Chapter 101: Schoolyard Kings

The Royal Academy of Montbert was a castle turned into a school. It smelled of old money, lavender polish, and snobbery.

Alex walked through the stone courtyard, his backpack slung over one shoulder. He wasn't looking at the gothic architecture; he was optimizing his wrist-computer's code.

"Look who it is," a mocking voice sneered from near the fountain. "The Pizza Prince."

A group of boys surrounded Alex. The leader was a tall, blonde boy with a cruel, entitled face. Julian Rothschild.

"My grandfather told me about your dad," Julian spat, blocking Alex’s path. "Your father stole my family's bank. You are American thieves. Trash with money."

"Correction," Alex didn't stop walking, nor did he look up. "My father audited your grandfather. He went to prison for fraud and embezzlement. Statistically, you should be worried about inheriting genetic stupidity traits, not banks."

The other kids gasped. Julian's face turned red.

"You little..." Julian grabbed Alex’s backpack strap and yanked him back hard. "Do you know who I am? I am a Baron! Show some respect!"

"And I am bored," Alex sighed, adjusting his glasses.

Julian raised his fist to punch Alex.

Suddenly, a black object flew through the air and hit Julian square in the forehead.

Thwack!

"Ow!" Julian stumbled back, clutching his head.

Mia stood ten feet away, hopping on one foot. She was holding her other heavy leather loafer in her hand like a weapon.

"Touch my brother," Mia warned, her eyes flashing dangerously violet just like Serenity’s, "And the next one goes down your throat."

"You want to fight? Fine!" Julian snapped his fingers. His three goons moved forward to surround the twins.

Alex touched his watch. "Mia, don't engage physically. It ruins the uniform. Mom will be mad."

"What are you going to do, nerd? Call your daddy?" Julian laughed.

"No," Alex tapped his screen calmly. "I'm going to call... the plumbing."

CLICK.

A distinct mechanical whirring sound came from under the manicured grass.

Underneath Julian and his gang, the lawn sprinkler heads popped up.

WOOSH!

Jets of high-pressure, icy cold water blasted upwards. But Alex had hacked the pressure valves to 200%. It wasn't a gentle mist; it was a fire hose.

"ARGHH!" Julian screamed as the water hit him, soaking his expensive wool uniform and blasting mud into his face. He slipped in the wet grass, face-planting into a mud puddle.

The other bullies slipped and fell, piling on top of each other.

Alex stood just outside the blast zone, completely dry.

"System override complete," Alex checked his watch. "Have a nice swim, Baron."

He grabbed Mia’s hand. "Come on. We're late for Calculus."

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One hour later. The Headmaster's Office.

Jackson Sterling walked in. He wasn't smiling.

The Headmaster was sweating. Julian’s mother—a loud, angry Duchess in pearls—was screaming.

"Look at my son!" She pointed at the wet, muddy, shivering Julian sitting in the corner. "That monster assaulted him! I want him expelled! I want him deported!"

"Mr. Sterling," the Headmaster said nervously. "Alex hacked the school's irrigation system. This is... destruction of property."

Jackson ignored the Duchess. He looked at Alex, who was sitting quietly reading a book on Quantum Physics.

"Alex," Jackson asked sternly. "Did you start the fight?"

"No, Sir," Alex replied without looking up. "Julian initiated physical contact. I utilized environmental defense protocols to de-escalate the situation without violence."

Jackson turned to Julian. "Did you touch my son?"

Julian shrank back under Jackson’s terrifying gaze. "I... I just grabbed his bag."

"You touched a Sterling," Jackson’s voice dropped to a whisper that echoed in the silent room. "You are lucky all you got was a shower. If I were him, I would have bought the school and evicted you."

He took out his checkbook and threw it on the Headmaster's desk.

"Here is a blank check. Buy new sprinklers. Buy Julian a new uniform. And while you're at it, hire better teachers who can actually supervise the playground."

Jackson gestured to Alex and Mia. "Let's go. We're getting ice cream."

"But Mr. Sterling! The discipline..." the Headmaster stammered.

"My children defended themselves against bullies," Jackson fixed his suit jacket, looking at the Headmaster like he was an insect. "In my house, we call that 'Leadership'."

He walked out with his kids, leaving the furious Duchess speechless.

As they walked to the armored car, Jackson looked down at Alex.

"Nice hack," Jackson whispered.

"Thanks, Dad," Alex grinned.

"Next time," Jackson added, "Target the sewage pipes. It leaves a longer-lasting impression."

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