The Outcome of a Bet

"So, will you come tomorrow to try it out?" Damian asked calmly, lying on the bench while glancing at Clara.

"Yes, definitely." She smiled, her demeanor much more relaxed than when she had arrived. The weight of her worries seemed to have lightened after their conversation.

Damian nodded without much ceremony. There was no rush. To play this game, they needed a capsule, but neither he nor Clara had one at home, so they would have to do it at the festival.

"I'll be patient," Clara remarked calmly, more to herself than to him.

The atmosphere was peaceful, with only the distant sounds of people working on preparations for tomorrow's festival. The students had nothing to do, and Clara had only come because Damian had called her. Now that their conversation was over, it was time to head home.

"By the way… the exam results are taking longer than usual to be released, don't you think?" Clara mentioned, checking the time on her Panel.

Damian let out a small laugh and shrugged.

"Maybe they're too stunned by our game," he said with an air of false modesty.

Clara looked at him for a second before laughing.

"I'm sure they are."

With that lighthearted note, she picked up her bag and got ready to leave.

"See you tomorrow."

"See you," Damian replied with a slight wave.

Clara left, leaving him alone on the rooftop. Damian sighed and leaned back on the bench. Now, all that was left was to wait.

The director said the bet would be decided today… so I guess I'll have to stay until she calls me.

He had nothing better to do, so he pulled out his Panel and got lost in the internet, browsing aimlessly as time passed.

The hours dragged on until finally, at three in the afternoon, his Panel vibrated with an important notification.

The exam results had been published.

Damian straightened his back and opened the message without much urgency. He wasn't particularly nervous; he already had a pretty good idea of what the results would be.

A notification from Director Bera Callister appeared.

"Congratulations. Your group achieved the highest score on the exam. Come to my office."

Damian smiled, unsurprised.

As expected.

With a light stretch after sitting for so long, he got up and left the rooftop, heading to the director's office.

---

Damian knocked on the door before entering the office.

Inside, he found Director Bera Callister sitting at her desk with her usual elegance. However, what truly caught his attention was the old man on the couch, casually sipping a soda.

A low table sat in front of him, and the atmosphere in the office felt surprisingly relaxed.

"Take a seat, Damian," the director said with a slight smile, gesturing to the chair in front of her desk. "Allow me to introduce you to Victor Callister, my father and a close collaborator."

Damian observed the man with curiosity.

I've seen him somewhere before…

He couldn't remember where, but his face wasn't unfamiliar. Still, he didn't let his confusion show.

"A pleasure," he greeted with a slight nod.

Victor returned the nod, but his eyes examined him intently, as if trying to see beyond the surface.

Director Bera, who had been watching the interaction with interest, smiled wryly.

So he doesn't even react? Any Creative would be ecstatic to meet an Archon, but this kid doesn't even blink… or maybe he doesn't even know who my father is? That would be even stranger.

Without wasting any more time, she adjusted in her chair and looked at him seriously.

"First of all, congratulations, Damian. Firewatch exceeded my expectations."

"Thank you," he replied calmly.

"The leaders who reviewed your game were fascinated." Her tone made it clear the concept was still new to her. "But what impressed me the most was how the story was integrated and the visual style… unique and beautiful."

Damian accepted the compliment with humility, without exaggeration or false modesty.

"I'm glad they liked it."

Bera nodded, satisfied with his attitude.

"And as I promised, I will uphold my end of the deal. I recognize your talent and achievements, so from now on, I will be your backing."

Her tone took on a more serious edge.

"From this moment on, you and your family will be under my protection. If anyone tries to mess with you, I'll take it as a personal attack."

Damian looked at her in silence, letting her words sink in.

"I'm also aware of what Samuel Lorrick's family did," Bera continued. "It seems your parents were targeted by them… so I will offer them a fair contract to collaborate with the Callister Guild."

Damian raised an eyebrow.

"Thank you."

"Their success will depend on their own efforts, but at least they won't have to worry about financial instability anymore."

Damian nodded, acknowledging the weight of that offer.

Bera shifted slightly, crossing one leg over the other as she observed him with a more relaxed expression.

"On another note, it seems you took my advice and obtained your Creative license. I also noticed you already have your own platform…"

A wry smile appeared on her face.

"I had to pay ten thousand Luma to watch your two short films."

Damian smiled in amusement.

"I appreciate your support."

She gave him a mildly exasperated look, as if dealing with a troublesome child. Though, in truth, she wasn't actually upset.

"Now, tell me," her tone turned serious again, "what do you plan to do about your identity?"

Damian looked at her curiously.

"So far, only the leaders and professors who reviewed your first two exams know who you are," she explained. "But sooner or later, someone will talk, and this won't stay a secret."

Damian shrugged.

"At this point, I'm not too worried about it. Now that I have your protection, it won't be a problem if people find out who I am."

Bera narrowed her eyes.

"But…"

"But I'd rather keep it hidden for as long as possible. I don't want people hovering around my family."

The director nodded in agreement.

"As for your information, only your name and surname are known. Your address, family details, and other personal data are protected by the government. No one can access them without your authorization."

"Then let's keep it that way," Damian said without hesitation. "If, over time, more details about me come out, so be it."

He leaned forward slightly with a friendly smile.

"In fact, I'm also curious to see who tries to investigate me or spread information without my permission… so I can make sure to never work with them and crush them."

Bera and Victor exchanged a brief glance.

Both were surprised.

Not because the idea was strange, but because of how naturally Damian said it.

"Big words for just a student," Bera commented in a relaxed tone.

Damian simply chuckled.

"That's true."

The director rested her elbows on the desk, returning to a more professional expression.

"Now that you have my support, I expect you to return the favor by representing our Academy."

Damian looked at her with interest.

"Next year, you'll be in your third year. And as you know, things will change."

Her tone grew more serious.

"There will no longer be mandatory classes. Each student will have a personalized program to develop their personal brand, specialize in their industry, and make a name for themselves."

Damian nodded; he was already aware of that.

"You'll need to collaborate with other Creatives, form alliances, and some students will be busy working as apprentices under certain leaders. All of this will position them in the global academy competition."

"I understand," Damian said calmly. "And I accept representing Gran Academia Solís."

Bera nodded in satisfaction.

Damian leaned back slightly in his chair, watching the director carefully.

"I'd like to ask you for one more favor."

Bera Callister looked at him expectantly, but when Damian mentioned Clara Voss, her expression became more neutral.

"She was also targeted by Samuel Lorrick's family."

"I know," she replied calmly.

Damian watched her closely, choosing his words carefully before continuing.

"Then, I'd like to ask if you could protect her as well."

But before he could say more, Bera raised a hand to stop him.

"Your deal with me only covers you and your family," she said firmly. "I'm not extending that protection to anyone else."

Damian sighed internally. He knew he was asking for too much, and from the director's expression, she didn't seem willing to budge. Clara's family situation isn't as bad as mine, but I can't leave her alone in this. I wonder what I can offer in exchange.

Even so, Damian didn't want to be tied to the Callister family. Above all else, he sought his autonomy, so he couldn't offer something too significant. His next option was to find someone influential enough to take her under their wing.

Just as he was weighing his options, Bera sighed and shifted her gaze to the old man who had been silent all this time.

"I believe it's your turn to speak, Father."

Damian turned to Victor Callister, who set down his soda with an amused smile.

"I suppose it's time to introduce myself again. I am the Archon, Victor Callister, and I currently lead the Virtual Experiences industry."

Damian couldn't hide his surprise at that title.

"Archon."

Even he knew that title. And now he remembered this old man—he had seen his interview online a few days ago, where they discussed his involvement in the festival.

Victor Callister let out a hearty laugh at Damian's rather mild reaction.

"So not even my title can get a stronger reaction out of you. You're a tough one to impress."

"I wasn't expecting to meet an Archon under these circumstances," Damian replied calmly. "It's an honor."

The old man laughed again and stood up, stretching slightly before looking at him with interest.

"I loved the virtual experience you created," he said, crossing his arms. "I want to work with you. Together, we can bring a major shift to this industry. Besides, many leaders who work with me are eager to meet you."

Damian stared at him, considering it for a moment. Victor Callister was a massive figure, and working with him could open incredible doors. But at the same time…

"I refuse."

The Archon raised an eyebrow.

"That fast?"

"I have my own path in mind," Damian explained. "If I work directly with you, people will only see the Archon's title, not me. I prefer my autonomy."

Victor let out an exaggerated sigh, as if disappointed, though it was obvious he was just playing around.

"Wow, you're difficult."

"I'd rather say I have clear priorities."

The old man clicked his tongue, evaluating him for a moment, but just as he was about to speak again, Damian interrupted.

"However… I have another proposal."

Victor's eyes lit up with curiosity.

"Oh? I'm listening."

Damian gave a slight smile.

"I didn't make that game alone. Almost 90% of the art and visual style was done by Clara Voss."

The Archon frowned, his interest growing more evident.

"She did all that?"

"Exactly. She has a natural talent for animation and art. Her ideas are unique, but she was an unrecognized talent without the right medium. Now that she's found this new path called animation, I'm certain she'll make that talent shine."

Victor listened attentively, now genuinely considering the idea, as this new style was something he was also urgently looking for.

His daughter had already shown him the Kiwi short film, so he understood the potential of this new style.

Noticing his interest, Damian decided to apply a little more pressure.

"I've already taught her all the basic concepts of animation, so she's capable of creating her own projects. She just needs to refine her skills and develop her own style. Right now, in this world, there's only one other person besides me who is familiar with this art."

Victor Callister remained silent for a moment, then burst into laughter.

"Damn, kid. You win. I can't ignore a talent like that. I'll take her as my apprentice."

Damian extended his hand, and the Archon shook it with a smile.

"Done. I got rid of the Archon, and at the same time, Clara now has a big shot backing her. No one will mess with her or her family for now."

Bera, watching the exchange with her arms crossed, had already expected something like this might happen. She waited for them to finish before speaking.

"Alright, now that your business is settled, let's move on to another matter."

Damian turned to her, noticing the slight smile forming on her lips.

"Tomorrow, Firewatch will be one of the main attractions of the festival."

Damian didn't look surprised, but he still took it as good news.

"It will have a special showcase for the entire duration of the event. It's the best project of your year, after all."

"Thank you," Damian said, accepting the information calmly.

"And as a small gift… I'll tell you something else," Bera continued. "Though tomorrow, all the students who passed will find out, so don't get too excited."

Damian raised an eyebrow, waiting.

"It's about the third exam."