Chapter 9: Campus Spotlight and Unexpected Interludes

Since the soccer friendly match, Giovanni's name had spread like wildfire through the school. Once a nobody, he was now the center of attention. Even the boys who'd previously ignored him started striking up conversations.

"Giovanni, were you holding back all this time?" Marco, his classmate, asked, clapping him on the shoulder. "That game was unreal!"

Giovanni smiled awkwardly. "Honestly, it was just luck."

But Arethia knew the truth. "Master, the Wheel of Fate fragment is affecting your body," she cautioned through their mental link. "Its power isn't stable yet—you'd better keep your performance in check."

Even so, Giovanni couldn't fully conceal the changes. Over the next few days, he found himself excelling not just on the soccer field but in basketball and track as well. Once, during a break, he casually tossed a basketball and sank a three-pointer from beyond the line, sparking cheers from the crowd.

"What kind of freak is this guy?" a jealous classmate muttered. "He used to be a total loser—now he's some all-star?"

Sophia and Isabella watched from the sidelines, their expressions cool and unsurprised, exchanging cryptic glances but saying nothing.

As Giovanni's fame grew, the rivalry between the school beauties intensified. Sophia and Isabella devised new ways to capture his attention almost daily.

One morning, Sophia presented him with an elaborate breakfast box filled with handmade pastries. "I stayed up late making these—I hope you like them," she said with a smile, her tone soft and warm.

Before Giovanni could thank her, Isabella burst in, thrusting a concert ticket into his hand. "Hey, food's not enough! How about I take you to a concert after school? It's a limited edition!" she chirped, beaming.

Giovanni's head spun, and he waved his hands frantically. "Thanks for the thought, but I really don't have time…"

Arethia grumbled through the ring. "Master, these mortals are insufferable. Want me to shoo them off?"

Giovanni stifled a laugh. "Don't make a scene—they're just classmates."

But Arethia wasn't about to let it slide. With a subtle flick of magic, Sophia's skirt fluttered up in a sudden breeze, and Isabella's backpack zipper inexplicably jammed.

"What's happening?!" they yelped in unison, looking around in confusion but finding no cause.

Arethia smirked smugly. "Just a little punishment."

Though Giovanni had become a campus star, not everyone welcomed his rise. Some jealous boys began targeting him, plotting to teach him a lesson.

One afternoon after school, as Giovanni walked home, a group of older students blocked his path. "Hey, kid, getting cocky lately, huh?" the leader sneered. "Heard you've been stealing the spotlight on the field."

Giovanni frowned. "I just played my best—nothing special."

"Cut the crap!" Another shoved him. "Time we taught you some humility!"

As a fist swung toward him, Giovanni's body reacted instinctively. He dodged with agility, then delivered a precise spinning kick, knocking the boy flat. The others charged, but Giovanni moved like lightning, his strikes swift and clean, leaving them no chance to fight back.

"How… how is this possible?" The floored leader gaped at Giovanni, disbelief etched across his face.

Arethia's voice echoed in his mind: "Master, the Wheel of Fate has completely transformed your physical abilities."

Giovanni wiped sweat from his brow, a mix of emotions swirling within him. He knew this sudden strength wasn't a blessing—it could draw even more trouble.

The next afternoon, Giovanni decided to unwind at a nearby café. He'd barely settled in when a striking woman approached. Her presence dimmed the entire room—tall and statuesque in a tailored black dress, her golden hair cascading like a waterfall, her refined features radiating a mature allure. Her deep, captivating eyes and faint, enigmatic smile drew people in effortlessly.

"Young man, I've been watching you for a while," she said, her voice low and magnetic, each word a graceful note. "I hear you're quite the figure at school?"

Giovanni blinked, momentarily stunned by her beauty and aura. "Uh… who are you?" He struggled to stay composed, his eyes lingering despite himself.

"I'm the proprietress of a local business. You can call me Madame Elena," she replied with a smile, revealing pristine teeth. "I'm intrigued by your performance—especially your heroics at that soccer match. It left quite an impression."

Giovanni flushed, flattered. "Thank you, but I just did my best."

Elena shook her head lightly, a teasing edge to her tone. "Don't be modest, darling. I believe someone as exceptional as you shouldn't be confined to school. If you're willing, I can offer you opportunities—beyond just academic support, a chance to build a future." She even added with a wink, "I could even sponsor you directly…"

She pulled a gold-embossed business card from her purse and handed it to him. Simple yet luxurious, it bore her name and company address.

Giovanni took it, sensing something off despite the flattery. When he looked up again, Elena's gaze bore into him with an almost predatory intensity, as if peering through his soul.

"So, what do you say? Will you consider my offer?" She leaned closer, her subtle perfume wafting through the air, intoxicating and disorienting.

Giovanni wavered, nearly agreeing on impulse. But Arethia's voice snapped him back: "Master, be careful! This woman's not what she seems—her intentions go beyond the surface!"

He jolted awake, waving his hands. "Sorry, Madame Elena, I don't need this. I'm focused on my studies right now."

Elena hadn't expected rejection; her brow creased briefly before her elegant smile returned. "You're an interesting one," she said, leaning close to whisper in his ear, "But I'm sure you'll change your mind. Opportunities like this only come once, you know."

Her breath brushed his cheek, sending his pulse racing. By the time he regained his senses, she'd already walked away, leaving an unforgettable silhouette.

But the matter didn't end there. That night, Giovanni received a text from an unknown number: "Dear Giovanni, I'd love for you to visit my home—we have much to discuss. Address below." *Via dei Fiori, 27, Napoli, Italia*

After much hesitation, he decided to investigate. Rejecting her too firmly might arouse suspicion.

Following the address, he arrived at a lavish villa. When he rang the bell, Elena greeted him herself, now in a sultry red gown and stilettos, exuding a lethal charm.

"Welcome, darling," she said, linking her arm with his and leading him into the living room. "Have a seat—I've had the finest red wine prepared."

Giovanni sat on the sofa, feeling uneasy. He fumbled for a topic to ease the tension. "Madame Elena, I don't quite understand why you're so interested in me…"

Elena approached with two glasses of wine, handing him one before sitting gracefully across from him. "Because I see something unique in you," she said, sipping her drink, her gaze loaded with meaning. "Some people are destined for the spotlight, and you're one of them."

Giovanni forced a smile. "Thanks for the compliment, but I'm nothing special."

Elena set down her glass, drawing closer, her fingertips grazing his cheek. "Don't deny your appeal, darling. I just want to help you realize your potential. Of course, in return, you'd need to offer something…" Her tone grew suggestive, her body nearly pressing against his.

Giovanni panicked, scooting back. "Madame Elena, I think there's a misunderstanding. I'm not looking for anything complicated right now."

She froze, then laughed lightly. "You're more guarded than I thought. But that's fine—time will tell."

As she leaned in further, Giovanni shot to his feet, his voice firm. "Sorry, I need to get home."

He bolted from the villa, not stopping until he reached the night-clad streets, gasping for air. Arethia's voice rang out: "Master, you nearly got yourself in trouble! That woman's dangerous—don't meet her alone again."

Giovanni wiped cold sweat from his brow, relieved. "You're right. I'll be more careful from now on."

Back home, he sat at his desk, replaying the night's events. Elena's beauty and allure were undeniable, but he sensed a dangerous scheme lurking beneath.

Outside, clouds gathered once more, thunder cracking through the night sky. A new adventure was quietly brewing…