Chapter 54 | Monica’s Ridiculous Luck
Chapter 54: 54 | Monica’s Ridiculous Luck
Balance: $1,000,000.00
A bitter smile appeared on his face. "I’m officially a millionaire... yet I don’t even have the freedom to spend my money."
One careless moment and someone far stronger than him could erase him with a single slap.
He hadn’t even sensed the old man’s presence until Danger Sense activated at the last possible second. If not for his Diamond Heart, he would already be a corpse.
Andrew clenched his fists. "I’m still too weak."
After thinking for a while, another idea crossed his mind. "The Ultra Association... There are countless powerful Ultras there. Should I hire bodyguards"
It would be expensive. Very expensive. Powerful Ultras didn’t come cheap, and anyone willing to stand against the three great families would demand a premium price.
But staying alive was worth far more than a million dollars.
Moreover, he could always make more money later, assuming he survived long enough to do so.
However, he shook his head.
’One’s strength is still the most reliable. I need to grow stronger, fast.’
Just then, the ward door opened.
Monica quietly walked back inside. She had been waiting just outside. She immediately noticed Andrew staring blankly into space, his expression troubled.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked, her voice gentle.
Andrew forced a smile. "Nothing important."
He wasn’t about to tell her about the assassins or the tournament. The less she knew... The safer she would be. If the families learned how much she meant to him, they might try to use her against him. He couldn’t let that happen.
Instead, he smiled reassuringly. "I’ve decided. I’ll be moving into the academy dormitories. I’ll probably stay there from now on."
Monica blinked. "The dorms?"
Andrew nodded. "I need to train. I’ll be much safer inside the academy."
She looked disappointed. "So... we won’t see each other as often?"
Andrew chuckled softly. "We’re still in the same academy. Dummy. I’m not disappearing."
Monica finally smiled. "Promise?"
"I promise."
Satisfied, she finally relaxed.
The peaceful atmosphere inside the medical ward was interrupted by a gentle knock.
"Come in."
The door slowly opened, revealing a young female teacher dressed in the academy’s white uniform.
She looked at Andrew with a trace of sympathy in her eyes.
Still, she quickly composed herself. "Andrew. The Principal has called an emergency meeting."
Andrew looked up. "A meeting?"
She nodded. "It’s a gathering for all Elite Students."
Andrew frowned slightly. "I think you’ve got the wrong person. I’m not an Elite Student."
The teacher smiled. "That was true this morning. But after today’s events... The Principal personally promoted you. From today onward, you’re officially an Elite Student of Maryland Academy."
Andrew was slightly surprised. "I see..."
"The meeting will be held in Stadium Two. Everyone is expected to arrive before four o’clock." She glanced at her wristwatch. "Which means you have about thirty minutes."
Andrew nodded. "I’ll be there."
The teacher smiled before quietly leaving the room.
Once the door closed, silence returned.
Monica looked at Andrew before laughing softly. "So... Elite Student now?"
Andrew smiled helplessly. "I wasn’t expecting that."
The two spent the remaining time simply enjoying each other’s company. Neither of them felt the need to speak much. Andrew leaned back against the hospital bed while gently stroking Monica’s hair. She carefully rested beside him, making sure not to put any pressure on the wound across his chest.
The room became quiet. For a moment... It almost felt peaceful.
Eventually, Monica broke the silence. "You never told me... What happened after we got separated inside the Game World?"
Andrew smiled. "I should be asking you the same thing."
Monica nodded before beginning her story. "When we entered the Game World... I wasn’t sent to your Beginner Village. I was transferred somewhere else. Beginner Village 341-22. It was also known as Green Old Village."
Andrew listened quietly.
"The place was peaceful. I didn’t immediately go hunting monsters. Instead... I met an elderly woman carrying a heavy basket of fruit. I simply helped her carry it home."
Andrew blinked. "...That’s all?"
Monica nodded. "That’s all. After reaching her house... The old woman opened a hidden room."
Andrew became interested when he heard hidden.
"Inside... There was an ancient treasure. She told me it had been waiting for someone kind enough to inherit it."
Monica smiled shyly. "I received two Legendary-grade treasures."
Andrew’s remaining eye widened. "Legendary Grade?"
He was genuinely shocked. He had risked his life countless times, had fought bosses, had killed players, had pushed himself to the absolute limit, and barely managed to obtain Legendary equipment. Yet Monica had obtained legendary-grade treasures simply by helping an old woman carry groceries.
He couldn’t help laughing. "Your luck... It’s ridiculous."
Monica tilted her head. "Is it really that amazing?"
Andrew nodded. "I know someone like that. But... I honestly think your fortune is even better."
Monica laughed happily, pleased by the compliment.
Before either of them realized it... Half an hour had already passed.
A notification suddenly rang from Andrew’s phone.
[Academy Notice]
Elite Student Emergency Assembly
Location: Stadium Two
Time: 4:00 PM
Andrew smiled before putting away his phone. "It’s time."
He slowly stood up.
Monica stood as well. "I’m going too."
Andrew looked at her curiously. "You?"
She giggled. "I’m also an Elite Student."
Andrew wasn’t surprised for long. After everything she had accomplished inside the Game World, she more than deserved the title. A B-Rank talent was nothing to sneeze at, and Divine-grade equipment only made her more formidable.
He smiled warmly. "With your talent... I’m sure you’ll go very far."
Monica’s cheeks flushed slightly at the praise.
Together... The two quietly left the medical ward.
---
Stadium Two.
Twenty-five students already stood in perfectly organized rows across the center of the enormous field. Every one of them possessed extraordinary talent.
Every one of them represented the future elite of Maryland Academy. They wore the white uniforms of the academy, their postures straight and disciplined, their expressions ranging from bored to excited to nervous.
At the very front... Principal Constant stood upon the podium with both hands clasped behind his back.