Second Son Damian looked at Richie with even greater determination. Midterms were in two weeks, and he was going to make a comeback and beat Richie Forger.
The fourth-grader Ann Grandelle had liked Richie from the very beginning.
After he surpassed her in Eden's Good Voice, she admired him even more, from the bottom of her heart.
Then Richie won both the painting competition and the sports meet, making Ann Grandelle admire him all the more.
After all, the ability to hone every skill to perfection, bring out its full potential, and rise above everyone else was not something just anyone possessed.
Richie was delighted. He was another step closer to helping his father complete his mission.
Monday's morning assembly ended after Richie received his awards, and everyone returned to their classrooms for lessons.
After two classes, Henry came to fetch Richie and Si Ang.
The two followed Henry out of the classroom under everyone's watchful eyes.
Their classmates were actually rather curious. What had Richie and Si Ang been doing last week? Why had they missed an entire week of classes?
Rumors spread that Richie and Si Ang had run away from home or been kidnapped.
Once Henry took Richie and Si Ang away, the classroom filled with whispers again as everyone speculated about them.
Henry brought Richie and Si Ang to the office next door and had them sit on two tall stools.
"Following the school's recommendation and my own careful consideration, I've decided to give each of you three Tonitrus Bolts."
Henry addressed the two children before him sternly.
"In light of Richie Forger's consistently outstanding performance, the school has decided not to expel you.
"Instead, after discussing the matter, we've decided to give you three Tonitrus Bolts, because you already had four. If..."
Henry did not