She Outshines Them All

She Outshines 325

After a quick 15–minute break, the Messenger returned downstairs and addressed the crowd, saying, “The participant with an IQ of 199 scored four gold cards in the first round and cleared five rounds in the second round, giving them a total of nine gold cards, which puts them in first place.”

Everyone’s gaze shifted to Athena, their eyes filled with envy.

With a smile, the Messenger continued, “This brilliant participant not only gets to take home their nine gold cards but can also make a request that matches their intellect.”

He paused for dramatic effect before adding, “You can make your request here in front of everyone or privately if you prefer.”

Athena locked eyes with the Messenger and decided to take the plunge. “I’ll make my request right here,” she said confidently.

She continued, “I want to know what you look like.”

It was a surprisingly simple request, yet it ignited a wave of whispers among the onlookers.

“An IQ of 199, and this is how they choose to spend their moment? Just to see the Messenger’s face?”

“They must have everything they need; they’re not even trying to get something useful out of this event.”

“If they could just show his face, would the Messenger still be hiding behind that mask? This request could put them in a tough spot. How intriguing.”

The focus shifted back to the Messenger, who stood silent for a few seconds, weighing their options.

Then, the Messenger stepped forward, closing the gap to just half a few inches. Raising their left hand to shield the crowd from view with their flowing sleeve, they pulled down their mask with the right hand and smiled, “Did you get a good look?”

Even though the lighting was dim, Athena’s eyes widened in surprise as she took in the Messenger’s features.

To her shock, the Messenger was…

Before she could fully register it, the Messenger quickly pulled the mask back up, lowered their hand, and smoothly moved into the light, saying, “Now, I have a bounty to announce.”

A hush fell over the crowd, everyone eager to hear what the Messenger had to say.

The Messenger declared, “I’m looking for cases of patients who have suddenly woken from comas for medical research. The goal is to find treatments for awakening comatose patients. If anyone can provide a legitimate case, I can grant them a corresponding wish. You know how to contact me.”

The crowd started murmuring among themselves. “This bounty seems too easy.”

“Not really. Finding a comatose patient isn’t hard, but finding one who has suddenly awakened is a different story.”

“I’m a doctor, and I’ve seen many comatose patients; out of ten, if one wakes up, that’s considered a success. So, hunting for similar cases won’t be easy.”

“This bounty is appealing because anyone can search for it without any special requirements. I’m willing to go from hospital to hospital asking for leads…”

Meanwhile, Athena quietly sipped her drink, her eyes fixed on the Messenger, sharp and focused.

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“The formal activities of this gathering are now concluded,” the Messenger announced. “Next, we’ll move on to the Unity Circle discussions. You can choose to leave or stay to propose bounties or seek help from others.”

Athena had already heard others mention this concept.

The Unity Circle discussions allowed participants to engage in various “trades,” including resource exchanges, buying and selling information, and collaborations for mutual benefit. The Messenger wouldn’t interfere but could serve as a notary or judge, ensuring no deceit occurred between participants.

This enigmatic organization was known as the “Unity Circle.”

Athena didn’t have any immediate needs that required help from others.

She turned to Matthew and asked softly, “Are you staying?”

Matthew shook his head, “Not interested, but I can stick around with you if you want.”

Athena replied, “Then let’s head out.”

A few people approached them, inviting them to join the Unity Circle discussions, but they politely declined.

Once they reached the lockers and grabbed their phones, they faced no obstacles at all. NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

However, after they had walked a good distance from the villa, someone came running after them, shouting angrily, “Hey, wait up, you two!”

Athena stopped and turned to see Zoe sprinting toward them.

Zoe, her mask unable to conceal the fury radiating from her, stormed up to them.

“You two are the ones I hired! Why didn’t you make my request after coming in first? You’ve got no professional ethics! Do you think I won’t take this to the Unity Circle and have them deal with you?” she shouted.

Athena couldn’t help but scoff, her eyes flashing with disdain. “You think you’re worthy of my loyalty with that level of stupidity?”

She was already on the Messenger’s radar and had no intention of sticking around for any more of these gatherings, so there was no need to put on a show for Zoe anymore.

“You… you…” Zoe stammered, shock rendering her momentarily speechless. “You’re just a private detective! How dare you look down on me?”

Athena raised an eyebrow, shooting back with a mocking grin, “I might be just a private detective, but I’m a thousand times. better than you. If anything, this gathering has shown me just how foolish you are! Moments ago, there were tons of participants eager to connect with us, and I have no interest in a low–tier client like you.”

“You little brat!” Zoe screeched, her anger bubbling over as she clenched her fist and swung at Athena’s face.

With effortless grace, Athena leaned to the side, dodging the punch, and then stomped down hard on Zoe’s foot.

Zoe yelped in pain, bending down and hopping on one leg, cradling her injured foot.

“See? A fool is a fool—you couldn’t even hit me when you were standing right in front of me,” Athena laughed derisively, leaving Zoe with that parting shot as she turned to walk away with Matthew.

“Just you wait! I won’t let you get away with this!” Zoe glared at their retreating figures, determination written all over her face as she hopped back toward the Unity Circle, eager to rally others to help her deal with them.

For more than three years, Zoe had relied on the

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investments for her family, tracking down her hacker mentor, Chaos, and even having Unity Circle members devise strategies for her to use against Athena.

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But the Unity Circle looked down on her for consistently losing to the same person. They deemed her not clever enough to be among their ranks and, since she couldn’t afford to pay their fees, she remained on the outskirts of the organization.

Once outside the villa, Athena pulled out her phone, only to discover there was still no signal. The service in this area was blocked.

Matthew took out his phone as well, and as soon as he turned it on, he remarked, “My phone’s been hacked.”

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intel provided by the Unity Circle, successfully pulling off several