Chapter 14

The morning air was still cold as Livia’s steps finally slowed at the campus gate.

The building stood grand with elegant classical architecture, combined with modern touches in several parts. Tall pillars rose high, as if symbolizing the knowledge and power upheld in that place.

Students moved about around her—dressed neatly, carrying books and laptops, speaking enthusiastically about classes, research, and their future.

Yet among all that…

Livia still appeared different.

Simple.

Calm.

And… unremarkable.

No one knew that the girl with such an ordinary appearance was one of the most valuable students at this university.

Her steps were steady as she entered the medical faculty building.

A few students glanced at her briefly, but no one truly paid attention. Livia was used to that.

And she did not mind.

For her… being unseen was far safer.

“Livia.”

A man’s voice stopped her steps.

She turned.

A middle-aged professor stood a few steps away from her, wearing a white coat with the serious expression that always rested on his face.

But this time… there was something different.

“Professor Albert.”

Livia lowered her head slightly as a sign of respect.

The man approached, his eyes fixed on Livia—sharp, yet not cold, but filled with assessment… and recognition.

“We have reviewed your research again,” he said without preamble. “And I want you to come to the meeting room. Now.”

Livia fell silent for a moment.

But only for a moment.

“Yes, Professor.”

She followed his steps along the long corridor toward the research meeting room.

The large door opened slowly.

Inside…

Several senior professors were already seated around a long table.

The atmosphere in the room felt heavy. Formal. Pressuring.

Yet Livia did not show the slightest nervousness.

She stood upright.

Calm.

As if that place had always been meant for her.

“Please, have a seat, Livia,” said one of the professors.

Livia nodded and sat in the chair that had been prepared.

Several documents lay on the table—her research reports.

One of the professors began speaking.

“Your research on this non-opioid analgesic… is very interesting.”

The term was spoken clearly.

Non-opioid analgesic.

A pain-relieving drug that does not use opioid compounds—substances long known to be effective, but with risks of dependency and serious side effects.

Livia nodded slightly.

“Most painkillers for severe conditions still rely on opioids,” she explained calmly. “Such as morphine or its derivatives. Effective, but with high risks—dependency, respiratory depression, and long-term side effects.”

The room fell silent.

All eyes were on her.

“My goal,” Livia continued, her voice steady, “is to create an alternative with equal effectiveness… without those negative effects.”

One of the professors crossed his arms.

“And you are certain… that the formulation you developed can achieve that?”

Livia met his gaze directly.

Without hesitation.

“Not only certain,” she answered softly, “I have already proven it in preliminary testing.”

The silence shifted.

No longer mere formality.

But… admiration.

Professor Albert looked at the document in front of him, then back at Livia.

“If this passes clinical trials and obtains a patent…” he said slowly, “you do realize what this means?”

Livia did not answer immediately.

But her eyes… were enough to explain.

“This drug will become one of the greatest breakthroughs in the medical world,” another professor continued. “A painkiller without opioids. Without dependency risks. Without severe side effects.”

“And most likely,” another added, “it will become the highest-valued drug in the global market.”

Yet Livia remained silent.

There was no greed on her face.

No excessive ambition.

What existed was only… purpose.

“My mission is not its market value,” she said at last. “But its accessibility.”

Several professors exchanged glances.

“This drug… must be usable like a regular medicine,” Livia continued. “Without stigma. Without fear. Without the risks that have always accompanied opioid use.”

The room fell silent again.

But this time… it was different.

There was respect in it.

“Therefore,” said Professor Albert, “we have made a decision.”

He paused for a moment.

Looking at Livia seriously.

“You will officially join the university’s primary research team.”

The sentence fell calmly.

Yet its impact…

was immense.

“All your research needs—including funding, laboratory facilities, and access to further testing—will be fully supported by the university.”

Livia fell silent.

For the first time…

she truly fell silent.

Not because of doubt.

But because she knew… this was a turning point.

“This is not a small project, Livia,” one of the professors continued. “The cost required is enormous. Even by our standards.”

“However,” Professor Albert added, “we believe… the results will be worth it.”

Livia lowered her head slowly.

Not out of inferiority.

But because she understood… trust of this magnitude was not given easily.

“Thank you, Professor.”

Her voice was soft.

Yet full of determination.

When she lifted her face again…

her gaze had changed.

Sharper.

Stronger.

And far more alive.

In that room…

unnoticed by many—

a great step in the medical world had just begun.

And at the center of it all…

stood Livia.

A simple girl…

who would quietly change the world.