When They Beg, I Rise!

Alaric was pacing back and forth, clearly troubled about the upcoming competition.

Lucian clapped him on the back, "Once the scores are in, I'll have a word with her. The match is crucial, after all."

Alaric was displeased, "Lemira begged me for ages to teach her how to play, and now she's trying to corner me. When did she get so cunning?

"If push comes to shove, let's get Asher involved. Lemira wouldn't dare snub him!"

Evelina, listening in from the side, was seething. She had no intention of giving up her spot to Lemira! It was her spot, fair and square!

---

Upon Lemira's arrival at school, the buzz was all about the recent exam scores.

Evelina's sidekick, eyeing Lemira, loudly commented, "Someone's been working so hard lately. Wonder how much it paid off."

in the air. "Quiet down," the teacher said, tapping the desk. "Overall, the scores weren't great. It's no time to slack off. Evelina, in particular, you've slid back quite

gaze then shifted to Lemira, pausing before saying, "However,

pressed, "Sir, what rank

in the top 100 of the

room erupted with chatter at

about reporting back to Orion.

pace, she might even stand a chance

suspect something's off with Lemira's score. There's no way she

accusation, with skeptical eyes turning towards Lemira. Even the teacher,

bet with

Lemira's expression turned scornful. Evelina's manipulation was top-tier, indeed. No wonder she'd been controlled by Evelina in the

Evelina's words, started to suspect Lemira might have cheated to win