The two-week military training was drawing to a close.


    Ynda, who had used a fainting spell to skive off for a few days, returned to find that Juniper''s reputation hadpletely flipped. Not only were thew andputer science students treating her with reverence, but even Ynda''s own ssmates in the broadcasting program had changed their tune, now calling Juniper an "ace."


    Perhaps because of the shooting incident, Ynda realized she was no longer the center of attention. She could feel the subtle mockery in their gazes. To make matters worse, everyone was gossiping that Juniper now had a boyfriend.


    A boyfriend? Ynda had been keeping a close eye on Juniper and had never seen anyone important around her. If her boyfriend were truly rich and powerful, they would have gone public by now. He was probably just some nobody.


    “It doesn''t matter," she thought, consoling herself. “The school is about to choose me as the freshman representative to speak at the opening ceremony. Then, all the students, new and old, will see who I am."


    ...


    The final event of the military training was rock climbing. It was a new addition this year, supposedly to improve students'' reflexes and physical coordination.


    This time, Farrell was uncharacteristically generous and directly nominated Juniper to participate.


    The other students were dumbfounded. Had their instructor been won over by the ace''s awesomeness?


    "Won over?" a nearby student snickered. "More like beaten into submission."


    A few others stifledughs and started to heckle, "Farrell, want to make another bet?"


    They still remembered the taste of those free milkshakes and wouldn''t mind another round.


    "Stand straight!" Farrell barked, his face dark. "One more word and you''re all doing push-ups."


    "Tch." The students exchanged exasperated nces. Look at him, so defensive.


    Juniper looked up, her eyes narrowing as she nced at Farrell''s sly smile. Nominating her to be in the spotlight? Would he really be that nice?


    “Fine,” she said, epting without hesitation. It had been a while since she''d climbed, and a chance to stretch her muscles sounded good.


    Farrell watched her retreating back, a triumphant smirk shing across his face. He''d been too soft on her before, giving her the chance to humiliate him. This time, he would make sure Juniper learned her lesson.


    The rock climbing event officially began.


    Ebony Fox and her subordinate stood by a window, watching the studentspete. Eachpany had sent several participants. Since it was an experiential event, sess or failure didn''t matter, and the students were having a great time.


    Half an hour passed, and it was the twenty-secondpany''s turn. The first few students went up,


    struggling a bit as they were new to the activity. When it was


    turn, the crowd erupted in cheers, all waiting for the ace to blow their minds again.


    Before starting, the instructors were supposed to check the safety ropes.


    Juniper walked up to the climbing wall and saw Farrell holding her rope, inspecting it up and down.


    “It''s all set,” Farrell said as she approached, immediately letting go of the rope. He stepped aside and gestured with his chin. "Go on."


    Juniper nced at the rope, her clear eyes narrowing. A disdainful smirk touched her lips. So that''s why he''d volunteered her. This was his petty little scheme?


    How pathetic! He was seriously underestimating her.


    "Alright," she said, ying along. She grabbed the rope he had so


    obviously sabotaged. If things went ording to his n, the rope would


    snap when she reached the top sending her plummeting to the ground. Best case, serious injury.


    Worst case, death. Contént belongs


    A sharp whistle blew. With incredible speed, Juniper started scaling the rock wall.


    She moved like a gecko, so fast she was almost a blur.