The Competition Begins

"Wade?"

A familiar voice sounded from behind and to the side, breaking the slightly stagnant atmosphere in the corridor.

Wade turned around and saw Professor Murray approaching from behind, a gentle smile on his face.

His gaze first fell on Wade, then naturally shifted to Corbett.

"Oh, Aldridge?" Professor Murray's tone held both surprise and familiarity. "I never expected to run into you here... Has the Security Department become so busy that you have to personally supervise the competition?"

He casually stepped between them, blocking Corbett's line of sight toward Wade.

Corbett put away his stiff smile and gave a slight nod. "It has been a long time, Terence. I'm merely conducting a routine inspection, ensuring that nothing goes wrong with such an important international event."

After a pause, he added, "I happened to run into your student and couldn't resist coming over for a chat. After all..."

His gaze seemed to pass through Professor Murray and settle on Wade.

"...these days, who wouldn't want to get acquainted with the young Mr. Wade Gray?"

"Haha, indeed... That's the trouble with being famous, Wade."

Professor Murray patted Wade's arm with pride and affection, then said, "We should return to the judges' table... Give Ezra my regards."

"Of course. I'll certainly pass your greetings on to Mr. Hausman."

Corbett gave a slight bow.

Professor Murray smiled at Corbett, then headed toward the judges' table with Wade.

Once they passed through the stone corridor, the bright light of the arena and the buzzing chatter of the audience washed over them together.

Only then did Professor Murray tilt his head and quietly tell Wade, "Keep your distance from that man in the future... Aldridge Corbett's thoughts are more tangled than a spiderweb."

Wade nodded, committing Professor Murray's words to memory.

Neither spoke again. One