She sat at the desk and opened her phone. Again, messages on the school news forum filled the screen. This time, it wasn’t about her certificate, but about how the student council had started to make its move. Celestine, the President of the student council, already notorious for her power, had issued an official order to "resolve the problem" caused by Liora.

Liora bit her lip. Resolve the problem? Or just bury the truth deeper?

Footsteps were heard outside. Liora turned, thinking it was Celestine or another student council member. But to her surprise, it was someone unexpected.

Severin, arms crossed over his chest, stood in the doorway. He was the Vice President of the student council, known for his cold demeanor, and his mere presence was enough to make many students fall silent.

"Do you know what’s happening around you, Liora?" Severin said, his voice low but sharp.

Liora stared at him without speaking. What did he want to hear?

"The news about you has spread widely," Severin continued, "and Celestine is already taking steps to make sure everything goes smoothly. Including... making sure you don’t disrupt the image of the student council."

Liora felt her eyes begin to burn. This wasn’t just about the certificate—this was about how the student council leaders controlled everything, even hiding the truth for their own benefit.

"But I’m not wrong!" Liora finally spoke. "I’ve submitted everything they asked for. Why won’t they listen to my explanation?"

Severin raised an eyebrow, as if dismissing her statement. "Maybe, because you’re being too loud. We’ve already maintained order here."

Liora felt her blood boil. Order? What they called order were rules that favored those in power. Everyone knew that. But no one dared speak up, except those brave enough to stand against them.

"I won’t stay silent," Liora said in a quiet but firm voice. "If I have to fight, I will expose all your dirty games. Every step you take."

Severin stared at her for a few seconds, as if evaluating her, or maybe considering something. Then he sighed. "You know what happens if you go up against the student council, right?"

Liora nodded. She had a good understanding of the risks involved, but nothing could stop her now.

"If you stand your ground, you have to be ready to face everything, Liora. Not just Celestine or me. But the whole system here."

Severin turned and left, leaving Liora with one question that kept haunting her thoughts: Who could she trust at Blackridge, if everyone seemed to be trapped in this game?