Chapter 26: The Kiss That Broke the Code
The sky above Zenith was pale blue, but the campus felt like it was caught in a storm. The annual inter-school games were to begin today—an event attended by politicians, influencers, alumni celebrities, and rich parents all pretending to be humble.
Julian stood silently among a sea of students wearing the maroon and silver Zenith tracksuit. Around him, the atmosphere was thick with sweat, nerves, and fake encouragements.
Whispers floated.
"He's here."
"Julian Vale?"
"The one rumored to have turned down Theodora Raye?"
"Selina Maskara left the gala in tears because of him..."
"Apparently he seduced a teacher too…"
Julian stared ahead, unmoved.
Then the announcement echoed through the speakers:
"Let the Battle of Prestige begin!"
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Politicians, celebrities, and company giants sat beneath a gold-trimmed canopy. Among them was Mayor Brigham Dace, 56, known for his corrupt land deals and favoring sons-in-law from wealthy dynasties.
Next to him sat Lady Haze, headmistress of the elite Allure Academy, her beauty ageless and her expression unreadable. Behind her stood her niece—Chanel Haze, 20, one of the most viral streamers in the country, known for her seductive content and mysterious wealth.
Julian's eyes locked with Chanel's as she waved at him, licking strawberry lip balm off her lower lip.
Trent leaned toward him.
"Dude, is that another task?"
Julian checked his watch.
Task #49: Steal a Kiss from the Most Desired Girl in Campus Without Her Knowing Why.
Time Remaining: 36 hours.
Bonus: Gain Access to One of Your Father's Vaults.
Penalty: Lose the Ability to Lie for 72 Hours.
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Julian sat alone on a bench, tying his shoes. The door opened behind him.
It was Yara, 21, the half-African, half-Korean track star. Tall, toned, braided hair tied back in a black ribbon. She wore a sleeveless Zenith jersey and spandex shorts that clung to her curves.
"You're quiet today," she said, walking up.
"I always am," Julian replied.
"You know they've all made a bet on you," she said.
"Who?"
"The rich boys. Whoever makes you cry first wins a Mercedes."
Julian laughed. "Then let them try."
Yara sat beside him, serious now. "But… I didn't come to warn you about that."
He turned to her.
She leaned closer. "You're being watched. And not just by students. There's something darker behind this tournament. Julian… this school isn't just a campus—it's a marketplace."
"For what?"
"For souls. Talent. Secrets. And the ones like you... they're not supposed to win."
---
The crowd roared as the racers took their positions.
Among them: Julian, Trent (yes, reluctantly), Yara, and Cole Kingston, 19, heir to Kingston Real Estate, golden-haired, arrogant, and obsessed with proving Julian was a fraud.
The gunshot blasted. They ran.
And Julian didn't just run—he moved like his blood had been replaced with fire.
He didn't win by speed.
He won by timing.
Cole, who was leading, tripped one step before the finish line. The crowd gasped as Julian crossed first.
Cheers. Screams. Cameras flashing.
But Cole's father, sitting beside the mayor, whispered, "Destroy that boy. Ruin him. I don't care how."
---
Julian stood in front of Room 403, Chanel Haze's suite.
He wasn't supposed to be here.
But the watch glowed red.
Task Countdown: 12 Hours Remaining
He knocked once. The door opened.
She stood in a silk robe, a towel still on her head, her curves silhouetted against pink LED lights.
"Were you expecting someone richer?" he asked with a smirk.
"I was expecting someone bolder," she replied.
He stepped in.
They didn't talk much.
She touched his cheek. "Why are you really here?"
He leaned in, slowly.
Their lips met—soft, electric, slow.
He pulled back before she could speak.
Then vanished into the hallway without a word.
---
Trent tapped on his laptop, Julian beside him.
"I cracked it," Trent said. "That kiss... it unlocked Vault A."
A video popped up.
It was Julian's father—young, powerful, sitting beside a machine that looked like it could erase memories.
"If you're watching this, Julian, then you've started the journey. The watch is not a toy. It's a curse. And the ones behind it… they created me. Now they want you."
Julian leaned closer.
"I failed my final task. That's why I died."
---
Leila Winters paced.
"I'm losing him," she whispered.
"I told you not to fall for him," said Professor Alden behind her.
"He's dangerous."
"He's mine," she whispered, turning around.
And she kissed him—hard, hungry, reckless.
But even as her lips moved, her mind was still on Julian.
---
Watch Update:
Task #49: Complete
Reward: Vault A Access Granted
Side Effect: Temporary Emotional Disconnection (48 hours)
New Task Unlocked: Break the Unbreakable Girl
Name: Yara Moon
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