for quite a while...so long, that I felt my cheeks redden from the lingering gaze.

Smiling, she said: "I'll miss you."

Again, I could only nod...with a face flushed with embarassment. Admittedly, my life before this wasn't one I liked to look back on in a good light, but if I had to say one thing, it's that this girl, no- beautiful lady in front me made it so much better. My precious childhood friend.

After looking back and forth between me and Aulenia during the whole exchange, Mr. Ein suddenly grinned and patted my shoulder.

"Do your best. Although this might one of the biggest challenges you'll be facing yet, and I do sympathize for your mom suddenly springing this on you, but...this can be said to be the greatest opportunity as well."

Hearing his words, I was reminded of what I aimed to accomplish in my life, as well as my resolve. Because I knew, more than enough, what his words meant.

Leaving me with that, he and Aulenia turned back towards the limo, Aulenia looking at me one final time before entering, as they left the venue.

Right now, I'm about to enroll in a school for the blessed. That's right, the blessed. Many here had developed their sense and had enough strength to stand tall in this world which aimed to surpass itself continuously.

Sadly, the same could not be said for me.

My name is Lumen Razio, and for sixteen years of my life's worth, I have been powerless.