Chapter 9

When the system declared Alex the winner, the entire hall fell into stunned silence.

They couldn’t believe their ears or eyes.

"How can a loser who barely knows the game win?" someone blurted out.

Shock rippled through the room. Everyone had expected Alex to lose.

After all, Chris was the highest-ranked player in Vancouver!

How could a newbie win him? Impossible!

"There must be a mistake, right?" another person muttered.

As Alex exited the room, with Michelle following him, people noticed something unusual—his gaming suit.

It’s the latest, most expensive gaming suit, equipped with AI assistance.

A newbie could become a master by activating the AI. Originally designed for military use in war, it’s now a game-changer in the virtual world.

Seeing that super expensive gaming suit for the first time, their surprise quickly turned to anger.

"You cheated! That suit must’ve boosted your fighting skills," someone shouted.

"Yeah, no way a newbie could win without cheating," another voice chimed in.

"He’s just a newbie. Miss Michelle must have rigged the suit for him."

Accusations flew at Alex.

Michelle felt she had to clear the accusation and stepped up. "Listen, although his suit has AI assistance’s function, Sir Alex here won with just his skill."

The whole hall fell silent, then exploded in laughter.

“Hahaha...”

“Michelle must be joking!”

"If you don’t believe me," Michelle added, "I can replay everything for you to see."

"No need," Chris said as he approached.

"Let him enjoy his little victory. I let him win this time with his AI-assisted suit, but I’ll demand a rematch when he’s learned not to use that suit."

"Oh, so chivalrous, Chris," someone quipped.

"So gentlemanly."

“You are the best Chris,” Lyra sneered, "Not like someone clearly using cheats but doesn’t dare to admit it."

"Michelle," someone asked, "why did you let him use that expensive suit? I heard it’s only for special top members. I never see anyone on Vancouver use it."

Everyone looked at her with interest while Michelle, unable to tell the truth, came up with an excuse.

"Mr. Alex here is the 10,000,000th lucky visitor of the Noble Knight Club. And he won the special top member card. Please treat him kindly, okay?"

"Tch, what a lucky bastard."

"Even a dog has its day."

"Chris, how about you both fight again, and I’ll change Mr. Alex’s suit to a normal one?" Michelle asked.

"No, I’ve got better things to do," Chris replied. "Tonight’s the Alfred Kingston banquet. I don’t have time for this clown. Let him learn first."

Chris feared another defeat; only he knew Alex had used five times gravity while fighting. Even if Alex used AI support, Chris would have received a notification for fairness.

And he really didn’t use that.

Chris shot Alex a look. "You won’t hold onto that victory for long. I’ll see you in the next fight."

"Anytime you want," Alex replied. "But I’m not here to bully kids."

“Don’t forget the mansion, though.” Alex reminded casually.

Chris’ face darkened and looked so unpleasant that it was as if he had been forced to swallow a full mouth of shit.

Just then, Sophia cut in, "Shut up! When people show you kindness, don’t boast. You’re only making yourself look worse."

Chris, buoyed by Sophia’s support, smiled. "Yeah, it’s best if he just shuts up. Sophia, we’ve got a banquet to get to. Care to join me?"

"Really?" Sophia asked, her eyes wide.

"My father told me Mr. Alfred Kingston is making a banquet to welcome a high-ranking guest tonight," Chris announced, loud enough for all to hear.

The mention of Alfred Kingston, Vancouver’s richest man, filled the room with envy.

If only they could attend the banquet, they might secure their future with high-ranking connections.

To become rich, it’s all about connections.

Lyra asked, "Can I come too?"

"Sorry, Lyra, it’s invite-only. Maybe next time," Chris replied.

Lyra’s face fell. The Kingston banquet was the most sought-after event in the city, and invitations were rare.

"Do you know who Mr. Kingston is welcoming?"

"No idea, but it’s supposed to be someone very important."

"Damn, I really want to join the banquet!"

Michelle glanced at Alex. There’s a possibility Alex is the guest, as there has never been a top member in Vancouver’s Club for the five years she’s been here.

Alex looked at her. "Please teach me how to use this suit for training?"

They busied themselves while Sophia tried to show gratitude to Chris. "Thank you, Chris. You’re such a help to me and my family."

Lyra chimed in, "Yeah, Chris is kind. Not like some loser who scams people with get-rich-quick schemes."

Sophia, Chris, and Lyra all glanced at Alex, making their point clear.

They had brought the loser here to make him feel out of place, but it turned out he became the top member, which was really frustrating.

"The banquet’s tonight. We need to get ready," Sophia said. "I’ll make sure to look my best. Maybe the important guest will notice me."

Alex was still learning the ins and outs of the suit from Michelle when he overheard them talking about the banquet.

"Fair plan," he said. "But how do you know the banquet’s even happening?"

Chris scoffed, "Do you even know what you’re talking about? Stop embarrassing yourself."

"Believe what you want," Alex said. "But the guest of honor isn’t coming. What’s a banquet without him?"

Lyra sneered, "Do you even know who this important person is?"

Alex smirked. "Yeah. It’s me."