“I personally think thispetition should be a piece of cake for you,” Mr. Hammond remarked with a hint of emotion in his voice.


    Meeting Mirabe was a stroke of serendipity. At just 17, she made an online ssh by cracking theplex conundrums posed by several prestigious Riverdale institutions.


    Problems that stumped other students <b>for </b>weeks seemed like child’s y to her. With barely any effort, she’d unraveled them and then some, her insights leaving onlookers in awe.


    She almost caused an educational meltdown at these elite schools, and yet nobody had a clue who was behind it all. It was only when Parkside High School’s online admission quiz blew her cover that he learned the mastermind giving the big institutions a run for their money was a high school student.


    Pure luck yed its part in bringing her to Parkside High School. Had she not been looking to study in Ashford, with Parkside being the top high school around, she might not have given it a second nce. Of course, Mr. Hammond never expected this youngdy to actually choose Parkside.


    When confronted with Mr. Hammond’s unexpected confidence, Mirabe could only respond. “I just want to focus on my studies.”


    Mr. Hammond chuckled. “Studying andpeting? They actually go hand in hand<b>.</b>”


    “So, what’s your reason for putting me in thispetition?” asked Mirabeting to the


    chase.


    Mr. Hammond adjusted his sses. “Although Parkside’s college cement rate has been consistent, there’s been a troubling downward trend…” He paused, his smile tinged with bitterness. “I just don’t want the school’s century–old reputation to falter on my watch.”


    Mirabe gave Mr. Hammond an OK sign. “I get it.”


    Conversations with the bright were refreshingly straightforward. Mr. Hammond studied Mirabe for a moment before adding, “Thispetition isn’t a walk in the park either. If you stand out, you might even catch the eye of an association or two from Riverdale. It could be great for your future.”


    Mirabe raised an eyebrow, slightly taken aback.


    Mr. Hammond smiled. “With your capabilities, you’re underselling yourself at our school. There’s not much else I can help you with.”


    Mirabe waved a casual hand, “No need, I’m good as is.” She then stood up, “ss is about to start. I should head back to the ssroom.”


    “Alright.” Mr. Hammond said nothing more, but as Mirabe reached the door, he added, “I haven’t told a soul about that online incident.”


    Mirabe paused, smiled over her shoulder<b>, </b>and left. Mr. Hammond’s gaze lingered until she was out of sight. Then, the warmth on his face faded. He walked to his desk and picked up the phone, dialing. Although the girl had expressed no need for rification, that didn’t mean he’d tolerate underhanded schemes during his absence.


    In the blink of an eye, the day for the BrainSpark Nationals city preliminaries arrived. The tests. weren’t held at the schools but were centralized in the city’s Education Center.


    Mirabe didn’t go to school that day but headed straight to the test site. Her parents, Delh and Shawn, were up early, fussing over breakfast, making it heartier and more varied than <b>usual</b><b>. </b>


    After breakfast, they descended in the elevator and peppered Mirabe with reminders to make sure she had everything she needed.


    Watching her parents, who seemed as if they were sending her off to battle, Mirabe couldn’t help but feel amused. “Mom, Dad, it’s just a simple little contest, nothing as serious as you’re making it out to be.”