The night atmosphere in the center of the capital pulsed with a rhythm unfamiliar to the group from Ashvale Village. The thick smoke from grilled meat mixed with the aroma of spices, vehicle fumes, and the perfume of workers who had just returned home. Mr. Winston let his students enjoy this brief moment of freedom. He himself chose to stay in the hotel room, claiming that he did not feel well, even though everyone knew he was simply insecure and afraid his wallet would be drained if he had to treat everyone to dinner in the capital. "Excellent, Boss! Is this meat or tire rubber? It's so tender! And the pieces are thick, not stingy like Mr. Henry's grilled meat in the village," Brad rambled with his mouth full. He pulled the meat from its skewer with blazing enthusiasm. His eyes bulged comically as he enjoyed every chew. "Mr. Winston is missing out by staying in the hotel. He said he was afraid of getting sick, but the capital's air is full of savory spices, delicious! One sniff an

The night grew later, yet the city park's lights still glowed dimly, creating the silhouettes of two teenagers who had just finished their conversation. "Thank you for your time, Kael," Felicia said sincerely. Her smile bloomed, hiding her anxiety about tomorrow's competition. "I feel much calmer now." "You're welcome. Get some rest. See you tomorrow," Kaelan replied briefly, yet the tone of his voice was not as cold as usual. That sight was like gasoline poured into a blazing fire inside a black sedan parked far across the street. Kevin clenched his steering wheel until his knuckles turned white. His breath was ragged, his eyes glowing red with veins of hatred. Jealousy had eaten away his sanity. He no longer saw Felicia as an angel to be worshipped, but as a traitor who had trampled his pride for a village boy. "Bastards... You both bastards!" Kevin hissed. His voice trembled, holding back an exploding rage. He reached for his phone, calling Brutus back. "Boss?" Brutus's hoar

Felicia was still trembling. Her hands holding the latest series of smartphones looked stiff as she tried to press the emergency number on the screen. Her instinct as a conglomerate's daughter worked automatically: there is a threat, call protection. "I will call Father," Felicia's voice trembled, her eyes watering staring at the remnants of the car lamp glass shards on the asphalt. "Those people... they tried to kill us. Father will send a platoon of bodyguards to hunt them down to the ant hole. They cannot just get away with this!" Felicia's finger almost touched the call button, but a sturdy hand held her wrist. "Do not," Kaelan said flatly. He took the phone from Felicia's hand and turned off the screen. "But, Kael! Are you crazy?" Felicia stared at him in disbelief. "They are hired thugs! They wanted to hit me! We must report to the Sheriff, report to Father, report to anyone!" "And what will happen after that?" Kaelan cut in calmly. His gaze pierced sharply into Felicia's p

The Grand Imperial Hotel restaurant that morning resembled a fashion show more than a breakfast place. The morning sunlight reflected on the marble floor, illuminating dozens of round tables already occupied by groups of elite students. Their uniforms were slick, fragrant, and fashionable, navy blue blazers with gold emblems, branded pleated skirts, to silk ties. At the middle table, the kids from International Highfield Middle School were laughing loudly while showing off their latest digital tablets. In another corner, students from Graha Nusa International Middle School Academy were busy chatting with a mixture of foreign languages. "Hey, literally the math questions were very easy were they not last year?" "Of course, I solved them with my eyes closed. The important thing is to be confident first, Friend." The atmosphere of luxury and arrogance was suddenly disturbed when the restaurant door opened. The Ashvale Middle School group stepped in. The contrast was so painful to

After breakfast, Mr. Winston was already waiting in the lobby. "Children, now we are leaving!" All the students of Ashvale Middle School began to board the tourist bus. For the students who would become supporters, it was full of enthusiasm. Unlike the people who became competition participants. Sarah and Diana were already trembling, only Kaelan acted casually. The air-conditioned tourist bus stopped slowly in the huge parking lot. Mr. Winston stood up from the front seat. He tidied his slightly crooked tie, then patted his hands three times to ask for attention. His face was tense. Cold sweat the size of a corn kernel was visible on his temples even though the temperature inside the bus was quite cold. "Children, listen!" Mr. Winston's voice trembled slightly due to nervousness, but he tried to sound authoritative. "We have arrived at the battlefield. Remember my message. Do not be hillbillies! Walk upright! If anyone asks where you are from, answer loudly that you are from Ash