Jax strolled through the academy corridors with his hands in his pockets. His device kept buzzing, so he pulled it out and glanced at the screen.
[New Message: Kiera Rayne]
He tapped to read it.
[Kiera: Meet me at the library. Now.]
He smirked to himself. 'Looks like she's finally ready to explode about last night. This could be interesting.'
The library loomed large with shelves climbing up three full floors. Holographic books and data crystals lined every level, while students hunched over glowing desks and swiped through floating pages.
Kiera waited by a quiet corner table with her arms folded tight. Her face stayed hard, but anger sparked in her eyes like fire.
Jax walked up without rushing. "So, what's this talk about?"
She turned fast and snapped at him. "What were you thinking last night? Have you lost your mind?"
He shrugged like it was no big deal. "I was in my room. She showed up to pay the bet. You got the recording, so you know the deal."
"I know about the bet, sure. But I never thought you'd push it that far." She paused and clenched her jaw. "Mother called me twelve times in a row. She was losing it with worry. I finally went to check on you, and I walk in on that disaster."
Jax leaned against a nearby shelf. "She lost the fight fair and square. She had to pay up. That's how it works."
Her eyes narrowed into slits. "That's how it works? Do you even understand what you've started? Zinnia Reed isn't some random girl. Her family owns half the economy in Neo Veridia. You shamed her completely."
He tilted his head a bit. "She set the terms herself. It's her fault for losing, not mine."
Kiera stepped right up to him. Her voice dropped low and sharp like a knife. "This world isn't just a game to mess around in, Jax. Actions like that come back to bite you hard. The Reeds don't let things go. They always strike back."
Jax straightened and met her stare. "Let them come at me. I'm not the type to run away."
She held his gaze for a long second. Then she turned on her heel. "Mother wants you at the estate tonight. Don't keep her waiting around."
She stormed off without a backward glance.
Jax let out a slow breath. 'Tssk. More family nonsense piling up.'
His device buzzed again. This time, it came from the system.
[New Quest Available]
[Quest: Make it through your first class without starting any trouble]
[Reward: 10 DP]
[Penalty: Everyone sees you humiliated]
He chuckled under his breath. "No trouble in class? That's like telling me to sit still and be dull."
The first class on his schedule was Physical Enhancement. Jax pushed open the door to the training hall and stopped for a second to take it in.
The space stretched out wide with combat rings floating in the air thanks to gravity tech. Weapons covered the walls from basic swords to high-tech energy rifles. Holographic targets darted around like live enemies to practice on.
Students had started warming up already. Some did stretches while others threw easy punches in pairs.
A woman stood right in the center. Her combat gear fit tight against her skin, with the top cut low to show off her chest and pants that gripped her strong thighs. Her dark red hair sat in a tight ponytail that shone under the lights.
She looked to be in her late twenties. Her lips stood out full and painted deep red. Her smile didn't feel warm at all. It felt like she was sizing up prey.
[Instructor: Captain Elara Voss]
[Former Military Champion]
[Specialty: Close Combat]
Elara's voice came out smooth but hit like a command. "Everyone line up right now!"
The students hurried into rows. Jax slipped into a spot at the back.
She walked back and forth in front of them. Her hips swayed just enough to draw eyes. "This is Physical Enhancement class. Forget sitting around with notes. You work until you sweat, until you hurt, until you get stronger."
Her gaze swept over the group and paused on a few male students. Her tongue brushed her lips quick.
"You all know games control everything here. But what if your VR setup crashes? What if the tech gives out? What do you fall back on then?" She slid her hand down her stomach slow. "Your own body. That's the real power."
A couple students shifted their feet awkward.
She pointed to the front row. "You. Get up here."
A blond kid paused before stepping out. He looked ready to bolt.
Elara handed him a wooden staff. "Come at me."
"What?"
"Don't make me say it twice. Hit me with all you have."
The kid swallowed hard and swung the staff at her.
She didn't budge. She caught it between her fingers and twisted. The staff broke with a snap. "Too weak. Too easy to predict."
She leaned in close so her breath hit his face. "I'll teach you to handle your body the right way."
The kid's face turned bright red. He backed up quick to his spot.
She called up more students one after another. Each one bombed. Some didn't touch her. Others lost their weapons in a flash.
Elara seemed to love every bit. After each flop, she got in their space and whispered something that turned their faces red. Then she waved them off.
Her eyes finally locked on Jax. She licked her lips slow. "You in the back. Jax Rayne?"
He gave a nod.
"Step up."
He walked forward steady, tuning out the stares.
She tossed a wooden sword his way. Her gaze ran down his body and lingered low. "Show me what you can do."
He caught the sword easy. It felt natural in his grip. From all his gaming days, he had picked up sword skills from videos and whatever else he found.
Elara put her fists up in a loose stance. "Start when you want."
Jax didn't wait. He lunged in with the blade aimed at her side.
She blocked it with her arm. Clang! The sound rang out.
He spun fast and swung low at her legs. She jumped up and landed right behind him.
He twisted quick and stabbed toward her chest.
She dodged to the side and grabbed his wrist. She gave it a hard twist.
He grunted as the sword dropped. But he rolled with the move instead of fighting it. His elbow flew up toward her chin.
She bent back and missed it by nothing. Their bodies brushed for a split second.
They jumped apart. Both took deeper breaths.
Elara's smile grew wide. "That's better. You know what you're doing."
Jax shrugged. "A little."
"Who trained you?"
"Did it myself."
Her brow went up. She stepped close so her chest nearly touched his. "No help? Just raw skill. That's hot."
She turned to the class. "Pay attention to this. It's about adapting. He didn't just use muscle. He turned the force back with smart angles."
She glanced at Jax with heat in her eyes. "But you still need work. Hang back after class. I'll train you one on one."
The way she stressed one on one made students swap looks.
Jax nodded. 'She's playing a different game here.'
The class turned rough after that. Endless push ups, fast runs, and fight drills. By the end, half the group sprawled on the floor gasping for air.
Elara clapped sharp. "Solid try. Class over. Everyone out. Not you, Rayne."
They shuffled out. Some dragged their feet. Jax hung back.
Elara headed to the door and locked it. The click bounced off the empty walls.
She turned with a sharp smile. "Now we train for real. No eyes on us."
She grabbed a practice sword and tossed it over. "Let's test your limit."
She swung without a heads up. The blade dropped hard.
Jax blocked but the hit shoved him back. She kept at it with blow after blow.
He parried and slipped away. He threw counters. But she didn't let up.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
His arms burned like fire. Sweat ran down his face.
She faked a left swing and hit right. The blade tapped his side.
"Dead." She said it flat.
She closed in so her body pressed on his. "Die in my class? You owe a fee."
Jax held her stare. "What fee?"
Her smile went wicked. "Whatever I pick."
She didn't step off. She grabbed his collar and yanked him near. Their faces sat close.
"For you, it's unique. Lose the shirt. Show me your frame."
Jax paused but smirked. He tugged off his top. His chest shone with sweat.
Elara's eyes traced him slow. She licked her lips. "Impressive. But I need to check how you hold up."
She shoved him onto a mat. He hit with a thud. She climbed on fast with legs around his waist.
Her hands pinned his arms. "Push back. Prove your strength."
Jax twisted hard. He almost flipped her. But she locked down.
She laughed low. "Pss. That's the spirit. Keep fighting."
Her hips shifted on him a touch. Warmth built up fast.
Jax felt his dick stir. 'Hell. This is getting strange.'
He bucked up strong. Nearly tossed her.
She moved with it and leaned in. Her breasts pushed on his chest through the fabric.
Her voice whispered. "Stronger. Still short."
She freed one hand. It trailed down his stomach. Headed to his pants.
Jax's breath skipped. "What are you up to—"
"Hush." She smirked. "Part of the drill. Test how long you endure."
Her fingers grazed the swell in his pants. She gave a light squeeze.
Jax groaned. "Hhhk."
She chuckled. "Look at that. Cracking already."
The door stayed locked. The hall sat empty. Her grip tightened.
She tugged the zipper down slow. Her eyes burned with want.
"Time to check your real power."