The atmosphere inside the Advanced Technology Laboratory became much lighter after the practice session ended.
Ryan closed his laptop and looked at Benny with a small smile.
"I admit it."
"I underestimated you."
Benny immediately waved both hands.
"No, no... I'm still learning."
Ryan chuckled.
"I know."
"But you're stronger than I expected."
Mia walked over and lightly patted Benny's shoulder.
"Looks like our team has a hidden genius."
Benny's cheeks turned slightly pink.
"I'm not a genius."
Ethan laughed.
"There he goes again."
"Always denying it."
The four of them spent another few minutes discussing strategies before Professor Lewis entered the room.
"That's enough for today."
"You all performed well."
"But don't become overconfident."
"The competition will be much more difficult than today's challenge."
"Yes, Professor."
"You may leave."
Everyone packed their laptops and bags before walking out of the laboratory together.
As they reached the corridor, Ryan turned toward another hallway.
"My next lecture is in Building C."
"I'll see you all tomorrow."
Mia smiled.
"I have Data Structures."
"Bye!"
Soon, Ethan also waved before heading toward the engineering building.
Benny and Daisy were left walking side by side across the campus.
"Your next class?" Daisy asked.
"Computer Networks."
"Mine's Economics."
"See you after lectures?"
"Sure."
The two separated at the crossroads.
The rest of the day passed quickly.
Benny attended every lecture carefully, taking notes from beginning to end.
Whenever the professor asked a difficult question, he quietly thought of the answer but rarely volunteered to speak.
By the time the final lecture ended...
The sky outside had darkened.
Students streamed out of the buildings, laughing as they discussed assignments.
Benny stretched his arms.
"I'm exhausted."
As he walked toward the university gate, Daisy caught up with him.
"Heading home?"
He nodded.
"I still have dinner to make."
"Don't forget tomorrow's practice."
"I won't."
Just then...
A low rumble echoed across the sky.
Both of them looked up.
Dark clouds had gathered without anyone noticing.
A few drops of rain landed on the pavement.
Then...
The rain poured down.
Within seconds, it became a heavy downpour.
Students screamed playfully as they ran for shelter.
"Oh no!" Daisy exclaimed.
"I forgot it was going to rain."
She quickly opened the umbrella she had packed in her bag.
Benny looked at her...
Then at his own backpack.
"...I forgot mine."
Daisy sighed.
"I knew you would."
She glanced toward the crowded bus stop.
"My apartment is in the opposite direction from yours."
"It's okay."
"I'll wait until the rain gets lighter."
"Are you sure?"
He smiled reassuringly.
"I'll be fine."
After making sure he was standing under the roof near the gate, Daisy finally left.
"Text me when you get home."
"I will."
"Promise."
"I promise."
She waved before disappearing into the rain.
Benny waited.
Five minutes passed.
Then ten.
The rain only became heavier.
He looked at the time.
"If I keep waiting..."
"I'll get home really late."
Taking a deep breath, he zipped up his jacket.
"It's just rain."
"I'll survive."
He stepped out into the downpour.
Cold rain instantly soaked his hair and clothes.
Water splashed beneath his shoes as he hurried along unfamiliar streets.
Trying to avoid flooded roads, Benny turned into a side street.
Then another.
A few minutes later...
He slowed down.
"...Where am I?"
He looked around.
Tall office buildings surrounded him.
The road was completely unfamiliar.
His phone displayed No Signal due to the storm.
Benny laughed nervously.
"I got lost..."
Again.
At that exact moment...
Headlights cut through the curtain of rain.
A long black Rolls-Royce slowly approached before stopping beside the drenched young man.
The rear window lowered.
Inside sat a familiar man with cold sapphire-blue eyes.
Nathan Cooper.
Benny froze.
"...Mr. Nathan?"
Nathan looked at the completely soaked university student standing alone in the rain.
"Get in."
The words were calm.
Simple.
Leaving Benny staring at him in complete surprise.