Sarah nodded appreciatively. "The student council values dedication, leadership, and a genuine desire to contribute positively to the academy community," she explained. "To become a member, you'll need to rank first in the ongoing academy ranking, which includes various aspects of academic performance, participation in extracurricular activities, and overall engagement."
Sarah's gaze remained thoughtful as she continued, her words carrying a genuine enthusiasm. "The student council serves as a platform for active and passionate individuals to make a difference. We value those who can lead by example, collaborate effectively, and inspire positive change."
Zero's curiosity was piqued as he leaned forward slightly. "And how does one go about applying for the student council?" he inquired, his voice steady.
Sarah smiled, appreciating his eagerness. "Once the rankings are announced, which includes various categories like academic performance, involvement in clubs and activities, and overall contributions to the academy, interested students can officially submit their applications."
Zero's expression remained contemplative. "So, you're suggesting that I should wait until the rankings are released to apply?"
Sarah nodded, her tone understanding. "That's correct. The rankings provide an overall picture of each student's engagement and contributions, and it helps us make informed decisions."
A spark of determination gleamed in Zero's eyes. "While I understand the process, I don't intend to waste any time. The result is already clear," he stated, his confidence unwavering.
Sarah's smile remained gentle. "It's great to see your confidence, Zero. However, even if the result seems clear, we adhere to the process to provide equal opportunities for everyone."
Zero's response carried a hint of arrogance. "Why should we waste our time giving average individuals a chance when the outcome is already apparent?"
Sarah's demeanor remained composed, her response thoughtful. "Every student has their unique strengths and talents. Our goal is to foster an environment where those strengths can shine, regardless of the initial perception."
Just as Zero was about to respond, his voice was abruptly interrupted by another voice, infused with a hint of amusement. "Woah, woah, chill out, first year." The newcomer, standing at the doorway, sported an easy grin. "Allow me to introduce myself. Earl Garrett, Student Council President."
Sarah's gaze shifted to Earl, her smile warm. "Good timing, Earl. This is Zero, and he's expressing his eagerness to join the student council."
Earl's grin widened. "Eagerness is good, but remember, Zero, the academy operates with a philosophy akin to a game of chess. Every move has its time and place."
Zero raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Chess philosophy?"
Earl's tone turned contemplative. "Indeed. Just as in a game of chess, you need to be strategic, patient, and mindful of the bigger picture. Jumping ahead without considering the rules can disrupt the balance."
"I see," Zero said, locking his gaze with President Earl Garrett. His eyes, usually so inscrutable, twinkled with a knowing confidence. "Perhaps we could make this a tad more interesting, President Garrett. A wager."
"A wager?" the president questioned, a flicker of intrigue in his eyes.
"Exactly," Zero continued, his voice even, betraying no hint of the inner confidence he felt. "I applied early not for a shortcut but to sidestep the tiresome bureaucratic rigmarole the academy is so fond of. What if we settled it over a game of chess?"
Earl leaned forward slightly, clearly interested. "And if you win?"
Zero's lips curled into a calm, assured smile. The kind of smile that didn't arise from arrogance, but from a quiet knowledge of his capabilities. "You allow me to join the council without further ado."
A smirk crept onto the president's face. "And if you were to lose?"
Without missing a beat, Zero's smile remained, but his eyes were serious, reflecting the weight of his next words. "Then, I would serve at your beck and call until you graduate. That's two years, Earl. Think of the possibilities - whether you need a personal assistant, an entertainer, or any other whimsical task you can conjure up."
The tension in the room thickened. Each man gauging the other, trying to read beyond the veneer. Yet, despite the gravity of the situation, Zero's demeanor remained as tranquil as a placid lake, even when he was throwing the dice in such a high-stakes gamble.
Earl's lips slowly curled into a sinister grin. "Intriguing proposition, Zero," he murmured, his voice dripping with a blend of amusement and menace. "Very well. I accept."
Zero leaned back, his posture relaxed. Those who knew him well would recognize the ease in his bearing – a sign that he was in his element. After all, he wasn't just a prodigious student; his skills at the chessboard rivaled grandmasters with an ELO of 3000. He wasn't merely playing a game; he was executing a meticulously planned strategy.
In the heart of the council room, the weight of the challenge seemed to settle in the air. Earl, with an air of cocky assurance, leaned back in his chair. "Sarah," he commanded, a smug grin playing on his lips, "ensure everything is prepared by 4 pm. A standard chess game – 20 minutes on the clock for each player. We convene at 5 pm."
Sarah, always composed, jotted down the details. Her gaze shifted momentarily to Zero, gauging his response.
Earl, reveling in his perceived advantage, asked, "Any particular requests, Zero? Perhaps an audience to witness your... capitulation?"
Zero met Earl's gaze unflinchingly. "No audience," he replied calmly, his voice steady, betraying no emotion. "Only a judge to ensure fairness. And a written contract, detailing our agreement."
Earl chuckled, a hint of disdain evident in his voice. "Very well, if it makes you feel more at ease. We'll have it all arranged."
Sarah, sensing the building tension, nodded curtly. "I'll handle the preparations." She moved to exit the room, her heels clicking decisively against the floor.
As she reached the door, Zero added, "I'll see you at 5, President Earl." There was an undercurrent of resolve in his voice, a silent promise of a battle to come.
With one last shared glance between the three, the door closed, sealing the fate of the evening's impending showdown.
Sarah caught up with Zero as he strode down the hallway. Her usually stern expression was tinged with concern as she approached him. "Junior...," she began, hesitating for a split second before continuing, "Do you truly understand the risk you're taking?"
Zero turned to face her, his calm demeanor unchanged. "I'm well aware, Senior."
She exhaled deeply, a slight frown on her face. "the president is no ordinary player. Chess is in his blood. He's been playing it his entire life, honing his strategies with grandmasters across the world."
Zero raised an eyebrow, genuinely intrigued. "Is that so?"
Sarah nodded, her voice becoming more earnest. "Yes. And it's not just about the game for him. He enjoys the psychological aspect, manipulating his opponent's emotions and thoughts. You're putting a lot on the line, especially with such... dire consequences."
Zero smirked, "I appreciate the concern, Senior. It's not every day someone from the council shows this side."
Sarah sighed, looking away for a moment, "It's not about sides or the council right now. This is about your well-being and future. Earl can be... vindictive. If you become his 'slave' as you so put it, it won't be pleasant."
A brief silence hung between them.
Zero finally replied, his voice firm, "Don't worry senior, I have been playing chess for a while also. Besides," he said, a glint of mischief in his eyes, "I have a few surprises up my sleeve."
Sarah studied him for a moment, searching for any hint of doubt or fear but found none. Instead, she saw determination and confidence. "Just... be careful, junior."
He gave her a slight nod, his lips curling into a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you, senior. I'll see you at 5." And with that, he continued on his way, leaving Sarah to ponder the upcoming battle of wits.
===========================
QUEST PENDING:
Target: [Beat the student council president in chess]
Reward: 800 zen, +2 free attribute points
============================
===========================
QUEST PENDING:
Target: [Join the Student Council]
Reward: 1000 zen, +4 free attribute points
============================
"these two quests should be finished before Monday," Zero said while smiling.