Chapter 233 — We Bite Back

[Television Studio - Late Night Coverage]

Noah Montague and Sarah Lin sat in their studio, the breaking news displayed behind them in bold letters.

[ELIZABETH MURDOCK BANNED FROM TOURNAMENT]

[NEW B+ RANK LIMIT ANNOUNCED]

[STORMHOLD ACADEMY’S CHANCES NOW ZERO]

Noah’s voice carried genuine shock.

"In an unprecedented move, ACC President Eleanor has announced a new rule limiting tournament participation to students B+ rank and below. This effectively bans Stormhold’s President Elizabeth Murdock, their strongest member."

Sarah shook her head, her expression grim.

"Combined with the earlier Council resignations, Stormhold is now fielding an entirely first-year team against the best fourth-years from across the Federation. Most analysts are calling this the greatest mismatch in tournament history."

Noah pulled up betting odds.

"Current odds have Stormhold at 500-to-1 against winning. Most bookmakers aren’t even accepting bets on them anymore. It’s considered a guaranteed loss."

"Let’s look at who the favorites are now," Sarah said, pulling up team profiles.

****

[Imperial Academy Interview - Pre-Recorded]

The screen showed a tall, handsome young man with distinctive features – Cassius Eckhart, President of Imperial Academy, heir to one of the thirteen Imperial families.

His black hair was styled perfectly, his grey eyes showing absolute confidence bordering on arrogance.

"I didn’t bother attending the ball tonight. Waste of time when the outcome is already decided."

The interviewer pressed him.

"But what about Elizabeth Murdock? If she’d been allowed to compete–"

Cassius waved his hand dismissively.

"Even if she competed, we would still have had strong chances to win. Imperial Academy has five fourth-years, all B+ rank and all from Imperial families. We have resources and training Stormhold can’t match."

His smile became condescending.

"Now that she’s completely out? We don’t even consider them competition anymore."

The interviewer brought up Damian.

"There are confirmed reports that Damian Valcor has developed a mental Domain. Doesn’t that concern you even slightly?"

Cassius’s expression showed he found the question almost offensive.

"A Domain at C+ rank is impressive, yes. But he’s still just C+ rank. All of us are geniuses as well. We’re prepared for everything, including mental attacks."

His arrogance was palpable.

"That commoner might be talented. But talent without experience is just potential. We have both. The tournament will prove which matters more."

****

[Republic Academy Interview - Live]

The scene shifted to a different interview – William Greene, President of Republic Academy, a commoner who’d risen to leadership through pure capability.

His face showed genuine concern rather than Cassius’s arrogance.

"We just arrived at the Capitol a few hours ago. Hearing this news is deeply disappointing."

He looked directly at the camera.

"The ACC is deliberately suppressing Stormhold Academy. It’s clear for everyone to see. This isn’t about fairness or balance. This is politics."

His voice became more passionate.

"Also, Damian Valcor is a genius and an inspiration for commoner students across the entire Federation. I don’t know why everyone is underestimating him so severely, but it’s the typical arrogance of Nobles."

He paused for emphasis.

"My team won’t make that mistake. We’ll treat Stormhold as a serious threat. And don’t forget – all their members are first-years. Even if they don’t reach top three, it will still be embarrassing for any of us to lose to juniors."

His respect for Damian was obvious and genuine.

****

[Federation-Wide Reactions]

The news spread across every platform, opinions dividing sharply.

Commoner forums exploded with outrage:

@CommonerVoice: "This is going too far! If there was a rank limit, why wasn’t it announced beforehand?! Since when is ’you’re too strong’ a reason to ban someone?!"

@FairPlay: "They’re so scared of Stormhold they’re changing rules mid-competition. Proves our point about Noble corruption perfectly."

@DamianSupporter: "Everyone writing off Damian hasn’t been paying attention. He’s done impossible things before. Why assume he can’t do it again?"

Noble forums showed different reactions:

@ImperialPride: "Finally some sense. Elizabeth at A- rank made the tournament unfair for everyone else. This levels the playing field."

@NobleScholar: "Stormhold brought this on themselves by promoting that criminal to Vice President. Consequences of poor leadership."

But even the Stormhold Academy forum – usually divided between Nobles and commoners – showed unified anger:

@StormholdStudent: "Gareth and the others SABOTAGED us! If we lose funding because we rank lower, it affects EVERYONE! Noble and commoner alike!"

@AcademyPride: "I’m a Noble student and I’m FURIOUS. Those traitors put family politics above Academy welfare. Unforgivable."

@CommonerFighter: "At least now we know who our real enemies are. Not each other. But the system that pits us against each other."

The sabotage had created unexpected unity at Stormhold – everyone angry at the same targets for the same reasons.

****

[Stormhold Suite - Team Meeting Room]

Damian stood in front of Ariana, Edrin, Zavier, Lysa, and Ronan, all of whom were sitting in meditation postures.

The breakthrough process had been completed – all five had successfully advanced from D+ to C- rank with Damian’s Will guiding them through the final stages, ensuring no hidden problems developed.

He’d spent hours carefully monitoring each breakthrough, using his exceptional Willpower to stabilize their foundations, prevent any damage from the forced advancement.

Now they were consolidating their new strength, getting used to the increased power flowing through their bodies.

Finally, they opened their eyes.

BOOM.

Ronan’s fist smashed into the floor, cracking the reinforced tile, his face showing pure rage.

"Boss! This is complete bullshit! They sabotaged us with the resignations, and now they even removed President Elizabeth! How is this fair?!"

The others wore similar expressions – anger, frustration and helplessness.

Damian just looked at them silently, waiting for them to vent and calm down.

After several moments, his voice cut through their complaints.

"Isn’t this an opportunity as well?"

They looked at him with confusion, unable to see how any of this could be positive.

Damian smiled, his eyes becoming cold and calculating.

"Everyone in the Federation already knows we’ve been sabotaged by Nobles. The whole world is watching this tournament. Everything is broadcast live to millions of viewers."

His smile widened.

"Everyone will see how the Nobles suppress commoners and how the politics overrides merit."

He looked at each of them directly.

"And we have nothing to lose. They already think we can’t win and they have already written us off completely. Zero expectations means zero pressure."

His voice became sharper.

"So... show them what the Mafia is capable of. Make me proud."

He paused, his voice rising.

"Remember my words? When the world suppresses us–"

"WE BITE BACK!"

All five shouted the Mafia motto simultaneously, their voices overlapping with perfect timing.

They looked at each other, predatory smiles spreading across their faces.

’The world expects us to roll over?

Fuck that!

We’re going to tear through this tournament and make everyone suffer!’

Damian watched them transform from discouraged students into hungry predators, satisfaction showing on his face.

’They want to crush us. Let’s show them what happens when they try.’

The Mafia was going to appear in front of everyone.

And the whole Federation was about to watch.