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."

scores weren't great. It's no time to slack off. Evelina, in particular, you've slid back quite a bit." Evelina's face paled in an instant. She knew she hadn't been on her game, but this

pausing before saying,

pressed, "Sir, what rank

top 100 of

erupted with

she thought about reporting back to Orion.

this pace, she might even stand a chance at getting into

score. There's no

the teacher, looking at Lemira's rank,

to prove herself, especially since she bet with her brother. So, please, let's not doubt her score. It

Lemira's expression turned scornful. Evelina's manipulation was top-tier, indeed. No

started to suspect Lemira might have