Chapter 19
The freshman class at Lyceum was packed onto buses and shipped off to a nearby military base for a week of grueling
training.
“Oh my God. I heard the training here is insane!”
“No kidding. They say the instructors are actual special forces, and we’ll have to do combat drills with them!”
“Combat drills Against them? We’ll get flattened!”
“Relax, they won’t go all out. They’ll hold back a bit.”
“Even if they hold back, one hit and I’ll be bedridden for a monit
“Well, funny you should say that. Apparently, every year there’s a handful of students who get sent straight to the hospital.”
4 too late to bail?”
“What? No way.
Before anyone could dwell too long on their fate, the students were herded into formation on the training field. Each platoon was assigned an instructor, and as luck would have it, Nina found herself grouped with Jessica, Oliver, and Lynn again.
The students stood in neat rows under the blazing sun, waiting for the speeches to begin. On the platform, the principal was already seated, along with several military officers. But at the center of the lineup was one conspicuously empty chair
The murmurs started.
“What’s the holdup? It’s already roasting out here!”
“Yeah, seriously. If they wait any longer, we’ll all be beef jerky before training even starts.”
Jessica and Oliver exchanged knowing glances. The empty chair could only mean one thing: Clifford was coming.
Jessica’s heart raced. She couldn’t wait to see the man who had been occupying her thoughts since their last encounter.
Before long, a soldier jogged up to the platform and whispered something to the officers. Immediately, the principal and the others sprang to their feet, all eyes snapping to the same direction. Their posture was nothing short of reverent
“What’s going on? Someone important?”
The students turned to look, curiosity rippling through the crowd. And then, they saw him.
A tall, broad–shouldered man in a crisp white shirt walked toward the platform, his movements exuding effortless authority. The officers greeted him with cager respect.
“Whoa… who is he?!”
“He’s so hot!”
Normally, the students wouldn’t get so worked up over a good–looking guy. But this man’s face was beyond stunning–so perfect it felt unfair. It wasn’t just movie–star handsome; it was the kind of face that could break the internet.
Jessica, who is he? He’s gorgeous! And clearly someone important. Even the principal’s bowing and scraping”
Lynn clutched Jessica’s arm, her heart pounding.
Jessica’s eyes were locked on Clifford, her breath hitching. “That’s Clifford,” she whispered, her voice trembling with
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Chapter 19
excitement. “Oliver’s uncle.
“What? That’s the famous Clifford?”
The boys were just as intrigued.
“Oliver, isn’t that your uncle? Dade, what’s he doing here? Is he here for you?”
“Man, I didn’t think I’d see him in person. He’s unreal.”
“They say he was special forces back in the day. I’d love to spar with him.”
“Yeah, good luck. I heard Clifford was a demon when he trained special forces. The kind of guy who made hardened soldiers cry for mercy”
“Wow, he’s got it all! A killer family name, a face that could launch a thousand ships, and skills for days. What more could a
ju ask for?”
As the boys chattered, Oliver’s gaze shifted to Jessica. Her flushed cheeks and starry–eyed expression as she stared at Clifford made his jaw tighten.
Why did he have to show up? Oliver thought sourly. “What’s he even doing here?”
Clifford’s sharp eyes swept over the field, instantly spotting Nina Thanks to her petite stature, she had been placed in the
front row.
She had clearly stayed up late gaming, as usual. Her cap was pulled low, shadowing her small face. From the slight dip of her head, Clifford could tell she was dozing off.
A smirk tugged at his lips. He could already imagine her jumping out of her skin if someone shouted in her ear right now, Just the thought made him chuckle.
“Is Clifford smiling?!” Lynn whispered excitedly. “Jessica, he’s looking this way!”
Jessica’s heart nearly stopped. ‘Could he really be looking at me? She straightened her back and lifted her chin, desperate to stand out.
Only Oliver noticed Clifford’s gaze wasn’t on Jessica–it was on Nina. His eyes darted to her, and sure enough, she was nodding off, her head bobbing like a broken toy.
“She’s not… asleep, is she? Oliver wondered.
The instructor noticed something off about Nina and marched over, his voice sharp. “What do you think you’re doing? Sleepwalking in broad daylight?”
As he clamped a hand down on her shoulder, Nina moved instinctively. Half–asleep, she grabbed his arm, flipped him over her shoulder, and slammed him onto the ground with a thud.
The held went silent.
Nina blinked, finally waking up. She rubbed her eyes, oblivious to the stunned stares around her. “Huh? Is it lunchtime already?”
The crowd erupted.
“Did she just take down the instructor?!”
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Chapter 19
“Holy crap! Nina’s fearless!
“She really just body–slammed a special forces guy. Classic Nina
On the platform, the principal froze mid–sentence, his face pale. His lips quivered. What are you doing, Professor Fletcher? I can’t protect you here!‘
Meanwhile, the officers exchanged intrigued glances.
“She’s got skill. That wasn’t a beginner’s move.”
“Think she’s trained before?”
To flip one of ours so easily… definitely not an ordinary student
Clifford leaned back, a bemused smile on his face. “You all haven’t been slacking in training, have you?” he asked lightly.
The officers, all former students of Clifford, immediately straightened. “Of course not, Mr. Snce!”
“Good,” Clifford said with a grin. Tonight, I’ll find someone to spar with you.”
Relief washed over the officers. Thank God he’s not volunteering himself. Maybe we’ll survive another day, they thought.
