I'm the boss

~Dun, dun, dun~

The tension grows as both Emma and Henry take their fighting stances. It's a match worth watching: a handsome boy who seems perfect at everything versus a beautiful girl from a prestigious and powerful family.

Boys cheer for Emma while girls cheer for Henry, each fan base occasionally throwing words at each other to show the rivalry.

Only a few students remain quiet: Priscilla, some of the top ten in martial arts, and a random boy at the back, Gideon.

Gideon isn't looking at the transparent tube; rather, he looks at the glass floor. However, you can't properly see the fight through the glass floor since the stage is far down. That's why the cubicle is serving as an output for the scene.

After doing what seems like studying, Gideon moves his gaze back to watch the scene displayed in front of him. The projector also features sounds, so everyone can hear their conversation.

Priscilla is simply studying him from the corner of her eyes while also focusing on what will unfold. Other quiet students want to use the opportunity to learn how good the fighters are.

**Back at the stage:**

After the little conversation between the two, Emma immediately sprints towards Henry.

"I'll murder you, you filthy thief!" Emma barks.

"Huh? Thief? Me?" Henry questions.

~Fwoom~

Her speed of acceleration breaks some flower petals.

Stepping on the flowers, she closes the gap between them within seconds.

"Don't you dare act ignorant, you thief!" she yells.

"Heh."

Henry smirks as the princess throws a horizontal kick aiming for his head.

~Swish~

The air whistles as Henry ducks and dodges the attack, before jumping back.

"I can understand why you would call me a thief, probably because I stole your heart. But that's a cute way to indirectly tell me how you feel," Henry teases.

"That's one," Henry counts.

Emma is surprised at his reaction speed and sees the wild grin on his face.

"Huh?" Emma looks confused.

"Nothing to bother yourself about, princess. It's just a bet I made with a friend. You see, I have to dodge your attacks ten times to make him my slave. Would you mind going easy on me for that first ten attacks?"

"Not in your dreams, you lout!"

**Meanwhile, in the martial arts class:**

"Henry's so cool!"

"What the? That's an old-school pick-up line and it's super lame! How's that cool?"

"Oh? Do I smell jealousy?"

"No, you don't, you freak!"

"Who are you calling a freak?" Two students argue.

"That's really troublesome..."

"What is?"

"Emma has been calling Henry a thief. Do you really think he's skilled enough to bear the guardians' family crest?"

"That's all a load of bull crap. Like Henry said, she's trying to fight over my Henry. That's the only thing that makes sense!"

"What the hell? Who said he's yours?"

"W...well, I'm planning on confessing to him later, you know."

"But I thought you didn't like him?"

"I like strong boys, but he was looking weak. Today he proved that he's strong, so I changed my mind. Got a problem with that?"

"Urgh...You all are frustrating." Arguments start turning into noise.

"Woah! Did you see how fast she was?! Henry doesn't stand a chance," a student exclaims.

"Yeah, he doesn't!"

"But he dodged. His reaction speed is quite impressive."

"Nah, that's just a fluke. I'm sure he won't be able to dodge her next attack."

"I'm sure Emma has more tricks up her sleeve. She's from Lucian's family, after all."

"Henry just provoked her. He's dead for sure."

"I think I'm in love."

"Pfft, she's way out of your league. You better stop dreaming and watch how Henry's butt will get handed to him."

"Hahahaha!" the boys laugh.

"I think that's enough. You're all almost adults. You're all from renowned families. But you can't behave yourselves. Isn't that a shame to your family's name?" The teacher asks in a dark and serious voice.

Immediately, the whole class goes silent. Gideon smiles, resting his chin on his fist. Then he raises his hand and speaks up.

"Teacher, I have a request to ask of you," Gideon says.

"What is it, Gideon?"

"I want to make a bet with my fellow classmates," he said.

"..." The class is surprised at his sudden request.

"Fine, but do it in a mature way," the teacher says, looking forward to his proposal.

"Thank you, ma'am. Now, class, how sure are you that Emma's going to win?" Gideon asks the class with an expressionless gaze.

Everyone turns to face him, including the silent Priscilla who was simply watching the fight and ignoring the class.

"Huh? What do you mean? Are you blind or something? That's Emma. She's from one of the best martial arts families. Compared to a lowlife nobody, she's not even going to break a sweat," an orange short-haired, bulky boy said. He was average in height and is fat. His name is Troy Marvel. In this parallel world, he doesn't get bullied; rather, he bullies.

Why? Because he's from a family of popular martial arts. They call their technique "Forceful Clash." It's a process whereby the attacker positions their shoulder facing the opponent and runs towards him.

There are no more than ten people that survived this attack and still have their rib cage intact.

"You dimwits, you fail to see the truth in this situation," Gideon said in a pitiful tone while shaking his head.

"Hoh? That's rich coming from the guy with the lowest marks. Or are you trying to pick a fight with me?" Troy said mockingly while most of the male students giggle, while girls just watch the scene without saying anything.

"Nah, fighting you will be a waste of my time. How about we make a bet?"

"Heh, I like you, kid," Troy said while smirking.

"I bet two million on Henry," Gideon said.

"How about we raise the stakes: two point five (2.5) million, what do you say?" Troy said intimidatingly.

"Great, let's do this," Gideon said with a grin.

As per the agreement and involvement of the teacher, they both take out their cards and send the money to the teacher; the winner will get all.

*With this, I will have nothing to lose. If he loses, I'll gain a puppet, but if he wins, I'll gain 2.5 million. That's good considering that that's my last cash.* He thought, saying that last part with tears.

So what will it be? Puppet or money? What are you going to do, Henry? I know you heard our conversation, but this is checkmate for you. *Gideon thought with a smile. Meanwhile, Priscilla kept looking at him as if studying him. She stared at him for some time before moving her gaze away.

**In the Stage:**

Henry smiles at Gideon's smart move.

*I'll show you that I'm the boss.* He thought as he redoes himself for Emma's next attack