The Mafia Heiress's Comeback: She's More Than You Think novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44 Walking Back To The Academy

Both Wilbur and Nadia felt their confidence shatter, their minds reeling with incredulity. How had Maren become so capable? Was it even plausible?

Nadia had long been the shining star of the Morgan family.

Recognized as one of the most talented young women in all of Baimsa, she was the subject of widespread admiration and envy.

Maren, on the other hand, had never excelled at anything since her youth. Her academic performance was dismal, and the academy’s instructors had dismissed her as hopeless. Even Wilbur had regarded her with disdain.

She had been the target of mockery and derision.

Now, it seemed as though Nadia had spent her life showcasing her intelligence to someone she considered an idiot, only to discover that this supposed fool had perhaps outsmarted her all along. She felt like a complete fool herself, utterly embarrassed.

How

Sona Nadia ever come to terms with this?

Wilbur shared similar sentiments. He had scorned Maren for her perceived incompetence, believing she wasn’t worthy of his attention. But…

“Even if Maren did take the sniper rifle, who can confirm she actually used it? Who’s to say those hits weren’t mere coincidences? Remember, she remained on the perimeter the entire time and likely clinched first place by sheer luck. That much is clear.”

Nadia remained skeptical, countering with her own rationales. Although somewhat implausible, they seemed more credible to her than the notion that Maren had been secretly proficient all this time.

“Nadia’s got a point. It’s just a coincidence–it doesn’t mean anything.” Wilbur agreed. His suspicion leaned more towards a setup by Maren with the soldier, reminiscent of a previous scheme where she faked Nadia’s kidnapping using actors.

“Indeed, had we chosen to remain at the edge, we might well have claimed the top spot ourselves.”

“I had almost convinced myself of her competence. Had we not been so actively engaged at the front, would her path to victory have been so clear?”

The students struggled with the idea that Maren, deemed inadequate, could genuinely possess the requisite skills for victory. If such a reputed failure could legitimately secure first place, what did that reveal about their

skills? Were they, in fact, lesser than someone they considered a failure?

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It was challenging for them to concede that Maren had defeated them, especially since their longstanding perception of her was so dismissive.

“Rosaline, look at your students. They’re so disappointing.”

Given his prominent status, Alberto did not engage in pointless disputes with the younger generation, particularly those he considered superficial and illogical. He chose, instead, to deliver a biting reminder to Rosaline.

Covered in embarrassment, Rosaline regretted her attendance, feeling today was arr occasion she should have avoided.

The harsh words she had hurled at Maren now seemed to bounce back at her.

“Everyone, the first phase of training has concluded. We are now moving to the next phase,” Rosaline announced, eager to shift away from the tense atmosphere.

Her announcement had the intended effect. Students who had been knocked out early from the competition suddenly looked hopeful.

They reasoned that even if their performance had faltered initially, the next phase might offer a chance for redemption.

“Ms. Hinks, the first phase involved jungle shooting. What’s in store,for the second? Perhaps piloting jets or maneuvering tanks?” joked one student.

“Considering how challenging the first phase was, I can only imagine the second will be more demanding,” another added.

“No, the next phase is much simpler. You’ll just be walking back to the academy,” Rosaline said, catching everyone off guard.

That hardly seemed like a part of their training–it sounded more like they were simply heading home.

Before anyone could delve deeper with their questions, Rosaline explained, “You won’t be returning by bus as you did when you arrived. You’re going to walk back–all the way.”

“What?”

Her announcement sparked an immediate commotion among the students.

The academy was a grueling 25 miles away from their current location. After an intense day of training, and

with no time to rest, the idea of a long march back was daunting. With the darkness setting in, if they started

now, they wouldn’t reach the academy until noon the next day.

“Ms. Hinks, it’s already getting late. Could we possibly start in the morning instead?”

“Look, we haven’t even had dinner or a drink of water. We’re all exhausted. Couldn’t we wait until tomorrow?”

These young students had never/faced such grueling challenges; they were unaccustomed to real hardship.

“Absolutely not!” Rosaline replied with conviction. “You begin now precisely because you’re weary. A true soldier must push through adversity. Fail to return by tomorrow morning, and you’ll score a zero.”

The first stage was intentionally designed as a precursor to this more dernanding second stage.

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Faced with the stark deadline of tomorrow morning, the students seemed ready to protest, but Rosaline’s stern glance quickly silenced any objections. They were left with no option but to confront this daunting task.

Rosaline offered a slight concession–they could team up as they had during the first stage. Moreover, she arranged for essential supplies like food and water to be available along their route.

Relieved to hear about the supplies, the students hastily formed groups and set off towards the city. With limited resources available on a first–come, first–served basis, and their hunger mounting, urgency took over.

After laying out the guidelines, Rosaline departed with Alberto and Jeff, who climbed into a car and drove away.

Wilbur and Nadia’s team was still the most popular. Most of the students crowded around them, hoping to join.

The first round of combat training had been a wake–up call–solo efforts wouldn’t cut it. If they wanted to survive, they had to rally behind someone with real strength.

“Take it easy, everyone,” Wilbur encouraged confidently. “Stay together, and we’ll reach the supply crates. No one needs to go hungry tonight.”

While rallying his group, Wilbur sneakily watched Maren, who was conspicuously isolated, standing alone without a team.

So what if she had manipulated her way into the lead? None of the others seemed eager to team up with her