Kael stopped speaking immediately and straightened in his seat, his expression returning to calm focus as he listened to what was being taught.About two hours later, Miss Elara finally closed the file on her tablet and faced the class, her expression returning to its usual composed authority.“So that will be all for today,” she said calmly, glancing at the time before lifting her eyes again, “we’re done with my session.”Her gaze shifted deliberately toward Kael.“Kael,” she added, “meet me in my office after this class for your punishment.”Kael nodded once without saying a word.A voice from the back spoke up playfully, “Ms. Voss, punish him so hard he won’t forget, or better still expel him from your class.”A few students laughed.Another added, “Yes, make him remember the time next time.”Elara did not react to any of them. She simply gathered her things and walked out of the classroom without looking back, the door closing softly behind her.Almost immediately, Brian stood up

Elara remained seated behind her desk, her eyes scanning Kael slowly from head to toe. She noticed the difference immediately, the fitted shirt, the neat trousers, the clean sneakers, and for a brief second her gaze lingered before she spoke.“What were you doing today that made you late?” she asked, her tone controlled but still firm.Kael met her gaze calmly. “I woke up late today, that’s why.”Elara’s expression hardened.“You woke up late when you had a lecture?” she asked sharply. “Does my class look like a joke to you?”Kael shook his head immediately. “No, ma’am. I’m sorry about that.”There was a brief silence before she spoke again.“For your punishment,” she said evenly, “anytime I’m in class for the next seven days, you will be the one to do the reading. Every session.”Kael nodded without hesitation. “Alright.”He paused slightly. “Can I leave now?”Elara watched him for a second, then nodded. “You may leave.”“Thank you,” Kael replied calmly before turning and walking out

The guard’s eyes moved from Brian to Kael, scanning them briefly, lingering slightly on Kael’s old backpack despite his neat outfit.“No car?” the guard asked flatly.Brian shook his head. “No.”The guard’s expression shifted subtly, not rude, but dismissive.“Then this section may not be for you.”Kael’s brows drew together slightly, genuine confusion flashing across his face.“Why must a student need to own a car to enter a place to eat inside his own school?” he asked calmly. “Which rule is that?”The security guard let out a short snort, clearly irritated.“Who are you to question me?” he shot back. “Why don’t you own a car if you want to enter here?”Brian shifted uncomfortably beside Kael, sensing the tension rising again.Kael’s expression remained steady.“Do you own a car yourself?” he asked quietly.The question landed, the guard stiffened immediately.“You…” he gritted his teeth. “How dare you speak to me like that?”Kael did not raise his voice.“I’m just asking,” he repli

The cab slowed to a stop in front of a modern electronics plaza before the driver turned slightly.“We’re here,” he said.Kael stepped out calmly and reached into his pocket, bringing out some cash in his pocket. He handed it over for the fare, completed the payment without issue, and then looked back at the driver.“Please wait for me,” he said. “I’ll need you to take me to another location after this.”The driver nodded immediately. “No problem, boss, I’ll park right here.”Kael gave a short nod and turned toward the entrance.Inside, the phone store was clean and neatly arranged. Glass display stands lined the floor, each section categorized by brand. Phones were positioned upright with small digital tags beneath them, prices clearly displayed. The air-conditioning hummed softly, and a few customers moved around quietly, testing devices.Kael walked toward one of the central stands and began looking through the smartphones displayed, scanning the designs, sizes, and specifications

The woman quickly snapped out of her state and blinked twice, then quickly looked down at the POS machine again.Transaction Successful.It was still there.For a second, she simply stared at the screen as if it might disappear.Inside, she felt two things at once, shock and excitement. Shock, because she had not expected the payment to go through so smoothly. Excitement, because this was easily her biggest bike sale for the month, maybe even for the quarter, which meant commission, and a very good one at that.She quickly removed the card carefully and handed it back to Kael with both hands this time.“Let me bring the papers and receipt for you to sign,” she said quickly.Without waiting for his reply, she hurried off toward the office section.Kael turned back to the bike.He walked around it once, admiring the clean matte finish, the subtle frame, the solid tires. He brought it forward slightly from its display stand and swung a leg over it.He adjusted his grip on the handle and