As the competition progressed, the atmosphere inside the auditorium grew increasingly tense. One after another, students stepped onto the presentation stage to showcase the projects they had spent months preparing, each hoping to impress the judging panel and secure recognition for their efforts.Some participants demonstrated highly advanced robotic systems capable of performing complex tasks with remarkable precision, while others unveiled artificial intelligence programs and sophisticated engineering prototypes built using equipment so expensive that most ordinary students could never dream of accessing them. Every impressive presentation drew enthusiastic reactions from the audience, and the applause that followed each demonstration only seemed to heighten the pressure hanging over the competition.Meanwhile, Dylan remained seated quietly behind his booth with his fingers tightly intertwined beneath the table. Although he maintained a calm expression outwardly, his heart refused

The atmosphere inside the room became noticeably heavier as the tension that had been building since Dylan entered pressed down on everyone like an invisible weight. The air felt suffocating, and the silence that followed his accusation stretched endlessly, making the room feel even smaller than it already was.Brandon released a long sigh before shaking his head."Look, man... you should've honestly seen this coming."A bitter laugh escaped Dylan's lips, carrying none of the amusement usually associated with laughter. Instead, it was filled with anger, disbelief, and a growing sense of betrayal."Seen what coming?"Brandon casually spread his hands as though they were discussing something obvious. "The truth." He shrugged before continuing. "Amber is one of the hottest girls on campus. She's popular, beautiful, and high maintenance."His gaze slowly traveled from Dylan's face to his worn clothes, and the judgment in his eyes was impossible to miss. "And you're barely surviving."Dyla

The atmosphere outside the security office felt completely different from the one Dylan had experienced earlier that day. The excitement and energy generated by the science fair had long since vanished, replaced by the quiet stillness of night. Darkness blanketed the university grounds while rows of streetlights illuminated the pathways and cast long shadows across the pavement. A cold breeze brushed against Dylan's exhausted face as he shoved his hands into his pockets and wandered aimlessly through campus.A painful growl from his stomach reminded him that he hadn't eaten anything since morning. The realization brought a bitter smile to his lips as he reflected on the cruel irony of the day. He had started the morning by winning the biggest competition of his life, only to end it betrayed, humiliated, falsely accused, and locked inside a security holding room. Compared to everything else that had happened, hunger barely seemed worth noticing.As he continued walking, Dylan gradually

Before Dylan could even react, a crushing pain exploded through his abdomen as a heavy fist slammed directly into his stomach with enough force to fold his body in half."UGH—!"The air was violently knocked from his lungs, and agony spread through his midsection as his knees buckled beneath him. Before he could recover, rough hands seized his arms and dragged him forward."Move!"One of the men shoved him hard from behind, causing Dylan to stumble several steps while desperately trying to regain his balance and clutch his aching stomach."What the hell do you people want?!"A brutal strike crashed across his face before anyone answered. The impact snapped his head sideways, and a sharp ringing immediately filled his ears."Shut up and walk."Fear and anger surged through his chest as his eyes darted around desperately. A few students could be seen moving between buildings in the distance, completely unaware of what was happening. Unfortunately, the area behind the engineering faculty