The grand hall of North Crescent Academy was transformed into a battleground of intellect and strategy. Crystal chandeliers cast an opulent glow over the polished marble floors, and a large digital scoreboard loomed over the elevated stage where the finalists would compete. Rows of seats were packed with students, professors, and prestigious guests, all eager to witness the results of the highly anticipated National Science and Innovation Cup—a competition that brought together the brightest young minds in the country.
This was not just any academic contest. The National Science and Innovation Cup tested intelligence, innovation, and real-world application of scientific principles. Contestants faced multiple rounds of grueling challenges—from engineering prototypes to solving complex theoretical problems. However, the final round was the most prestigious: a business simulation challenge where competitors had to devise corporate strategies, navigate financial risks, and outmaneuver virtual opponents in real time.
 
The night before the finals, in a dimly lit private lounge, Vivian Montenegro sat across from three esteemed judges of the competition. She exuded an air of confidence, her manicured fingers tracing the rim of her wine glass. A sleek black envelope lay between them on the polished mahogany table.
“The academy trusts your judgment,” she said smoothly, her lips curving into a practiced smile. “And I trust that the right winner will be chosen.”
One of the judges hesitated. “Miss Montenegro, you must understand—”
Vivian cut him off, sliding the envelope forward. “Inside, you’ll find a generous show of appreciation for your efforts. More than enough to fund personal projects... or ensure certain inconveniences disappear.” Her green eyes gleamed with unspoken threats. “I’m sure we understand each other.”
The judges exchanged wary glances, then one of them picked up the envelope, weighing its contents. A few moments of silence stretched between them before he gave a curt nod. “Consider it done.”
Vivian leaned back, victorious. Seraphina Villanueva would not leave that stage as a winner.
 
The Competition Begins.
Sera stood tall on the stage, her sharp amber eyes scanning the massive LED screen displaying the final challenge: a corporate survival simulation. The competitors had to build and sustain a company under fluctuating economic conditions, evolving market demands, and aggressive AI-driven competitors. Every decision would affect their company’s valuation, growth, and survival.
This was Sera’s domain. She could do this in her sleep.
The challenge began, and Sera immediately dove into calculations, her mind working faster than the simulation’s algorithm. The hall fell into hushed awe as numbers and projections flashed across the screen.
She was outperforming everyone—until something strange happened.
The system lagged.
Then, her inputs were overridden.
The algorithm started displaying illogical errors, miscalculating projections, and feeding her misleading data.
Sera’s fingers hovered over the keyboard. This wasn’t a glitch. It was sabotage.
Her heart pounded, but outwardly, she remained composed. She stole a glance at Vivian, who sat in the VIP section, watching with barely concealed amusement. Of course.
Ellie, seated among the spectators, leaned forward, her fists clenched. “Something’s wrong,” she hissed.
“Sera never makes mistakes like that!”
Damian, seated beside her, frowned. “She’s being set up. That data tampering is too obvious.”
Meanwhile, the judges exchanged murmurs, their pre-planned scheme unfolding before them. The lead judge cleared his throat, preparing to speak. “Contestant Villanueva, your data projections appear to be erroneous.
If this continues, we may have to—”
“Just a moment,” Sera cut in smoothly, her voice unwavering. “I’d like to request a manual override.”
The judge hesitated. “That’s against protocol.”
“Oh? But data integrity should be a priority, correct?” Her gaze was razor-sharp. “If the system is compromised, shouldn’t I be allowed to prove my calculations in real-time?”
A ripple of agreement passed through the audience. The murmuring grew louder. Some of the more neutral professors nodded, intrigued by her confidence.
Vivian’s fingers dug into her seat’s armrest. Damn it.
The lead judge pursed his lips, clearly torn between following the script and avoiding public backlash.
Finally, he gave a reluctant nod. “Very well, you may proceed.”
Sera exhaled slowly. Fine. If they wanted to play dirty, she’d play smarter.
She adjusted her approach, manually recalculating projections in her head, bypassing the corrupted system with sheer mental agility. The audience watched in stunned silence as she began writing out entire complex equations on the digital screen, proving each formula’s accuracy.
“But... that means the system was tampered with,” a student whispered.
“Is she actually solving those in her head?!” another gasped.
“She’s a monster,” someone muttered in awe.
But the clock was ticking, and the judges still looked for any excuse to disqualify her.
And then—
A cold, commanding voice cut through the tension.
“Stop the competition.”
Every head turned toward the entrance.
Alexander Lorenzo stood at the back of the hall.
Vivian’s last stand had just crumbled.