Guild Leader Lionheart's eyes scanned the room, taking in the tense atmosphere, the unconscious Ethan, and the stand-off between Connor, Thompson, and the Dean. His gaze finally settled on Connor, and a flicker of anger passed through his eyes.
"What's going on here?" Lionheart's voice was calm but commanding, demanding respect and immediate attention.
Thompson, trying to regain some semblance of authority, stepped forward. "This boy has been hiding his cognitive strength, which is a serious felony under the Global Cognitive Regulation Act. We were just about to take him into custody."
Lionheart raised an eyebrow, his gaze never leaving Connor. "Is that so?" He stepped closer to Connor, looking him over with a discerning eye. "And what do you have to say for yourself, young man?"
Connor, standing tall despite the circumstances, met Lionheart's gaze. "I didn't hide my cognitive strength intentionally. It's… complicated. But I'm willing to explain everything if given the chance."
Lionheart nodded slowly, seeming to consider Connor's words. He then turned to Thompson, his expression hardening. "And you thought attacking him was the appropriate course of action?"
Thompson faltered under Lionheart's intense scrutiny. "He assaulted my cousin. I was merely defending—"
"Enough," Lionheart cut him off sharply. "Your cousin was provoking him, and from what I can see, he got what he deserved. This is not how we handle things, and you know that."
Thompson clenched his jaw but said nothing, clearly fuming but unwilling to argue further.
Lionheart then addressed the Dean. "Thank you for intervening. I'll take it from here."
The Dean nodded respectfully. "Of course, Congressman Voss. We just want to ensure a fair resolution."
Lionheart turned back to Connor. "Come with me. We'll discuss this in private and get to the bottom of it."
Connor followed Lionheart out of the hall, feeling the weight of countless eyes on his back. As they walked, the murmur of conversations and speculation buzzed around them. The representatives and students were clearly intrigued and eager to see how this situation would unfold. Many looking onward at Connor and Lionheart's backs.
Lionheart led Connor to a private office, closing the door behind them. He gestured for Connor to sit, then took a seat opposite him.
"I honestly don't know what to do with you," Lionheart said, his tone more understanding now. "Tell me, what would you do in this situation?"
Connor took a deep breath and began what he would do in a situation such as this.
"Firstly, I would find out why such information was withheld. Secondly, I would then research if said law was actually the law," Connor says, very careful with his choice of words. He wanted to subtly inform Lionheart know that the law he "broke" wasn't even a law.
Lionheart listened intently, his expression thoughtful. When Connor finished, there was a moment of silence as Lionheart processed the information.
"You've clearly thought about this," Lionheart finally said. "And I believe you. However, I need you to clarify the latter part of what you said. I believe I may be thinking the same thing."
Connor nodded, relieved that Lionheart understood. "Well," Connor begins, a small smile forming at his lips. "Clause 42-B states, and I quote, 'Any individual who has not been convicted or is not under active suspicion of committing heinous acts is exempt from the mandatory reporting of increases in their cognitive strength realm to government authorities. This clause is designed to protect the privacy and personal freedoms of law-abiding citizens, ensuring that only those posing a significant risk to public safety are subject to stringent monitoring and regulation under the Global Cognitive Regulation Act (GCRA).' End quote.
As you can see, and you can feel free to look it up yourself, I do not need to report anything to the government. It's just the same as I not needing to report to my father that I just took a fat sh*t. It's invasive. The GCRA has been propagated so much that we normal citizens just do it not even realizing that we are just handing our balls to the government. Anyways, I said too much."
Lionheart leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "No, no. Quite the contrary, Connor. You have incredible potential. And I want to help you reach it. I'll speak with my assistant about looking into that. In the meantime, you're free to go but before you do, I would like to extend a personal invitation for you to join the Lightheart Guild in Shattered Realms."
Connor's eyes widened in mock surprise. "You'd do that? Just for a no-name like me?"
Lionheart smiled faintly. "Yes. I see great things in your future, Connor. And I want to ensure you have the guidance you need to achieve them."
Connor felt bad for what he was about to do next. If this was his past self, he would have taken the invitation without hesitation. However, this is a much more matured Connor. He has his own plans. Though, cooperation with the Lightheart Guild itself won't hurt at all.
With a set and determined resolve, Connor says to Lionheart, "I am truly thankful that Congressman Voss has personally extended an invitation to me. Unfortunately, I will have to decline."
Lionheart leaned forward in surprise. Who on their right mind would turn down an invitation from one of the most famous men in the world?
"I don't understand why? Opportunities like this don't come by too often. Think carefully, Connor,"
Connor nods his head in agreement. "Of course, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but I want to start my own Guild," Connor replies to Voss, elucidating his stance. "I have my own plans for the future. Congressman Voss, how about a partnership?"
Now, Congressman Voss is dumbfounded. Not only did this kid, who, mind you, hasn't even graduated high school yet, dare to reject his offer, but he even gave a counter offer.
Slap and call him Tim Buck because he too wants a kid like this.
"Alright, kid. Let's hear it," Lionheart says, his interest piqued.
"I can sell you Rare-grade equipment and weapons, even Unique-grade items aren't out of the question, from time to time at a 10% discount. In return, you must lend me core members of Lightheart from time to time. You also will get 20% of the loot upon mission complete," Connor replies to Lionheart, a bit hesitant to continue.
When Lionheart didn't say respond, Connor continued. "In addition I will give you access information on the game, including monsters, grind spots, and strats. However, in return, I would like a bottle of Bio Potion."
Connor himself inwardly winced after stating that. No matter who it was, any sized bottle of Bio Potion is incredibly rare and expensive to give away just for some in-game content. Not even three Lin Estates, estimated to be worth around 100 MG each, would suffice to as payment. Thus, Connor's self-wince was not unwarranted.
Lionheart sat thinking quietly for about five minutes before opening his mouth. All the while, Connor was anxious and worried as he prepared the e-contract for Lionheart to sign.
"I'm quite surprised at these bold requests and statements. If you're lying, I will make sure you suffer immensely. Someone so young to have such foresight and knowledge as you do is unheard," Lionheart starts off.
"Especially the way you carry yourself. Even while sitting, you are in combat stance. Since you brought it up, I'll take what you say at face value. Though, I've seen only a few people in the world have achieved the state you have and two of them are my Elders. I'll ask them for the bottle of Bio Potion. They're too old for it anyways. But, I can't make any promises, though."
Connor nods his head in relief. Having a bottle of Bio Potion at this point in time would enable him to maximize his potential even further.
"That is all right, Congressman Voss. As a matter of trust, I'll tell you a bit of information…" Connor begins to reveal all the information on a high-leveled map located near Lionheart's Starter Town.
Lionheart quickly realized Connor knew too many intricate details regarding the map location and even the best routes to take in order to avoid certain Boss monsters too strong for the current Players.
Soon after Connor finished revealing information, Lionheart was ready to verify Connor's claims. So, he signed the e-contract he'd been sent, not without a few additional clauses, and sealed the deal.
Connor and Lionheart walk back out to the testing area in the school's gymnasium, many students murmuring and whispering their thoughts on why the Law of the West decided to meet a senior student of theirs as both figures casually walked past them quietly conversing.
When they arrive at the gymnasium, everyone expected to see Connor in mental cuffs and firmly secured by Lionheart. Contrary to their beliefs, Connor was smiling and acting very casual next to such a big influential figure.
Ethan himself didn't know what to think at this as he looked on at Connor with hate in his eyes. He could tell that Connor isn't going to be punished.
Taking matters into his own hands, Ethan runs up to Lionheart.
"Uncle Leopald, is this criminal going to be arrested? He assaulted me and hid his cognitive strength," Ethan asks Lionheart, voice expectant.
Lionheart didn't say anything but a loud smack occurred.
~SMACK~
Ethan's eyes tear up as a red handprint forms on his face. Lionheart had just smacked him. Many students present oh'd and swore in shock. Some even laughed, feeling justified that this bully had finally gotten the retribution he deserved.
"I sorely disappointed in you, Ethan. Not only are you so eager to put your fellow classmate in jail, but you falsely accused this young man of committing a crime all because you were envious. Truly pitiful. I'll be speaking to your mother this afternoon."
Lionheart then proceeded to grab a confused and aggrieved Ethan by the neck and practically carry him out the gymnasium. Presumably to be punished further.
Lionheart's presence left the crowd buzzed and in's good mood. Most people, including the teachers, could not relax if Ethan was around. Some staff seeing the trouble was over, brought the students back to the present to finish their tests. However, most of the representatives attention was on Connor.
The principal, still trying to comprehend what had just transpired, approached Connor, his confusion evident. "Connor, what just happened in your meeting? What did you say to Congressman Voss?"
Connor shrugged casually, a small smile playing on his lips. "I just educated him about the Global Cognitive Regulation Act, sir."
The principal frowned, still puzzled. "But, what does that have to do with him being so relaxed and you not punished?"
Connor simply nodded, choosing not to elaborate further. "It's all in the clauses, sir. Let's just say there's more to the law than most people know."
Thompson, the Chronos Corp representative, stood nearby, clearly flustered and unsure of his next move. He had been following Ethan's orders, and now, with Ethan humiliated and Lionheart intervening, he seemed lost.
Connor turned to Thompson, his expression serious. "I'd like to join Chronos Corp."
Thompson blinked, momentarily taken aback by the abrupt change in conversation. His earlier display of superiority was gone, replaced with the demeanor of a professional representative. "You… you want to join Chronos Corp?"
Connor nodded. "Yes, I do."
Realizing the opportunity at hand, Thompson quickly composed himself. "Of course, young men. We would be honored to have someone of your talent join us. Let's discuss the details further."
With that, Connor and Thompson head out, leaving everyone present stunned at such an outcome.