Chapter 44

Chapter 44:

In his small apartment, Neal Irons ended his live stream.

Before logging out, he checked the leaderboard. His account, True Champion, was still sitting firmly in first place, now a solid twenty stars ahead of the anonymous second-place player.

“Humph, I’m invincible,” Neal murmured, snapping his fingers with a satisfied grin.

He logged out of the game, grabbed a big water bottle, and took a few long gulps, letting out a loud, contented burp.

He made his way to the bathroom and flicked the light switch. The bulb flickered a few times, then made a popping sound and went out.

“Oh, not this again!” Neal groaned, pulling a chair over to replace the fourth burned-out bulb since he moved in three months ago.

When the bathroom light finally flickered to life again, he leaned against the sink, inspecting himself in the mirror.

His thin frame was draped in a loose, wrinkled T-shirt, hanging awkwardly off one shoulder, revealing a sharp collarbone.

He tugged at his shirt and ran a hand through his gray-dyed hair, posing in front of the mirror.

Finally, he settled into a peace sign, gave his reflection a wink, and declared in a deep, confident voice, “Still as handsome as ever.”

A series of pings pulled Neal’s attention back to his phone. His group chat was alive with messages.

“It is said that Esaham University is welcoming a genius student. Neal, that student might unseat you as the esports prodigy!”

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“Come on, I don’t buy into that nonsense. The only esports prodigy I know is Neal!”

“Man, I’m so pumped! Who is this mysterious genius? It appears they are the only applicant for the esports program this year!”

“The only applicant, huh? If they were really that good, we would’ve heard of them by now. None of the big names in gaming said anything about taking the entrance exam.”

“Why are you making such a big deal out of it? We’ll know by tomorrow.”

“Yeah, you’re right. But why is Neal so quiet?”

“I bet Neal’s off taking some girl out to a fancy dinner, ignoring us.”

“I’m enjoying a seafood feast,” Neal replied, smug as ever.

The so-called seafood feast was actually just a cup of instant noodles.

Neal had just finished the last bite. He slumped back in his chair and ran a hand through his gray-dyed hair.

Tomorrow, he was going bold with a new color. No way was he going to let this new guy outshine him in style.

Neal was ready to show that guy what he was really made of.

By the time Fernanda woke up the next day, she felt a bit lightheaded. Realizing she’d caught a cold, she quickly dug through her suitcase, found a mask, and slipped it on before heading out the door.

At exactly 8 a.m., Fernanda reached the Esaham University esports building.

Following the directions she was given, Fernanda headed straight to the seventh floor and paused outside the department head’s office. She gave the door a knock.

“Come on in,” came the response.

Fernanda opened the door and walked into a large, brightly lit office.

Behind a desk piled with three computer screens sat a man in his thirties, a little on the heavy side. He was typing away at a fast pace but stopped to look up as Fernanda walked in.

Her mask covered most of her face, so he couldn’t make out her features.

“How can I help you?” he asked.

Fernanda stepped forward and handed him her admission ticket.

“I’m here for the entrance exam,” she said.

“Oh, welcome!” the man said, rising from his chair and extending his hand. “You must be Miss Morgan.”

Fernanda gave a slight nod.

“Wonderful, let me show you to the exam room,” he said, quickly clearing his desk before leading her out. As they walked, he asked casually,

“How did you do on the academic part of the exam?”

“I did okay,” Fernanda responded.

“Our esports program at Esaham University has fairly high academic standards,” he explained. “But I have faith in you, and I’m confident that you’ll do well and become a—”

“Member of our esports program. You know, we don’t have many girls in this program. If you join, I’m sure it’ll push the boys to work even harder.”

Fernanda chuckled lightly but didn’t say anything.

The department head led Fernanda into the elevator, and on the fifth floor, a professor boarded as it descended.

She glanced at Fernanda, then at the department head, smiling.

“She’s here for the entrance exam?”

“Yes, she’s here for the esports entrance exam,” he replied proudly.

“From now on, no one will call our department a boys-only club. Haha.”

“That’s good to know,” the professor smiled, glancing at Fernanda with admiration. “I bet she can get into this program.”

The department head laughed heartily.

Once they reached the ground floor, he led Fernanda to a classroom at the far end of the hall.

Before opening the door, he turned to Fernanda and said,

“Don’t be alarmed or scared by the noise inside. They’re just excited. No harm meant.”

Fernanda gave a quick nod.

The department head opened the door, and immediately, two hundred pairs of eyes turned their way.

He made his way to the front of the lecture hall and cleared his throat.

“This is Miss Morgan, here to take the entrance exam for our esports program. Let’s give her a warm welcome.”

Fernanda gave a nod.

“Hey, everyone.”

Her voice, a little raspy from her cold, had a soft charm to it that made it even clearer and more captivating. It rippled through the crowd, drawing their attention.

An odd silence hung in the air.

For a brief moment, the students were completely still, all staring at her in silence.

Then, someone slammed his hand on his desk and shouted,

“Whoa, a girl!”

As if the earth itself had shaken.

That broke the ice. The room exploded with cheers and applause, so loud it felt almost deafening.

Fernanda glanced at the department head, who gave her an apologetic smile.

“Don’t worry about them. They’re just really excited.”

Once the chaos settled, the students started chanting together.

“Welcome! Our esports program is the best in the nation!”

Suddenly, the door to the room flew open. A boy in casual clothes leaned against the frame, his expression bored.

“What’s all the noise about?” he asked lazily.

His bright orange hair immediately stood out.

“Neal!” someone yelled from the back. “The prodigy taking the entrance exam is here!”

The speaker pointed directly at Fernanda as he spoke.

Neal followed the pointing finger and saw Fernanda, her slim figure partially hidden by the department head’s broad frame.

“This is Neal Irons,” the department head said, making the introduction. “He’s currently ranked first in the game Apex Arena.”

The first? The top player? Fernanda quickly put the pieces together. So Neal was the player whose username was True Champion.

Neal walked over to Fernanda, his posture relaxed but his gaze keen as he sized her up.

After a long pause, he nodded and pointed at her.

“Come on, you’re no match for me,” he said.

Fernanda was confused by his confidence.

Neal remarked, his voice full of smug certainty,

“If you want a spot in the esports program, you’re gonna have to beat me first.”

A few students wore awkward expressions, utterly stunned by Neal’s words of challenge.

“Okay,” Fernanda said, locking eyes with Neal, her gaze steady and unflinching.

“What’s the deal if I win?”

“Feel free to tell me whatever you wish me to do,” Neal answered without hesitation.

“But if you lose…”

Fernanda raised an eyebrow.

“What happens if I lose?”

“You’ll run laps around the building in just your underwear!” Neal sneered, confident of his victory.

Fernanda was at a loss for words.

The other students were also left in complete shock.

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