Chapter 23__The Competition, Andreas worries and Jeff's Suspicion
It was finally the day of the competition.
Violet was taken out of school along with Emery and Jeff.
(Yes, that Jeff — Melissa's quiet lackey.)
He liked Melissa because she was the first person who ever talked to him kindly.
Why?
Because in a world where looks mattered more than the heart, Jeff didn't stand a chance.
They were seated inside the school's mini bus — the competition was going to last a week.
Emery and Violet sat together while Jeff went straight to the back, sitting alone as always.
Emery sighed dramatically.
"What's wrong with that bitch? We've been in the same special class for five months now, studying together every day, and he still acts like a ghost. I swear, he gives off psychopath energy."
"Emery, don't say that," Violet said softly. "Maybe he's just not the type to talk much."
"But Violet," Emery whined, "I can feel he doesn't like us."
"Well, Emery," Violet replied calmly, "we don't have to like him either — as long as he doesn't cross the line. So just leave it."
Vira inside her couldn't help but add sassily,
"Well said, host, but I still think his soul is pitch black. Like, no light there at all."
"Don't worry, Vira," Violet answered inwardly, "I'll be careful."
"You're right, Violet," Emery said, finally relaxing. "We don't have to like him back. Ugh, I'm so nervous. It's not like I didn't study my brains out or anything."
"Don't worry, Emery, you'll be fine."
"You know what? Come here, sister. Let me cuddle you."
Emery leaned over, wrapping Violet into a warm, nervous hug.
When they finally arrived, they were ushered into the venue — Migan City First College.
Yep. A university.
Even Violet couldn't help but open her mouth wide in awe. The place was breathtaking — grand white marble halls, glass ceilings catching sunlight, and perfectly polished floors that reflected like mirrors.
Vira inside her commented,
"Host, if you can get into this school after high school, it would be perfect."
"Why?" Violet asked curiously.
"This is the best school in Migan. It's every student's dream — a place full of opportunities and the fastest way to reach the highest circles of society. They don't care about your family name here, only your results."
"Really?" Violet's eyes widened a little.
"Really. But for now," Vira sighed, "focus on your studies — and on not getting caught in your sister's next web. When we get there, we'll see what we can do."
"You're right," Violet nodded. "I shouldn't be thinking of college yet."
And so, they were led to their dorm rooms for the week and briefed about where the competition would take place — deep within Migan City First College.
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Meanwhile, back at Imperial High, Clara had just been granted leave to film a new movie.
As she stepped past the school gates, she couldn't help but smirk.
Her eyes glinted — something was brewing.
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Inside the Student Council room, Andrea was slouched in his chair when Angelo came in with a report.
"She's already at Migan City First College," Angelo said quietly.
Andrea finally exhaled. "She's safe then."
But then, his lips curved into a tired smile.
"Fuck it," he muttered, running a hand through his hair, "I miss her already."
His heart jittered in his chest.
"Just come back soon, wife," he whispered under his breath,
"and make me proud."
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At Migan City First College, the hall was packed with over a hundred students from different schools, each dressed in their distinctive uniforms, sitting neatly around the massive stage.
An MC stood at the center, his voice clear through the speakers.
"Good day, everyone!"
"Good day, sir!" the students echoed back in unison, their voices vibrating through the hall.
"Welcome to Migan City First College, the host of this year's Inter-School Mathematics Competition."
The crowd quieted instantly.
"The competition rules are as follows," the MC continued.
"Each school needs ten points to become the ultimate champion. Over a hundred schools are participating this year.
Within one week, you must defeat ten schools to claim victory."
Murmurs rose in the crowd — ten schools in a week sounded intense.
The MC smiled faintly. "Each day, two rounds will be held. If your school loses twice, you can still participate. But if you lose three times, you're automatically disqualified."
Silence. The tension in the room thickened.
"The first schools up — Cleotra High and Excellence High!"
Cheers rose as the two schools walked to the front, their teams sitting across from each other, brows furrowed, pens ready.
The match began.
Numbers, equations, and formulas flashed across screens.
After twenty minutes, the MC raised his mic again.
"Winner — Excellence High!"
The audience applauded, and from there, the day went on — names of schools called randomly, victories and losses building like waves.
When the announcer finally called,
"Next match — Imperial High versus Arise High,"
Violet, Emery, and Jeff stood up, heading for the stage.
The match was fierce, but in the end, Imperial High emerged victorious.
Three days later, Imperial High had won twice and lost once, their only defeat to Excellence High.
Meanwhile, some schools weren't so lucky — within the first three days alone, forty schools were eliminated, leaving only sixty standing.
The MC returned to the stage, voice ringing clear.
"Welcome back, everyone. Getting here wasn't easy, so congratulations."
He paused, and the hall went still.
"But sorry to break it to you — from this point onward, we enter the elimination round."
The students stiffened.
"The rules change now. Lose once, and you're out.
For Excellence High, who already have four points, they will be automatically granted one more.
For those who have already lost once or twice, your next loss will be your last.
Only schools that reach the five-point threshold will continue to the finals."
"Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir!" the students roared back.
The next two days were chaos.
Some schools triumphed; others were crushed in the pressure of the elimination round.
As for Imperial High, they were unstoppable.
On the first day of eliminations, they faced three schools — and won all three matches, climbing smoothly to the five-point mark.
By the end of the second day, fifty schools had been disqualified.
Only ten remained standing.
The competition had just begun to get serious.
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The morning of the third round arrived.
Emery and Violet walked side by side through the beautiful campus of Migan City College, their matching competition tags hanging from their necks.
"Violet, do you think we'll make it?" Emery whispered, his voice low and shaky. "I'm so nervous. My stomach's been hurting since breakfast."
Violet looked at him and smiled softly. "Emery, don't be nervous. We'll be fine. We studied hard to get here, remember? No matter what happens, we'll be okay."
He sighed. "You're right… but we're up against Excellence High. They're monsters, Violet. I don't think we stand a chance."
Inside her head, Vira couldn't hold back her comment.
Host, why is your friend so not confident today? Doesn't he know that the moment you think you've failed, you've already failed?
Violet chuckled inwardly. He's just nervous, Vira. Don't worry.
Then she reached over and patted Emery's shoulder. "Hey, listen to me. We might win, we might not. But as long as we try our best, it's fine. Don't worry. I'm here, okay?"
Emery gave a small laugh, the corners of his lips lifting. "You're right. Thanks, Violet. What would I have done without you?"
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Meanwhile, over in the resting area for the contestants, Jeff Breeze stood up and quietly slipped out.
His teammates had no idea he'd left.
He strolled down the long, quiet hallway, his hands in his pockets, pretending to just wander — but his eyes were sharp, scanning.
As he passed the teachers' lounge, he slowed down.
From the half-open door, he saw a girl in all black, her cap pulled low, quietly leaving the room.
Something about her movement was off — too cautious, too deliberate.
Then, as she stepped into the light, Jeff froze.
"…Violet?" he called softly.
The girl stiffened instantly.
Her head turned slightly, her face hidden by the shadow of her cap. Then, in a quick motion, she raised a finger to her lips.
"Shhhh…"
And just like that, she disappeared down the hall.
Jeff blinked, stunned. His heartbeat quickened.
That wasn't Violet… was it?