Twilight opened her eyes. The memories of her last birthday were fresh in her mind, and her scars, both physical and emotional, burned like fire. But there was something else too. Deep within her, something dangerous blazed: determination. She was no longer the same frightened filly. She stood tall, and the resolute glint in her eyes was unmistakable.

Silver continued to stare at her, his grin unchanged, his confidence unbroken. "Hello? Silver to Twilight. Did you hear me? What are you hiding in your bag?" He stomped his hoof, took a step forward, and now stood just inches away from her. His shadow loomed menacingly over her.

Twilight's heart continued to pound nervously in her chest, but she took a deep breath and forced herself to stand her ground. She couldn't show Silver her fear. Not anymore. "That's none of your business, Silver," she said firmly, though she trembled inside. "If you'll excuse me, I have something to do."

Silver's eyes narrowed dangerously, his lips curling into a cold line. "Is that so?" he asked, taking another step, so he now blocked the exit completely. "I don't think you understood. I asked you a question, and I expect an answer."

Twilight felt the tension within her growing. She had to act quickly before the situation escalated. She couldn't make a mistake. Not today. Her mind raced. She had to prevent him from looking in her bag while also finding a plausible excuse for why she needed to leave.

Twilight let her gaze wander around the room and noticed a half-open door leading to a storage room. She remembered that rats often scurried around there. A hastily cobbled-together plan formed in her mind, and she nervously licked her lips.

"Fine," she said, pretending to give in. "If you really want to know, it's food scraps from my room. Mrs. Crinkle asked me to take them out so they wouldn't attract rats." She smiled weakly and shifted her weight nervously, like an unsure schoolgirl.

Silver wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Food scraps? Gross."

"Yeah, exactly," Twilight lied further. "And they smell really bad." She waved her hoof in a mock gesture in front of her nose, grimacing. "If you open the bag and the stench spreads through the hallway, we'll both get into big trouble. Believe me, you don't want that."

Silver took a step back, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "Why should I believe you? No pony puts on clothes just to take out trash."

"If you don't believe me, see for yourself." Twilight used her magic to reach into the bag and pulled out a shriveled piece of apple. She held it up to his nose, and the rotten smell immediately filled the air.

Silver grimaced in disgust and took another step back. "Food scraps... Ugh, okay, okay. I believe you."

Twilight seized the moment and stepped towards the half-open door. "Like I said, I have something to do. If you'll excuse me..."

Silver stared at her, the uncertainty in his eyes replaced by disgust. Finally, he shrugged and stepped aside, giving her a clear path. "Go ahead. But this isn't over, Twilight."

Twilight nodded, her internal tension slowly easing as she walked through the room and quickly exited through the door. Once out of sight, she discarded the rotten apple. The illusion spell immediately dissipated, revealing a crumpled piece of paper.

She took a deep breath. Her heart was still racing. It had been a risky trick, but she had pulled it off. Her hooves trembled slightly as she picked up the piece of paper and tucked it back into her saddlebag. She cast one last glance back to make sure Silver wasn't following her and then continued on her way.

Twilight ran through the streets, the familiar clatter of her hooves on the worn cobblestones calming her a bit. She knew she couldn't afford to waste any time. Her destination was the School for Gifted Unicorns, located next to the royal palace in the city's first district.

She lived in the fifth district, the city's slum. A high wall separated it from the fourth district. Small, makeshift houses made of patched-together materials crowded together and formed a labyrinth of narrow alleys.

The streets were crowded with ponies in worn-out clothes and exhausted faces going about their daily lives. Many lay around in the alleys, too weak or resigned to get up. They had matted fur and glazed eyes, showing signs of hunger and illness. The stench of sewage and garbage hung heavy in the air, mingling with the smoke of small fires where ponies huddled for warmth.

Between the dilapidated buildings, vendors had set up improvised stalls, offering their few goods: old, worn clothes, simple food, and occasionally a handmade piece of jewelry. Their voices blended into a constant murmur that wafted over the market. Every attempt to sell something was marked by desperation, yet there was a hint of hustle and bustle.

But despite the poverty and hopelessness, one could also feel the residents' relentless will to survive in the district's corners and nooks. Foals played with improvised toys, and sometimes you could hear laughter, breaking like a weak ray of light through the grim environment. „Even here, there's hope,“ Twilight thought.

Twilight moved carefully through the crowd, trying not to draw attention while still making progress. She had to reach the school. There, she might find a way to escape this life.

Finally, she reached the high wall separating the fifth from the fourth district. She paused to catch her breath, her eyes darting around for the familiar small gap in the masonry through which she could slip. Her thoughts raced. „I'm running late. I can't mess this up.“

"One step at a time, Twilight," she whispered to herself and forced herself through the gap. The rough surface of the wall scratched her fur, but she ignored the pain. She had done this many times before. She would do it again this time.

With one last powerful push, she reached the other side. She pulled herself up and landed in the fourth district. The contrast was striking. The narrow, maze-like alleys of the fifth district gave way to wide, clean streets. „It is a different world.“

Here there were simple but functional buildings painted in white and light pastel colors. Occasionally, you would see a tenement house or the well-kept storefront of a business. The air was fresher, the noise quieter. Here lived the city's workers, employees, and merchants.

Twilight didn't allow herself to be distracted.

„Keep moving. Don't look back.“

She continued her way, her hooves now clattering faster on the pavement. The School for Gifted Unicorns awaited, and she couldn't afford to lose any time.

Twilight got lost in her thoughts and barely noticed when she left the fourth district and marched through the gates into the third district. A small, unguarded symbolic wall separated the two districts, little more than a reminder of the boundaries that once existed here.

The third district was a world unto itself. Public baths and washhouses lined up next to residential houses with small, well-kept gardens. Workshops and andateliers stood side by side, their facades adorned with colorful signs and artistic decorations. The ponies seemed alert and busy. Here lived the city's Craftsman and artists, and life pulsed to its unique rhythm.

Trees and bushes lined the streets, their leaves rustling gently in the wind. The chirping of birds filled the air, giving the place a soothing, almost idyllic atmosphere.

Twilight continued walking absentmindedly. Halfway through the artisan district, she accidentally bumped into a young filly carrying several colorful rolls of fabric. The collision sent both of them tumbling, and the rolls of fabric scattered on the dirty ground.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" the white filly exclaimed indignantly with a slight accent.

Twilight scrambled to her hoofs and looked at the filly before her. She was small and delicate, not much older than Twilight. Her coat was snow-white and flawless. Her long mane was a deep shade of violet and styled in an elaborate wave. Her eyes sparkled with anger as she tried to gather the scattered fabrics.

"I'm sorry," Twilight said quickly, bending down to help. "I was lost in thought and didn't watch where I was going."

"I can see that," the filly snapped sharply as she picked up the dirty fabrics from the street. "Oh, these fabrics are ruined! Do you know how much work it takes to clean something like this? This is the worst thing that could have happened," the filly cried dramatically."

Twilight felt her cheeks heat up. "I'm really sorry. Here, let me help you," she said, her horn lighting up. She collected the scattered fabrics and wiped off the dirt. Then she used a spell to clean the fabrics thoroughly.

The filly watched skeptically as Twilight worked her magic on the fabrics. But as the last bit of dirt disappeared and the fabrics were pristine again, her face brightened. "Oh, that's impressive. Thank you," she said, now with an honest smile.

Twilight smiled with relief. "No problem. Sorry again for the collision. I was just in such a hurry. Today is the entrance exam for the School for Gifted Unicorns."

The filly's eyes widened with interest. "The School for Gifted Unicorns? Really? Well, what are you standing around here for? You'd better not be late. Go on, hurry."

Twilight's eyes widened. "You're right. It was nice meeting you," she said and sprinted forward.

"Good luck!" she heard the filly call out behind her.

Without wasting any more time, she continued on her way, her destination clear in her mind. In no time, she reached the city's second district. Large and elegant houses with lush front gardens lined the wide, well-maintained cobblestone streets. Beautifully decorated lanterns cast soft light on the paths, and neatly trimmed hedges and bushes conveyed a sense of wealth. Here lived the ponies who had made it far. Businessponies and entrepreneurs.

Occasionally, Twilight passed monuments, such as artistically crafted statues and fountains, which glistened majestically in the morning sun, leaving a regal impression.

Twilight could feel the bewildered and judgmental looks of the few ponies who were out and about. She seemed out of place in her hurry, but it didn't bother her.

„Let them stare. They have no idea what I've been through.“, she thought to herself.

Finally, she reached the first district. A small, decorative wall of gold and marble surrounded the area reserved for the city's nobility. The district's grandeur and wealth were immediately apparent. The streets were paved with the finest cobblestones, and every corner seemed meticulously cared for and designed.

Near the massive palace of Empress Celestia, the most influential and wealthy ponies of all Equestria lived here. Nobles. The buildings were magnificent villas and mansions, each an architectural masterpiece with elaborate facades and artistic decorations. The gardens were full of exotic plants, fragrant flowers, and fountains that gently trickled while peacocks strutted proudly over the lawns.

Twilight paused briefly, letting her gaze sweep over the imposing surroundings. She had never seen anything like this before. This display of power and wealth. All paths led directly to the palace. It stood in the center of the district, like a crown jewel.

As Twilight approached the grand gate to the first district, a guard barred her way. He was a large, imposing stallion in gleaming silver armor, his expression stern and unyielding. "Stop! What business do you have here?" he demanded.

Twilight's heart skipped a beat, but she took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice. "I'm here for the entrance exam at the School for Gifted Unicorns," she said, mustering as much confidence as she could.

The guard's eyes narrowed as he looked her over, scanning every inch of her worn appearance. Then, to her horror, he burst into loud, mocking laughter. "You? You want to go to Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns? The most renowned and prestigious educational institute for young unicorns in all of Equestria?" He grimaced, his disdain palpable. "Do you want to apply for a job as a janitor?"

Twilight's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and anger. She straightened her posture, meeting his gaze with fierce determination. "I've worked hard for this," she declared, her voice firm despite the tremor of indignation. "I've studied every day, practiced my magic, and never given up. I may come from the fifth district, but that doesn't mean I'm not capable. I deserve this opportunity."

The guard's smirk faltered slightly, replaced by a look of mild surprise. His eyes softened, though skepticism lingered. "Very well," he said slowly. "But remember, you're being watched. Any trouble, and you'll be escorted out immediately."

Twilight nodded, relief washing over her. "Thank you. I promise I won't cause any trouble."

The guard stepped aside, allowing her to pass. "Good luck," he said gruffly, his tone less mocking but still wary.

„I'm in. Now I just have to make it to the school." She picked up her pace, her hooves clattering on the polished cobblestones. She ran down the street and slowly approached the palace.

Celestia's palace rose majestically over the first district, a truly impressive structure. The exterior was made of gleaming white marble that sparkled in the sunlight, giving the entire building a heavenly aura. The tall, elegant towers reached high into the sky up to the clouds and were adorned with golden spires that reflected the light and glittered like stars in the distance.

Huge, intricately wrought gates opened to the palace entrance, flanked by imposing marble columns carved with intricate designs, ornaments, and royal emblems. Above the gates hung the royal coat of arms and the flag of Equestria, a symbol of power that commanded respect from any visitor.

The palace gardens were equally impressive. Expansive lawns stretched out in front of the entrance, lined with splendid flower beds blooming in all the colors of the rainbow. Marble statues depicting important figures and moments from Equestria's history stood along the well-kept paths leading to the various palace entrances.

Adjacent to the palace was Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns. The building mirrored the architectural wonder of the palace. Tall towers and magnificent halls stretched across the landscape. The country's most prestigious magic school was just a few steps away from Twilight.

Twilight stood still for a moment. Her heart beat faster with excitement and nervousness. This was the place where her dreams could come true. She took a deep breath and continued her way, her destination clear in her mind. „This is it. My chance to prove myself.“ She took a deep breath and stepped forward, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Nothing could stop her now, and with that thought, she approached the school.

Author's Note

And here is the next chapter of Twilight's journey. Next time comes the test and the first meeting with Celestia. Oh how I'm looking forward to it. I wasn't sure whether this chapter contained too many descriptions of the individual districts. So maybe I'll revise it again. I'll see.

Remember, I'm always happy to receive your comments. Feedback is very important to me. Unfortunately, I'm an inexperienced writer and English is not my first language. Well...