Chapter 193: Start of exam week

Weeks before the final exam week, most students had been studying nonstop in preparation for their final exam. Everyone could feel the change of atmosphere in the school, a mix of feelings in the air.

And now, exam week finally arrived whether or not they were prepared for it.

Atlas sat down in his respective spot, his expression fiercer than ever. This week would decide... Penny’s money’s fate. He closed his eyes and tried to keep his mind clear of unnecessary thoughts. However, just as he did, Theo’s voice rang from somewhere in his vicinity.

"Well, Atlas."

Atlas didn’t want to open his eyes and taint his concentration. But sensing the guy’s presence from his side, a shallow breath slipped past him and reluctantly opened his eyes.

Theo smiled, watching Atlas’s eyes crack open. "I see you’re really taking this seriously."

"Don’t you?"

"Haha. Of course, I also take this seriously." Theo laughed and casually tapped Atlas’s shoulder. "But you have to chill out. I mean, most of us don’t expect to actually beat the star section."

"Most... of you," Atlas corrected in the same flat tone. "I’m not included."

The smile on Theo’s face twitched, laughing a bit more. "Atlas, don’t tell me you really think you can steal a seat in the star section?"

This time, Atlas didn’t respond.

With the lack of response, Theo laughed even louder.

"Atlas, seriously?" he repeated in disbelief before he burst out in laughter.

Some of their classmates already had their eyes on them when Atlas came in, but now, everyone’s attention was on them. They didn’t have the energy to comment, though. They knew Atlas studied hard and they were already thankful he still let them all take turns to be his study buddy because they all signed up for his little sister’s fan club.

Even so...

"Theo looks very relaxed," someone commented listlessly. "It must be nice to be smart without trying."

"Even the star students had to study for this final exam."

"Did Theo give up?"

"Or maybe, it’s true that if Theo tried enough, he will steal a seat in the star section."

"Well... he is our current top one. He was able to kick Atlas out of the rank one spot of this class without even trying."

Theo smiled in satisfaction, pleased to hear the compliments around. Although Theo spent day and night and even hired tutors for this bet, he never showed it in front of everyone. He wanted to keep his image this way because even if he didn’t beat the star section or even Atlas, everyone could just assume it was because he hadn’t been very serious about it.

"Atlas, come on, dude." Theo smiled and leaned on the desk beside Atlas’s. "I know the pressure is high, but you should relax a little. No one will fault you if you don’t beat the star section."

Their classmates nodded, but their agreement came from good intentions.

"Atlas, even if you don’t get into the star section, you’ve always been a star to us."

"That’s right. Just do what you usually do and we’re already proud of you for giving such pride to our section."

"Don’t worry. If the star section tries to mock you, we’ll protect you!"

All of them, despite their haggard faces, offered a sincere smile. Atlas, on the other hand, appreciated their kind words. But alas...

"I don’t want to drop out," said Atlas and slowly cast Theo a look. "Theo, even if no one will fault us, a bet is a bet. If we lose, we’ll both have to drop out. I hope your confidence is coming from the fact you studied hard, but not from the fact that you’re thinking of going back on your words."

The confident smile on Theo’s face faded, noticing that the attention shifted to him.

"Of course not!" he intoned with a tinge of nervousness. "But all I’m saying is, the star section is —"

"They are a worthy opponent. That’s why we’re challenging them as challengers because they were champions. However, they weren’t unreachable as they only stood on top of a mountain but not on the moon," Atlas continued whatever he thought Theo was about to say. "Let’s do well, Theo."

Theo tried to smile but failed miserably. "Ye — yes, of course."

"Theo, good luck!"

"Good luck to the two of you!"

"We’re putting all our trust in the both of you~"

Their classmates cheered, trying to raise Atlas and Theo’s morale. Atlas ignored the cheering, but the effect it had on Theo was the complete opposite. Theo listlessly went to his seat, trying to maintain a smile.

Deep in Theo’s heart, he couldn’t help but panic.

’Is he serious!?’ he mentally gasped, sneaking up a look at Atlas, only to see the latter close his eyes to concentrate. ’Will he really drop out if we lose?! That crazy guy!!!’

Theo only agreed with this bet because he was unwillingly roped in it. However, he gained confidence at the thought that since there were two of them, he thought if he could make Atlas not want to drop out, they could all just forget about it.

But if Atlas was determined to drop out, then Theo would have to do it as well! If he didn’t, everyone would think Theo was someone who wouldn’t value his own words.

Theo made a fist as he gazed down. ’Shit, shit, shit! These Bennets! First, they accused Patricia of a horrible thing, and then this?! They’re really trying to screw us over, don’t they!? Even this bet is orchestrated by their long-lost sister! Did they plan this all along?’

Theo clenched his teeth, cursing Atlas in his heart.

’It’s alright. I studied hard. I studied hard and even hired the best tutors out there!’ he told himself, closing his eyes and nodding. ’I got this. I aced all the mock exams and advanced lessons. This final exam is a piece of cake!’

Slowly, Theo calmed down and concentrated on the matter. He might not be able to reach the star section, but as long as he keeps the rank 1 of their section, no one would fault him if he went back to his words.

’I beat Atlas once,’ he told himself, sliding his eyes in Atlas’s direction. ’As long as I keep the number 1 spot, he’ll stay at second and I’ll be saved!’