The Mentality Of Slum Born Will Never Change...

Just as Asuka climbed down from the cave, the whole area vibrated as if an earthquake had struck. Warning sirens echoed through the air, and in an instant, the magic surrounding the place vanished. Everything returned to normal, back to the Black Dragon's training grounds. It felt like they had been pulled back to reality after experiencing an elaborate illusion.

A frown appeared on Asuka's face. "Why is it already over? The time isn't up yet."

The sirens and vibrations woke Ruby and Ashton from their unconsciousness. "What's happening? Where are we?" Ashton groaned, holding his aching head. Ruby looked equally confused and pained.

"Sorry for the disturbance," Jessica's voice cut through the confusion. She paused, her eyes locked onto Jane and Grey, who were both panting heavily and barely conscious. Sprinklers sprayed water around them, suppressing the lingering flames.

"Your trial ended before the time was up due to some issues," Jessica continued, her attention shifting back to the trainees. "Points will be allotted based on the two hours that have passed. Everything else remains the same. I know it's unfair, but so is the world, so be prepared for the next trials." Jessica's expression turned grim. "Due to the destruction caused by Jane, which is over the allowed limit, Blue Squad will be penalized 10 points."

Hearing Jessica's last statement, Ruby's expression turned to one of hopelessness. With a bit of denial, she fell to her knees, staring at the spot where Jessica had stood moments ago.

"Isn't she overreacting?" Ashton whispered in Asuka's ear.

But Asuka's attention was elsewhere. Noticing neither Jane nor Grey had a flag in their hands. "Our flag is stolen," Asuka muttered in disbelief.

"What are you saying? There's no way that could happen," Ashton replied, but his shock mirrored Asuka's when his gaze followed. "Fuck, who was it?"

The loud murmur of other squads made Asuka and Ashton turn towards the scoreboard:

Green: +5 

Red: 0 

Yellow: 0 

White: 0 

Black: 0 

Blue: -15

They simply stood petrified, unable to process the information...

"The Fuck, It was Leo!!"

"Wow, Leo, you managed to steal the flag from Jane and Grey, the top scorers, and you did it alone. I really underestimated you," a trainee said, standing beside Leo. A crowd of curious onlookers surrounded Leo, all amazed by his unbelievable feat, Initially they just thought of him as a lucky pervert. But now, Despite having only a B-tier blessing like many here, he had defeated the strongest duo alone. Everyone was in shock.

"I just won because of luck and because both of them were dumb, or else there's no way I could've managed it," Leo said with a wide smile, trying to answer everyone's questions.

Asuka shifted his attention from Leo back to Jane and Grey. "Are they really that dumb?" he asked, Ashton standing beside him.

"Everyone makes mistakes Asuka," Ashton replied in a low voice. Though he tried to look depressed, Asuka could easily see the hidden amusement in his eyes. Now that Grey had cost them points, he wouldn't be able to talk back or taunt Ashton again, In a sense they are now somewhat equal.

'Tsk! this fucker, will we be fine with this team,' Asuka let out a deep sigh...

Shortly, Jane and Grey walked over, their expressions indifferent. "I'm tired, so I'll take my leave," Grey said, avoiding Asuka's gaze.

'Fucker now trying to run away,' Asuka also chuckled inside. 'Looks like I too am a hypocrite,'

After attending to everyone, Leo headed towards his room, but his roaming gaze fell on Ruby, still on her knees. "Ruby, why are you looking so depressed?" He asked, with a pause he continued, "It's hopeless, right? We slum guys have to fight for ourselves. The privileged ones will never care that much about winning, cause their life doesn't depend on it, our's do," Leo said, seating himself on the ground beside Ruby.

'What the fuck is he up to?' Asuka frowned.

Leo again continued, "I can help you out of this debt."

Just hearing this, Ruby's lifeless eyes were now filled with curiosity as she looked at Leo. Maybe a hope.

Leo then spoke, "If you don't clear it now, it will just continue to add up as interest will be charged every month. You know I'm saving up points for my goal, right? So I can't really help you for free. But lately, looking at Jessica, I get a boner. So I want someone to comfort it, and the pay for is 30 fucking points. I think that much is already better than fair deal. Here, take this card, it's for my room. At the End choice is yours." Leo handed her a card.

"You damn fucker! How dare you insult us like that?" Grey snapped, his voice sharp with anger. But before he could attack Leo, Jane stopped him.

"Leo, please shut up and go away. We don't want your offer," Jane said, controlling her frustration.

But to her surprise, Ruby accepted the card while everyone could only stare in shock. A grin appeared on Leo's face. "Nice choice."

"Noooo! What? I appeal to change the captain," 

*

*

*

{A/N}

Second Chapter of the Day...

Thanks for Reading and boosting my motivation.

Comment if you have any questions related to the story.