When They Beg, I Rise!

Alaric was pacing back and forth, clearly troubled about the upcoming competition.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Lucian clapped him on the back, "Once the scores are in, I'll have a word with her. The match is crucial, after all."

Alaric was displeased, "Lemira begged me for ages to teach her how to play, and now she's trying to corner me. When did she get so cunning?

"If push comes to shove, let's get Asher involved. Lemira wouldn't dare snub him!"

Evelina, listening in from the side, was seething. She had no intention of giving up her spot to Lemira! It was her spot, fair and square!

---

Upon Lemira's arrival at school, the buzz was all about the recent exam scores.

Evelina's sidekick, eyeing Lemira, loudly commented, "Someone's been working so hard lately. Wonder how much it paid off."

Lemira, feigning calm, pulled out her textbooks to review, yet her nerves on edge. Soon, the teacher arrived with the scorecards, stirring excitement in the air. "Quiet down," the teacher said, tapping the desk. "Overall, the scores weren't great. It's no time to slack off. Evelina, in particular, you've slid back quite a bit." Evelina's face paled in an instant. She knew she hadn't been on her game, but this was worse than she feared.

The teacher's gaze then shifted to Lemira, pausing before saying, "However, Lemira, you've shown remarkable improvement. Keep it up."

Evelina's lackey pressed, "Sir, what rank is Lemira now?"

"She's now in the top 100 of the grade."

The room erupted with chatter at that.

A smile broke on Lemira's face. She actually did it! Thrilled, she thought about reporting back to Orion. Her efforts during this period of time hadn't been in vain.

If she kept up this pace, she might even stand a chance at getting into Orvin University!

"Sir, I suspect something's off with Lemira's score. There's no way she could've improved so much so quickly!"

The room fell silent at that accusation, with skeptical eyes turning towards Lemira. Even the teacher, looking at Lemira's rank, harbored doubts, though he acknowledged her recent hard work.

Evelina spoke up softly, "Sir, Lemmy really wanted to prove herself, especially since she bet with her brother. So, please, let's not doubt her score. It means a lot to Lemmy."

Her plea was beautifully crafted. Yet, Lemira's expression turned scornful. Evelina's manipulation was top-tier, indeed. No wonder she'd been controlled by Evelina in the previous life.

Predictably, the teacher, swayed by Evelina's words, started to suspect Lemira might have cheated to win the bet.

Evelina's lackey added fuel to the fire, "Sir, you can't cover for cheaters. Both Eve and Lemira have been prepping for their family's team competition. Eve's scores dropped so much, it's impossible for Lemira to advance like this!" Another chimed in, "Yeah, for fairness, Lemira's scores should be disqualified."

Seeing the teacher waver, Evelina knew she'd won again. Lemira, daring to outperform her? Didn't she know the consequences?

"Lemira, won't you explain yourself?"

Lemira, feeling his doubtful gaze, simply stated, "I did not cheat."

Her words were few, but she'd said all she intended. In her past life, any time she outdid Evelina, she would stir up trouble for Lemira, forcing her always to stay one step behind.