Chapter Five: A Chorus of Useless Gifts

“Because the academy won't let us win inside its rules,” Lin said. The resource-war final occupied a transforming city simulation. Teams had to collect five keys and deliver them to the central tower. First place earned three hundred points and a silver training room. Last place dissolved. Their opponent was the Auric Society. Its leader, Han Duo of another great family, possessed Silver-Ring-Three Metal Control. Before the match, he announced, “Anyone who sold data to Class Zero will never enter Auric.” Commoner students lowered their eyes. Dynasty clubs controlled most graduate placements. At the bell, Han tore the rebar from the simulated streets and wove a steel net, trapping four teams. Auric took the first two keys.