Chapter 1: Dreams Amidst Struggles

The wind howled outside, its chill creeping through the cracked window of Ethan Carter's dimly lit dorm. The faint aroma of cheap, cold instant noodles lingered in the air, but Ethan didn't notice. His focus was on the glowing screen of his old laptop, the rejection email still open in front of him.

"We regret to inform you that we have chosen another candidate for the position."

The message stung. This wasn't the first time—today made it number ten. No internship, no job offers—just rejection after rejection. He ran a hand through his messy hair, sighing deeply.

Being an orphan with no network meant he was constantly fighting for opportunities that others seemed to get handed. His scholarship didn't stretch far enough to cover more than tuition, leaving his rent and basic expenses in constant jeopardy.

But quitting wasn't an option. He couldn't afford to let his dreams slip away just because the world hadn't handed him the same chances it gave others.

He closed his laptop with a soft click and picked up his notebook, where ideas had begun to take root. If no one would give him a chance, he thought, he would create one for himself.

Now, it was time to figure out how to make that happen.