Chapter 35 – The Leak

Leonid, Director of the Combat Division and former Level 7 S.H.I.E.L.D. agent known by the codename White Bear, was set to face off against a newly arrived instructor at the academy in a three-part competition covering the core aspects of the Integrated Combat course.

As soon as this news surfaced, it spread like wildfire throughout the Combat Division. Even students and staff from the other three divisions caught wind of it and began asking questions.

The S.H.I.E.L.D. Academy, as a place designed to cultivate elite talents, typically maintained a disciplined and serious atmosphere. Out-of-the-ordinary events were rare, which only made this particular piece of news all the more tantalizing.

From directors to first-year recruits, no one was immune to a bit of gossip.

When Weaver returned to the academy with Ray—now fully outfitted with clean clothes, a new phone, and other daily essentials—she was immediately greeted by a call from the Director of the Espionage Division, asking about the situation.

The moment she realized what the call was about, her tone sharpened.

"Don't ask me. I don't know how it happened either. If you're curious, go ask Leonid yourself."

"Come on, don't be like that, Agent Weaver. My people told me you were there in the office. You must know what went down, right?" the Espionage Director pressed.

"Your people? You've planted operatives in the Combat Division?" Weaver raised an eyebrow.

"That's a strong way to put it. I'm merely helping them practice their infiltration skills—it's part of our curriculum, after all."

"Them?" Weaver instantly latched onto that one word.

"Ahem... anyway, if you don't want to share, that's fine. We'll all find out soon enough anyway..." the director conceded, sensing her refusal.

Ray, sitting in the passenger seat and fiddling with his new phone, smiled as Weaver hung up and sighed.

"Word's gotten out?"

"This Leonid… absolutely shameless!" Weaver snapped, clearly annoyed.

It was obvious to her that the leak had been deliberate. Someone—probably Leonid himself—had not only let the information slip but likely helped it spread.

"And now he's afraid I won't admit defeat if I lose…" Ray chuckled, already understanding the game Leonid was playing.

By making the duel public, Leonid was using peer pressure to trap Ray into seeing the match through—and to ensure he wouldn't try to use Fury or Principal Dugan to remain at the academy if he lost.

"You were worried I might back out, huh? Well, since you're the one who dug this pit, don't blame me when you fall into it." Ray smiled.

Truthfully, he didn't care much about Leonid's opinion.

Since unlocking the Deadshot and Tao Pai Pai personas and discovering the true potential of the Immersion function, staying at the academy wasn't even a priority anymore.

He could leave any time he wanted and live just fine elsewhere.

He was only sticking around because it gave him a chance to rest, avoid bouncing around the world too soon, and study how this version of the Marvel Universe differed from those he was familiar with.

At the same time, it gave him space to explore his system's capabilities.

A win-win situation.

Teaching at S.H.I.E.L.D. was just a novel experience. If it worked out, fine. If not, also fine.

Leonid's overreaction? Barely a blip on his radar.

In fact, it made the whole thing more entertaining.

Weaver, however, was unaware of his deeper thoughts. From her perspective, Leonid had gone too far.

"Dr. Ray, if Leonid is playing dirty like this, you're well within your rights to call off the match. I'll take it up with Principal Dugan. It won't affect your appointment."

"No, no. I appreciate your support, Weaver, but honestly, Leonid's move makes things more fun. I'm actually looking forward to the match now." Ray grinned.

Weaver blinked, surprised by his answer.

But remembering what Hill had told her, she decided not to push further.

Let's just go with his flow. Hopefully, this won't turn into a disaster…

---

Leonid had arranged for the competition to take place in one of the Combat Division's multi-purpose outdoor training grounds—a large, open area used by students for tactical drills and sparring exercises.

By the time Weaver and Ray arrived, the place was already packed with spectators.

Drones hovered overhead, capturing footage from every angle with no blind spots left unmonitored.

Seeing the scene, Weaver's irritation only deepened.

But since Ray said nothing, she didn't act on it either.

When Leonid saw them arrive, he spoke first:

"My apologies. I don't know who leaked the information. By the time I tried to contain it, it was already too late... Once this is all over, I'll conduct a thorough investigation to find out who's responsible."

He said this with such righteous conviction, one could almost believe him.

But Ray and Weaver weren't buying it for a second. It was a textbook case of the thief crying thief.

"Oh? Maybe I should send someone to help with the investigation. I'm sure we could track down the culprit quickly," Weaver replied dryly.

"Ah, no need to trouble yourself, Agent Weaver. Our Combat Division can handle it internally," Leonid quickly deflected.

His reaction only made things clearer.

Still, without concrete proof, even as Vice Principal, Weaver couldn't publicly call him out in front of so many students. It would damage the academy's reputation.

"Alright then. Enough pointless chatter," Ray interrupted.

"What's the challenge? How are we competing? Just tell me the rules, Director Leonid, so we can get this over with."

"You're right, Doctor," Leonid nodded, pleased that Ray was letting the leak slide.

He immediately launched into his prepared explanation of the competition's structure.

"The Integrated Combat course is a specialty unique to our Combat Division. Over thirty years ago, Principal Dugan personally designed this curriculum and set its standards and strategic framework..."

"Since then, the course has continued to evolve, staying aligned with advancements in technology and modern warfare…"

Leonid gave Ray a detailed overview of the course.

Some of it, Ray already knew. But there were new pieces of information too.

So despite Leonid stalling a bit before getting to the actual contest rules, Ray let him continue without interruption.