Grand Return System-Chapter 15: The Wager

The Wager

As expected, Leon had already guessed why they came.

Of course it was about the Seven Division Martial Meeting — Celestis Academy’s most prestigious gathering. Even the air carried tension when it was mentioned; glory and humiliation both took root there.

In his memories, the Amethyst Summit Division hadn’t participated since Respected Zeon died. With no students, the division had simply faded into the background.

This year, Leon stood as the Teacher of the mountain — yet he wouldn’t compete.

There was only one student who could stand on that stage:

Selena.

He turned slightly, his long black hair brushing his robe, amethyst eyes calm.

"Headmaster, my Amethyst Summit Division will participate."

A disdainful snort slipped from Shera’s lips.

To him, it was ridiculous.

The other Divisions chose students through merciless elimination — geniuses sharpening themselves against geniuses. Some were already at the Onyx Realm, others brushing against the Astral Realm, stars blazing through their spiritual cores like burning constellations.

And Amethyst Summit Division?

One student.

A newcomer.

In Shera’s mind, the outcome was already written.

Let them come. Let them lose publicly. Let the division drown in shame.

He even felt a twisted anticipation growing. Three months from now, he could watch Selena be crushed — then mock Leon to his heart’s content.

Leon caught that cold snort and looked over, the corner of his mouth lifting just slightly.

"Senior Brother Shera doesn’t seem to think very highly of my Amethyst Summit Division," he said, voice mild. "Then... how about we make a bet?"

Shera straightened, interest flashing.

"What bet?"

Leon spoke slowly, as if tasting each word.

"We bet on whose student will rank higher at the Martial Meeting. Each of us will stake a supreme-grade treasure — and we’ll have the Headmaster as witness. How about it?"

Shera’s pulse leaped.

Had Leon gone insane?

This wasn’t a wager — it was a gift.

He suppressed his excitement and nodded with feigned calm.

"Alright. Since Junior Brother is so interested... how could I refuse?"

Then he turned to Mike.

"Senior Brother Headmaster, I’ll trouble you to act as witness — so no one goes back on their word."

Mike exhaled softly and nodded.

Truthfully, he had no idea where Leon’s confidence came from. Shera’s trump card was obvious — his son, Shan, who was already at the Astral Realm, a star-lit prodigy among the students.

And Kevin wasn’t participating this year.

Which meant Shan was practically guaranteed champion.

Shera could no longer hide his smugness.

"Junior Brother Leon," Shera said, the corners of his mouth lifting, "I’m afraid I’ll have to disappoint you. My Secret Sword Summit is determined to win this Martial Meeting." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

The wind curled around the cliff.

The wager had been cast.

And somewhere far away, fate shifted — just slightly, like a sword turning toward its destined path.