When They Beg, I Rise!

Lemira glanced up and saw Susanna, but there was no sign of Evelina.

Settling onto a bench, she spoke with a hint of nonchalance, "I never thought you'd enjoy shadowing me so much. It seems wherever I go, you're right there behind me."

No sooner had Lemira arrived than Susanna made her appearance, likely tipped off by Clara's knack for spreading news.

"Lemira, don't flatter yourself. The Orvin University Team is financed by my father. I'm just here to check on things, what's wrong with that?"

Susanna retorted with a sneer, "And as for you trying to join the Orvin University Team? Please. It's not some free-for-all where anyone can stroll in. With your skills? Dream on."

"Isn't the Orvin University Team all about merit? Or is it just a connection club now?" Lemira stared at Susanna, standing her ground.

"Do you even have any merit?" Susanna snapped, her irritation palpable.

"Whether I have it or not, that's none of your business."

Lemira brushed off Susanna, leaving the latter fuming.

Soon, the team captain arrived, "Welcome, everyone, to our club. Not everyone can join the team as an official member right away. There's a selection process. Those who pass become reserve members and will later be assessed for official membership." The base was equipped with computers for a player-versus-computer challenge.

Susanna mocked from the side, "I bet someone won't even make it as reserve members."

Indeed, some newcomers were quickly eliminated during their challenge. But others triumphed.

When it was Lemira's turn, she was among the last. Sitting in front of the computer, she expertly awaited the start of the challenge.

Susanna, sweeping a glance at the team member aside, covertly increased the difficulty of Lemira's challenge.

Once the game started, Lemira noticed the uptick in difficulty but it made no difference to her; she dispatched her virtual opponent in three swift moves.

The onlookers were astounded, "She's incredible, to defeat the computer that quickly!"

"Holy smokes, that's impressive. She shouldn't be a newbie at all!"

Susanna was dumbfounded at the scene, turning to the team member, "Didn't I tell you to increase the difficulty? Did you mess up?"

"Ms. Sinclair, I did as instructed. She's just that good."

A pro she must be!

Lemira glanced at Susanna, offering her a half smile.

At that moment, Captain Jackson

intervened to ease the tension, "It seems our team has gained a formidable new member. Congratulations, Lemira, on

becoming a reserve member We'll expect you at the base for training When you're free."

"Got it."

Lemira was quite calm, while Susanna seethed internally.

Susanna pulled the captain aside, whispering, "I don't care, you can't let that wretch join the Team!"

"Ms. Sinclair, Demira passed the test

fair and square. We can't just

dismiss her in front of everyone. Besides, since she's with the team, if you're looking to get back at her, there will be other opportunities."

"You have a point."

QUMS

Susanna finally dropped the matter, but she was far from giving up on making Lemira's life difficult.

Wandering around the base, Lemira stumbled upon the hall of fame and noticed a hoodie-clad silhouette instead of a typical photograph at the forefront.

She moved closer and realized it

was King a legend who had also hailed from Orvin University Team, which meant King was also a

student from Orvin University.

Details about King were scarce, and she was only now connecting the dots.

Her phone rang; it was the manager from Reapers.

"Lemira, you've settled in the Orvin University, haven't you? Consider joining us instead. We can negotiate a great offer for you."