Chapter 266  Jackson stepped up proactively, “I challenge you to a match! You got the guts?”  “You’re on, but if you lose, you’re going public with an apology for that harassment stunt you pulled outside the restroom earlier!” Lemira’s cold eyes surprisingly held a hint of authority.  Jackson’s face took on an uncomfortable hue, “What are you on about? When did I ever harass you?”  Clara chimed in, “Exactly, Lemira, don’t think just because you’re easy on the eyes, you can slander people left and right!”  Lemira clicked her tongue twice, “Scared to take the bet then? Just say sol”  “Who’s scared? I’m in. But if you lose, you’re apologizing for locking everyone’s phones, deal?”  Jackson was sure of his victory. A smile flashed across Lemira’s eyes, “Deal”  settled back into her seat and put her headphones on.  Most of the crowd was on Jackson’s side, convinced Lemira was going to lose.  As the game started, Jackson grinned, “To keep things fair, I didn’t pick my best character. Don’t want any rumors I bullied you!” Lemira wasted no time, quickly defeating Jackson with a combo move! The match lasted a few seconds longer than their last.  The crowd was stunned, again. If the first loss was an oversight, what about this time?  Lemira had just beaten the team captain, arguably the strongest player!  “This can’t be happening!” Jackson stared at Lemira in disbelief.  Lemira, half–smiling, suggested, “Try your best character, let’s make this a convincing win.”  Gritting his teeth, Jackson switched. He refused to believe he’d lose again!  At the start of the second match.  Lemira, observing Jackson’s aggressive approach, coolly stated, “Close combat isn’t for you. Your reflexes and strategy just can’t keep up.”  Frustrated, Jackson retorted, “Cut the crap! You’re not in any position to lecture me!”  Timing her move, Lemira ended the match with another quick combo.  Jackson, infuriated, smashed his keyboard, “This is impossible, there’s got to be a glitch!”  He couldn’t accept Lemira defeated him, winning so effortlessly!  Lemira stood up, “This isn’t your fault, I shouldn’t be fishing in the beginner’s pond. But I’m aiming for the national team selection, sorry everyone!”  “Shut  up,  Lemira!” Jackson’s pride was wounded; this was inconceivable!  Lemira, with a bland smile, reminded, “Time for your apology! A bet’s a bet.”  Jackson’s face turned a myriad of colors, caught off guard by his defeat. He had no intention of apologizing!  Clara quickly interjected, “Lemira, don’t push it. We’re all classmates here after all!”  “But everyone heard the bet. Don’t bet if you can’t afford to lose!”  Jackson felt like his face cycling through shades of anger and embarrassment. Finally, through clenched teeth, Jackson muttered, “I’m sorry.”  Lemira, satisfied, simply smiled, “That’s more like it. If there’s a next time, apology won’t be able to solve it easily.”  Jackson’s face was a picture of misery, silently cursing Lemira.  Yet, some of the girls exchanged looks; Jackson’s reputation for being handsy was well–known, but none expected a freshman to put him in his place today.  Then, a team member speculated, “Heard that Lemira’s good with computers, maybe she used some hacks?”  Clara echoed, “Exactly, Lemira must’ve cheated. There’s no way she could beat the captain otherwise.”  The rest chimed in with the same thought. Everyone knew Lemira was a rookie. Beating a seasoned captain seemed far–fetched. Jackson seized the accusation, “Lemira, so you cheated!”