### Part 1: The Unexpected Encounter
The sprawling campus of Elmwood College was a blend of ancient brick buildings and landscaped gardens, a haven for students eager to carve their futures. Among them was Jacob, an 18-year-old freshman with tousled hair, round glasses, and a penchant for quiet observation. Jacob was the kind of boy who blended into the background—shy, kind-hearted, and innocent, he spent most of his days immersed in books or


