CHAPTER 18: 18: STAKING A FORTUNE

All the students—except Aaron—had already left to board the buses, leaving behind only the principal and a few instructors.

"You all can go on ahead," Endrick commanded, his tone firm. "As planned, those assigned as supervisors will accompany the students on the bus. The rest of you may return to your duties. I’d like a private conversation with Aaron."

With no hesitation, the instructors filed out, leaving the grand hall silent, save for the two remaining figures.

Aaron leaned against a pillar, arms crossed, eyes narrowed. "Well, there’s no one else here, so you can drop that creepy smile. It’s weirding me out."

"You really ought to work on your manners when speaking to elders," Endrick replied coolly, his hands clasped behind his back.

"I don’t think so," Aaron shot back. "Especially when the elder in question is a scumbag like you."

Endrick’s eyes flared slightly. "Watch it, boy. Don’t push me to get aggressive."

"You can go ahead," Aaron replied with a deadly calm. "Though I can’t promise your body remains intact afterward."

Silence stretched for a moment before Endrick exhaled sharply. "Let’s cut to the chase then. Daniel—who was behind it?"

As he spoke, Endrick allowed a deliberate wave of his B-rank pressure to roll across the hall like a suffocating mist, trying to crush Aaron into confession.

Aaron’s eyes narrowed, his expression flickering with annoyance. A low pulse of danger radiated off him, like a sleeping beast disturbed. His instincts screamed to end Endrick where he stood—but the principal hadn’t made a lethal move yet. That meant retaliation wasn’t justified... not yet.

"You’re asking the wrong questions," Aaron answered coldly. "You were behind it. If you hadn’t sent him to kill me, Daniel would still be breathing right now."

"Hmm... To not flinch under the pressure of an elite B-rank like myself—impressive," Endrick admitted, backing down. "That will be all."

He turned to leave but paused briefly, adding, "One final piece of advice. Protect yourself. Stay alert. Death is very unpredictable."

Aaron’s voice followed him like a knife. "And here’s a warning. If another attempt is made on my life, and I find you had anything to do with it... I’ll personally ensure you meet your end."

Endrick chuckled softly, not bothering to look back. He kept walking, his faint smile saying more than words ever could.

With Endrick gone, the vast hall fell into silence again, Aaron standing alone at its center.

"Well... time to catch my ride," he muttered, brushing invisible dust off his pants as he headed toward his next destination: a meeting with his new... acquaintance, Governor Levi.

Whether Levi was pleased to see him or not? Not Aaron’s concern.

Meanwhile...

"Teacher, will Aaron really be left behind?" Leo asked, concern heavy in his voice as he watched the students board the buses.

"Yes," Instructor Alice replied curtly. "That’s the principal’s decision—and it’s final. Honestly, it’s for the best. With his lack of talent, attempting that examination would be suicide."

With that, Alice entered the bus, leaving Leo standing alone, uncertain.

Leo sighed in frustration and climbed aboard, worry gnawing at him. I hope Aaron makes it somehow...

He quickly fired off several messages, sharing his live location with Aaron via their chat. It was all he could do for now.

Back in the city, Aaron received the message, a faint smile tugging at his lips. At least someone still believes in me. But he knew better than to rely on Leo’s GPS—the signal would likely cut off as the buses entered protected zones. Besides, he had another plan.

Governor Levi’s Office

Aaron’s unexpected visit sent a ripple of irritation through the building. Rhea, Levi’s secretary, sighed heavily the moment he arrived.

"Not again..." she muttered.

Sitting across from Levi, Aaron’s posture was relaxed, his presence calm and unshaken—even though this was his second time intruding.

Levi steepled his fingers. "What can I do for you this time?"

"I need your help," Aaron said directly. "I assume you’ll be attending the university admission examinations?"

Levi raised an eyebrow. "Yes."

"Then I’d like to go with you," Aaron stated. "The principal barred me from joining the official journey—punishment for my so-called defiance."

Levi tilted his head. "Isn’t that for the best? You’re an unawakened. What exactly do you think you’ll achieve by attending?"

Aaron’s expression sharpened.

"Who says I’m talentless?"

Levi’s smile faded. "Don’t play games with me, boy. I’m a governor. Such information can’t be hidden from someone like me."

Aaron leaned forward slightly. "I’m serious. Who exactly said I’m untalented? Do you really think the child of two demigods would be born without power?"

Levi’s interest piqued, his eyes narrowing. "Oh? Then prove it. Show me your talent. Maybe then I’ll consider taking you."

Aaron smiled. "Let’s make it more interesting, Governor. Take me with you and let’s play a little game. If I don’t rank first among all the students, I’ll forfeit half of my parents’ wealth to the Federation. You can do whatever you please with it."

The room fell silent.

Levi stared at Aaron, blinking slowly. "And what exactly is my stake in this... aside from escorting you?"

Aaron’s smile widened slightly. "In return, I want your help taking down the principal."

Levi laughed, then paused. "That’s it? That hardly feels like an equal wager."

"It may not seem like much," Aaron said, voice dropping, eyes glowing crimson, "but when someone plays with my life, I don’t play nice. I destroy everything they hold dear."

Levi watched him closely, something shifting behind his gaze.

"I see," he said finally. "Very well. We have a deal. The competition begins in three days. I’d originally planned to leave the day before, but since you’re tagging along and we’ll need to get you registered early... we’ll leave tomorrow."

He stood from his chair. "Be here by 8 a.m. sharp. I won’t wait for you if you’re late."

Aaron stood as well, offering a small nod. "Understood."

Neither said anything more. But the air between them was charged—an alliance formed not out of friendship, but ambition and mutual interest.