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."

calm, pulled out her textbooks to review, yet her nerves on edge. Soon, the teacher arrived with the scorecards, stirring excitement 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 a bit." Evelina's face paled in an instant. She knew she hadn't been on her game, but this was

then shifted to Lemira, pausing before saying, "However, Lemira, you've shown

"Sir, what rank is

in the top 100

room erupted with

thought about reporting back to Orion. Her efforts during this period

even stand a chance at

There's no way she could've improved

turning towards Lemira. Even the teacher, looking at Lemira's rank, harbored doubts, though he acknowledged her recent

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

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

started to suspect Lemira