They marched off to their first class of the day - Chemistry. They had a practical task to complete today. In most schools, these tasks would mostly be done in groups or with a partner, but due to the highly competitive nature of the school, people were often dissuaded from working with others. This was of course not true in all cases, and they understood the value of working as a team, but if they could get away with it, they would much rather not have to share their knowledge - and therefore their points, with anyone else.
It may have been different had it been another class, but this was Rank 1, which meant that everyone had solid knowledge, and an even more solid ego. Ace worked alone out of convenience since it would allow him to not have to slow his pace down to explain anything, and he could use more unorthodox methods to get results, without having to worry about anyone telling him off, or constantly bickering at him for the motives to his actions.
'This should be simple, I might even be able to chill more than usual.', Ace thought, as he grabbed the necessary equipment, and got to measuring. He mixed and poured as necessary, until the composition of chemicals was perfect, and seemed to achieve the required result.
After a few final tests, he handed in a test tube of the substance, along with a sheet of paper, where the method had been neatly explained, along with diagrams and comments. Then, he walked back to his seat, and just sat there watching previously downloaded videos, that talked about various game exploits, or just curiosities to be found in specific maps. In tactical shooters, which he found himself playing more and more of, knowing the map was only an advantage, one he wanted to make full use of.
This was how he spent the rest of the hour, ignoring the furtive glances, and simply focusing on his own thing. Once the bell rang, he wished his teacher a wonderful day, and then left for his next class.
***
By this point in time, it was already well established within the school that Ace was a genius. At 14, he was acing entry-level university exams on any subject, he was extremely talented in sports in general, and was proficient in multiple instruments. Furthermore, it was assumed that Ace spoke multiple languages, since there were videos of him skating with a group of people in Vienna, and he was speaking German with them. Furthermore, everyone knew of his streaming career, which meant that they at least had some awareness of his collaboration with foreign content creators, and the fact he could speak all those languages.
All in all, people had no doubt about it, and yet, there was the main doubt that plagued people's minds: What was his goal? Up until now, he had not made any super big moves on his own. Of course, he was streaming, and growing his brand, but truthfully, he coils have made things much more lucrative than they were now. However, a few people had begun to realise: He wanted to grow.
He was spreading awareness. Chances were, people that were fans of video games would know him. Fashion nuts would do so as well, due to his impromptu appearance at certain shows, as well as short modelling saints once in a while. Music fanatics were salivating at the thought of him releasing a song, and more than a few people thought he would look fantastic on the big screen.
If you were 30 or younger, chances were you knew him, and if you were in the entertainment industry, you KNEW him. That was just how it was at this point. In less than a year, he had grown to gigantic proportions, and it seemed like no-one was stopping him.
Of course, it would get to the point where he would slow down, but it sure as hell did not seem like it yet, and furthermore, he was only 14. Most people assumed he was 17 or 18, since to be fair, he did look that age, but he was actually 4 years younger, and was nowhere near his prime, hell, he had about 10 years for that.
He would have many more chances to grow, and to establish himself as a giant in whichever industry he chose.
People in school were talking, and the general consensus was that his dominance over the institution was simply a matter of time. He would soon be the heir to the most prestigious resort in the world, nothing even came close from that. It would be a new place for meetings, holidays, and events. Everyone who was something would be there when it counted, and people had no doubts that to a point, Ace would be able to control that.
It was no secret how much his grandmother trusted him, and if he was to ask for an extra spot or two… People knew it was the only chance they would have to get close to him, but unluckily for them, so did Ace. Regardless, however, he was not stupid, if he could get something of someone, he was happy to trade for it, nevertheless, he knew that the chances of someone approaching him because of something they wanted now were gigantic, he was on guard.
Another talking point, of course, was whether anyone would be able to challenge his seat as Rank 1. The general agreement was no, but some talked about a new transfer student coming in. Most, however, remembered what had happened to the last person who had challenged him, and were not so sure that anyone would be able to compete. As of now, the value his family had was gigantic, and since the family consisted of only 2 people, it was a simple disposition of power.
And finally, who would he marry? Was there anyone he had his eyes on? People talked about the fact that he was good friends with the second and third rank, but people knew they were only friends. There existed the possibility of a secret partner however, something not uncommon for families of this calibre, even if the subject of the conversation was a 14-year-old boy.
People laughed, finding it ridiculous that Ace would limit himself in such a way, and to be fair, he tended to agree. Nevertheless, if he found the right person, no matter when it was, he would be more than happy to enter a commitment. However, at the end of the day, he was 14, and had a lot more maturing to do, before he knew what it was he looked for in a partner.
He was a reasonable person, and because of that, he knew that due to his status and appearance, people would be more than happy to be with him, but he also knew he had to be careful - his grandmother had told him many times before. People had bad intentions, and it was up to him to not suffer from those.