Chapter 20: The Corruption Beneath

The fluorescent lights of the Sienna Business Administration building flickered overhead as Julian stepped through the reinforced glass doors. The marble floors echoed with the sound of his polished black boots—each step a statement. Gone was the timid boy from his first semester. In his place stood a figure cloaked in confidence, a mystery wrapped in quiet power.

The task on the mysterious watch still glowed faintly:

Main Task: Corrupt the Corrupt

Objective: Infiltrate Senator Raydon's office.

Reward: Control over government-linked student assets and access to secret tenders.

Penalty: If caught, your name will be blacklisted from every company in the city.

Julian's surroundings were immaculate. Crystal chandeliers above. Platinum-plated elevators. Security cameras followed every move. The air smelled like expensive wood polish and ambition. The entire place screamed "power," and it was crawling with privilege. Students in suits discussed stock options, mergers, and weekend yacht parties. Every hallway reeked of silent competition.

Julian passed through the third floor, where business students engaged in high-stake games—literal business simulations where the winner secured real deals from sponsoring companies. A tense crowd cheered as a rich kid named Marcus—21, the son of a billionaire with short brown curls and smug lips—smirked after buying out his rival's company simulation.

Julian didn't stop to watch. He was here for something far more dangerous.

In the shadows of the 5th floor corridor, a man waited—his contact for this mission. Malik, 28. Tall, dreadlocked, with a scar over his left brow and a thick Caribbean accent. Once a student here, now a rogue agent who worked for no one but himself.

"You sure you wanna go through with this, Jules?" Malik asked, slipping him a forged faculty ID.

"I want everything they think I'm not supposed to have."

They entered through a back stairwell. Floor 7 was off-limits to students—reserved only for "executive guests" and shadow board members. Malik hacked the panel with a device shaped like a wristwatch—similar to Julian's but burned and jagged.

As they stepped inside Senator Raydon's office, the atmosphere changed. It was vast, with dark mahogany walls, a towering shelf filled with books on political manipulation, and walls lined with framed photos of Raydon posing with presidents and CEOs. On the desk was a sculpture of two lions fighting over a crown.

"This is it," Malik whispered. "The lion's den."

Julian approached the desk. He connected his watch to the port hidden beneath and let it scan.

Progress: 40%... 67%... 95%...

Access Granted: Shadow Tenders Unlocked

Reward Claimed: $1.2 Million in crypto, list of corrupt scholarships, blackmail files, hidden student debts, and more.

But the moment the scan ended, a voice echoed from behind.

"Well, well. The prodigy everyone's whispering about."

Senator Raydon himself stood at the doorway. 54, grey slicked-back hair, expensive navy suit, and a gaze sharp enough to cut steel. His face showed no fear—only amusement.

Julian stood tall, unflinching. "I thought someone in your position wouldn't come down here personally."

"I've had my eyes on you for weeks. I love how you move. Like a lion born among rats. Tell me, Julian—are you here to expose me, or become me?"

Julian said nothing. But the watch beeped softly.

New Choice:

Option 1: Expose Raydon and become a student hero.

Option 2: Join him and gain access to the Dark Circle—a group of political and business elites grooming the next generation of rulers.

Time left to choose: 60 seconds.

Raydon poured two glasses of whiskey and handed one to Julian.

"You know, your name's been on our list since the gala. That dance? That girl? You've stirred the waters. The rich kids are scared. The companies are watching. And that masked girl? She wasn't just a girl—she was a decoy. The real power lies behind her."

Julian's hands trembled slightly—but not from fear. From anticipation.

He took the glass. Drank.

"I want everything they tried to bury me from. Give me the key."

Raydon smiled, placing a platinum card on the desk.

"Welcome to the Circle. Your real story begins now."

Below, students still fought over who would win the upcoming real estate simulation. In another room, Cassie Velour was livestreaming herself crying after being dumped by another rich heir. The comment section exploded. Meanwhile, Anabelle stood by the window of the dorm rooftop, watching the city breathe.

She whispered, "They have no idea who he really is."

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