CHAPTER 168: ENHANCEMENT SERUM

If the arena had been loud before... now, it exploded. The cheers doubled, some students practically jumping in place, others calling his name repeatedly.

"Jayden!"

"Jayden!"

"Jayden!"

Even some of the parents were clapping harder now. A few girls in the crowd clasped their hands to their chest, whispering to each other and giggling. More than a few stares were filled with admiration... some with awe.

Jayden exhaled slowly and stood.

He didn’t rush.

Each step toward the stage was calm, measured. Powerful in its simplicity.

As he reached the top, Principal Thompson extended his hand. Jayden accepted it with a firm shake, and Thompson gave him a respectful nod.

"Excellent work, kid. I see you have discovered your ability at last. That’s good." he muttered with a sly smile.

Jayden simply nodded. "Thank you, Principal Thompson. It’s an honour to hold hands with you again."

Principal Thompson chuckled. "Don’t butter me up, kid. See me after this. We have some things to discuss." he said, just loud enough for Jayden to hear.

Jayden didn’t respond. He joined the rest of the top ten at the front of the stage, standing between Cassandra and Tasha now, the three of them side by side.

From the crowd, Jacob stood clapping with beaming pride. "My daughters are champions." he muttered under his breath, misty-eyed. "Wait till Harleen hears about this."

Beside him, Penelope was smiling as well, arms crossed, her expression unreadable, but pleased. The quiet grin of a mother who’d expected excellence... and had still been impressed.

On stage, the medals were brought out in silver trays by two teachers.

Each student received theirs one by one.

Jessica was practically dancing in place with hers.

Cassandra, however, took hers without a smile.

Tasha noticed. "You don’t look so excited about this," she said, turning slightly to her. "Is it because you’re sharing second place with me?" She chuckled softly.

Cassandra shook her head. "No, it’s not you. It’s just..." she hesitated. Her voice was low, nearly lost in the applause. "...It’s the position itself."

Tasha tilted her head. "Oh... you wanted first place?"

Cassandra nodded once. "Yeah. Sort of."

Tasha hesitated, then smiled. "Why? I mean, I get why anyone would want it. But... you? That’s unbelievable because as far as I remember, you’ve always hated the spotlight or anything too stressful. I even thought you were going to skip the tournament."

Cassandra chuckled softly, looking straight ahead. "I was... but then I changed my mind."

Tasha’s eyes narrowed slightly, curious. "Why? What made you suddenly motivated to even participate talkless of wanting first place?"

Cassandra hesitated. Then sighed.

"I made a deal with my mom," she said, voice barely audible. "She was going to force me to attend a university of her choosing, but if I won the tournament, she’d let me choose where to go without influencing my decisions. It’d be my choice. A university of my choosing and liking."

Then she let out a deep sigh. "But that’s never gonna happen now."

Tasha blinked. "And which university did you want?"

Cassandra’s eyes moved to Jayden beside them, who remained still, expression unreadable.

"...Whichever one he’s going to."

Tasha’s breath caught. Her stomach tensed—but not out of jealousy. Not exactly.

Somehow, something else settled in her chest... understanding.

"Oh..." she said softly. "But... since you didn’t win, what happens now?"

Cassandra’s voice was flat. "Now, I guess mum wins the deal and I lose. And I go wherever she wants. Somewhere far from here. Probably Beta or Omega."

Then shee forced a small smile. "It’s gonna be hell. But at least now, you’ll get to have him all to yourself."

Tasha turned toward her, stunned.

Cassandra glanced at her out of the corner of her eye. "Oh don’t act so surprised. You think I don’t see how you look at him? I know you both are a.. thing, or whatever it is you guys call it."

Tasha didn’t deny it. She could only sigh and put on a wry smile.

Cassandra’s voice dropped again. "Just... don’t tell him."

"I won’t," Tasha said quietly. "I promise."

Cassandra smiled, nodding in gratitude and appreciation. Tasha smiled back, her eyes visibly displaying the words: "I’ve got your back."

As the crowd began to disperse, the top ten still stood on the stage, bathed in light. Students rushed forward for pictures, autographs, and handshakes.

But amidst the chaos, Jayden turned slightly toward Cassandra and Tasha.

"You two did great," he said simply.

Tasha smiled. "Thanks."

Cassandra only nodded. "You did too."

Their eyes met for a brief moment.. silent, but meaningful.

Jayden looked away first, scanning the crowd, then the stands.

Somehow, he didn’t feel like celebrating.

Somehow, something felt unfinished.

As Principal Thompson began handing out the rewards, the crowd remained on the edge of their seats, hushed with anticipation. This was the part many had been waiting for. not just the rankings, but the spoils of victory.

The principal held up a list and spoke clearly, his voice booming through the speakers.

"In recognition of their outstanding performance, each of our top ten students will be rewarded according to their rank, contribution, and overall score in the tournament. These rewards are funded by the school, our sponsors, and partnered institutions. Let’s begin."

One by one, the students received their prizes. Excitement filled the air, especially when the top four were finally called forward again.

Jayden stepped up first, his tall frame calm under the spotlight.

Principal Thompson gestured to the attendant beside him, who opened a sleek black case. Inside was a carefully vacuum-packed block of dark red meat, the size of a large brick.. clearly labeled:

[C-Rank Beast Meat (Processed) – 10 kg]

Gasps rippled through the students.

Then came a silver credit card.. already scanned and registered in Jayden’s name. The surface clearly displaying the amount of credits it contained:

[300,000 Credits]

Next, they presented two metallic cases containing Health Regeneration Serums were handed to him. Each vial glowed a pale green.

And finally...

A small, crystalline vial glowing faintly blue.

The crowd exploded instantly. Students were nearly falling out of their seats.

"No way... Is that what I think it is?"

"An actual enhancement serum?! That’s worth millions."

"I can’t believe they actually gave it to him."

Everyone knew what it was: a rare, highly concentrated solution of pure energy, capable of increasing a person’s energy capacity, and with it, the potential to break through level 30 and beyond.

But... there was a catch.

Enhancement serums had a permanent stamina-reducing effect. It made you stronger, but it shortened the length of your fights. Many considered it a double-edged sword. Yet still... everyone wanted it.

But only the ultra-rich could afford one. And here it was... handed to Jayden without question.

He took it quietly, eyes fixed on the vial for a second longer than the others. Then he pocketed it, returning to his place beside Cassandra and Tasha.

Cassandra and Tasha stepped up next, equal in rank.

Each was handed a slim, vacuum-packed container of D-Rank Beast Meat, about half the size of Jayden’s.

Their accounts received 150,000 Credits each.

And then, a single Health Serum was given to them each, just one vial, shining a softer green. It was a very valuable consumable that cost thousands of credits to purchase just a single vial. But yet, it was nothing compared to what Jayden had received.

Then Carl’s name was called, but since he wasn’t there, Principal Thompson reserved his rewards for him, saying they would be given to him later, after he’s recovered.

Jessica bounced forward eagerly when her name was called. She was handed a smaller slab of beast meat, around 250 grams, still good enough for personal enhancement, and 100,000 Credits.

But what truly made her squeal in delight was the sleek hoverboard she was given... polished white with blue trim, equipped with upgraded anti-grav tech.

She received it happily, grinning like a child who received a desired present on christmas morning.

Back at her place on the stage, Cassandra pouted.

"Why does she get a hoverboard? All we got was a few credits and a stupid regeneration serum," she muttered under her breath.

Tasha chuckled. "The health serum’s more valuable. Those things costs like twenty hoverboards in one."

"I don’t care," Cassandra grumbled. "Hoverboards don’t get absorbed into the bloodstream after using them just once."

The remaining top ten received smaller portions of beast meat, credit bonuses ranging between 40k to 80k, and a few weapon vouchers or training devices.

Once it was over, Principal Thompson stepped back to face the crowd.

"Congratulations once more to all our winners. This year’s tournament was a display of talent, discipline, and growth. And I hope this serves as only the beginning of your paths."

He looked out over the crowd.

"I’d like to thank the parents, mentors, and staff who made this event possible. And before we close, I leave you with one final note."

His expression turned serious, his gaze sharpening. "The Global Combat Tournaments are now officially open for registration."