"What kind of nonsense is that? Who do you think you are, a king?"
"Zuri, honey, using a male alias, we still recognize you. Stop pretending."
"Betting on yourself to win, it's normal. No need to disguise it, we get it."
"Hey King, if you have guts, reveal your identity."
"Yeah, I dare you to reveal your identity."
"Haha, no way they'll dare. Revealing it would mean getting exposed."
At a basketball court outside the school, Kaden looked down at his phone, his expression growing darker by the second. Ricardo approached cautiously, nearly petrified by the intimidating aura of his boss.
"Boss, what's wrong? Did some punk piss you off?" Ricardo asked, trying to sound tough.
The surrounding lackeys immediately chimed in.
"Boss, just say the word, and we'll go take care of it."
"Take care of what?" Kaden snapped, kicking Ricardo in the butt.
Ricardo looked as if he had been wronged, like a scolded wife, and dared not speak again.
Kaden's face darkened as he typed out a message deliberately.
King: "I don't change my name. It's Kaden. If you're not convinced, let's duel."
Damn, these people are blind! Do I look like some effeminate wimp?
As soon as Kaden posted his reply, the forum erupted.
"Hahaha, someone pretending to be Kaden."
"Aren't they afraid Kaden will come after them?"
When the comments reached the tenth floor, a user named Zuri suddenly appeared.
Zuri: "I didn't know I had an alternate account."
Everyone was stunned. Looking at Zuri's account and then at King's account, some were confused, but many more immediately thought it was Zuri using multiple accounts.
However, a renowned computer whiz at the academy traced the IP addresses and confirmed that the two accounts were not the same person. In an instant, the forum fell silent. Those who had been mocking King collectively shut up. Many even quietly deleted their comments.
Who was Kaden? He was notorious. If you got on his bad side, you might as well kiss your life goodbye!
The whole betting uproar died down completely because of Kaden's intervention. Now, everyone was waiting for the results.
On Monday morning, Natalie, who hadn't been at school for a while, finally returned. She came specifically to see Zuri's downfall.
That morning, all Windsor Academy students gathered under the bulletin board, eagerly waiting. Jason led a few teachers to post the results. As soon as they stepped away, the crowd surged forward.
Azura and Zuri stood a few meters away under the shade of a tree, watching the throng.
Saira and her group arrived late. Instead of rushing to the board, they walked towards Zuri.
"Don't forget to fulfill your promise when you lose," Farida said, smiling confidently.
"Don't worry, I won't forget. But you shouldn't either."
"Hmph," Natalie scoffed disdainfully.
Natalie had come today to crush Zuri, to avenge herself for the previous humiliation.
"Enough talk, let's check the results. I think I did pretty well this time," Eduardo said cheerfully, stealing glances at Zuri's face.
As they arrived, the crowd parted for them.
"Aren't you going to check?" Azura asked, amazed at Zuri's composure.
Zuri remained calm, which impressed Azura, who usually prided herself on her self-control.
Natalie was at the forefront, eager to see the results first. She had devised countless ways to ruin Zuri, only needing a legitimate excuse.
They started from the top of the list. When their eyes landed on the first row, their pupils dilated with disbelief.
"Impossible!"
"How can it be?"
"It must be a mistake. How could she, someone who scored only 280 points before, be first?" Natalie was nearly incoherent with shock. "She must have cheated!"
Natalie's accusation of cheating was loud enough to be heard within a ten-meter radius, drawing the attention of passing students. Saira stared at the top name in disbelief, rubbing her eyes to ensure she wasn't seeing things. The name "Zuri" was clear and unchanged.
"How could she..." Saira muttered.
Natalie pushed through the crowd to confront Zuri. "You must have cheated. How could you possibly be first?"
Azura couldn't stand it. "Hey, cheat? Who would she copy? She's the top scorer! Use your brain before accusing someone."
Zuri didn't waste words on them. Her gaze swept over Natalie and her group. "You should honor your agreement."
She then turned to address the gathered students. "From today, all the restrooms in the teaching building are under their care. If there are any issues, you can find them."
Cheers erupted from the crowd.
"Additionally, you must run around the track. I've got your gear ready."
A worker soon arrived on a tricycle, carrying several green turtle shells.
"You all, wear these and run fifty laps around the track."
Farida and the others turned pale. The idea of running with turtle shells or cleaning restrooms was unbearable. It wasn't just a matter of pride; it was an extreme blow to their dignity. If they fulfilled the bet, they'd lose all face at Windsor Academy.
Saira bit her lip and said, "Zuri, don't be like this. The bet was just a joke. Why take it seriously?"
Zuri didn't get angry, but Azura was irritated. "A joke? If you can't handle losing, you shouldn't have signed. Now you want to back out?"
The students around looked at Saira and her friends with disdain.
"I thought Saira wasn't like that. How did she become so shameless?"
"Maybe they were just joking," someone defended Saira.
"Are you blind? Didn't you see the video? They nearly came to blows."
"Who's blind here? I liked Farida and the others, but they lost. They should honor the bet."
The students' discussions and pointed fingers made it clear that they expected the bet to be honored.