Why do you want to challenge Ferguson?
This question is actually a bit redundant.
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"You are ranked first." Erend smiled as if it were a matter of course. "Who in the academy doesn't want to take down the first place and sit on it?"
This is not only related to reputation and status but also to tangible benefits.
In the short term, the top-ranked students enjoy privileges in the academy. The privileges of the twelve individuals on the first page are particularly exaggerated, not to mention the benefits of securing the top position. The special bonuses issued every month alone are enough to make one financially secure. Who wouldn't be tempted?
In the long term, those ranked at the top receive advantages when participating in world-class competitions such as the Festivals. Their exposure increases, opening doors to opportunities unimaginable to most. The benefits that come with being the number one in a school like Livermorny are beyond ordinary comprehension.
So, naturally, everyone wants to challenge the top rank, and there are plenty of reasons for doing so.
As the one holding this position, how could Ferguson not understand this?
But…
"Senior doesn't care about this, right?"
Ferguson asked seriously.
"Oh?" Erend raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why do you think so?"
"Because senior is not that kind of person."
Ferguson's tone was firm.
"In this regard, you seem quite confident."
It was unclear whether Erend was teasing, but Ferguson's face flushed slightly in embarrassment.
"Because senior said so."
Ferguson mumbled in a low voice.
"What did I say?"
Erend asked.
Ferguson hesitated for a moment before softly muttering, "Senior said that if you can beat me, my expression wouldn't be so heavy..."
Obviously, Ferguson had kept that statement in mind.
In truth, what Ferguson really wanted to ask Erend was not why he specifically challenged her, but why he had said that.
This undoubtedly gave Ferguson an illusion—
An illusion that Erend challenged her specifically for her own sake.
Erend did not deny it but simply smiled faintly and continued walking forward.
Ferguson quickly followed, walking beside Erend, stealing glances at his expression.
The little girl was very patient. Or rather, she had already used up her courage and didn't dare to ask again.
In this situation, Erend walked forward at his own pace, looking ahead.
"I actually know a little about your situation."
As if talking to himself, Erend said something that made Ferguson stiffen.
Erend seemed not to notice and continued speaking.
"Your uncle is Kane, an employee of Britain Company, the parent company operating Livermorny."
"He is the director of the Seventh Teaching and Research Office in the Integrated Entertainment Division, responsible for human resources-related affairs in the Far East."
"The Teaching and Research Office directly manages Livermorny's human resource agents and is closely tied to the results of the Festivals. As such, his authority is quite substantial."
"But he is not satisfied with this—he wants more."
"So, he wants to use you as much as possible."
Ignoring Ferguson's wavering expression, Erend continued.
"The Integrated Entertainment Division is a department highly regarded by the Supreme Executive Department in Britain Company. If Kane, a senior executive in this division, can train a Festival contestant who goes down in history, he might get a shot at becoming a high-ranking official at headquarters."
"For that reason, he exploited you. He arranged a duel for you when you entered school, making you one of the twelve on the first page. He then orchestrated an official ranking battle in your first month, ensuring you defeated the previous number one and claimed the top spot at Durmstrang."
"Since then, nearly all your duels and schedules have been under Kane's control. To maintain your number-one status, he constantly devised strategies, provided you with opponent information, and ensured you became an unprecedented champion, all while boosting his own standing."
"In other words, you didn't want to hold this number-one position yourself." Erend finally turned his gaze back to Ferguson. "Am I right?"
Ferguson remained silent.
"...It seems senior already knows a lot about me."
Ferguson muttered gloomily.
"Not really." Erend shrugged. "At least, I don't know why you obey him."
That was a lie.
Erend knew better than anyone why Ferguson obeyed her uncle, despite his cruelty, his hatred, and his control over her.
Because Ferguson wanted to save her father.
"...My father went to jail for a crime when I was eight years old."
Ferguson's lips trembled slightly. Seeing Erend's surprised expression, she let out her secret effortlessly.
"That day, my father took me to a store, where we encountered robbers."
"I… I was careless and got taken as a hostage."
"In order to save me, my father…"
Ferguson's voice grew fainter, nearly inaudible beneath the noisy crowd. The word "kill" was swallowed by the surrounding sounds.
"I want to save my father."
That sentence, however, was spoken with absolute clarity and determination.
"That's why I came to this city."
This was the place closest to Ferguson's wish.
"My uncle is powerful. He suppressed my father's case single-handedly. If he rises in status and gains more power, he can get my father out of prison."
This was not just wishful thinking.
Erend knew that in a world governed by power and corporate control, the law could be twisted, justice manipulated, and truth reshaped in the blink of an eye.
Because of the falling star rain, the old world order had collapsed. Emerging economies like the integrated enterprise consortiums had taken control.
They were the new rulers of the world.
And to stimulate economic growth, they did whatever it took.
The Festivals were created as a tool for economic expansion—a grand spectacle designed to make money for these corporations.
To support this, they built this city, recruited the Baby Boomers from all over the world, and made them fight on this stage.
To attract contestants, they promised unparalleled rewards. The most tempting of all?
A single wish.
Whoever won the Festivals could make a wish, and the six integrated enterprise consortiums would do their best to grant it.
That's why the competition was so fierce. That's why schemes, ambushes, and even assassinations happened.
If Kane became a high-ranking executive at Britain Company, getting someone out of prison would be effortless.
That was why Ferguson obeyed Kane.
However…
"He treats you terribly, despite relying on you to climb the ladder." Erend remarked coldly. "I heard he beats and scolds you constantly. The incident with Jenni Ortega was because you helped her, wasn't it? He must have punished you harshly for that."
Otherwise, Ferguson wouldn't have been in such poor condition back then.
"...It can't be helped."
Ferguson lowered her head.
Who told her to disobey?
Who told her to help a competitor?
"Yes, it can't be helped."
Erend's expression was indifferent.
Then, he spoke.
"Then I did the right thing by challenging you by name."
Erend's words made Ferguson look up.
"Senior…?"
Ferguson stared at him, bewildered.
Seeing her expression, Erend smiled.
"Wait."
His voice was calm and clear.
"I will bring you down from your pedestal and shatter his unrealistic fantasy."
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