The Mafia Heiress's Comeback: She's More Than You Think novel Chapter 8

Chapter 8 The Challenge

The moment Hades spoke, an evident silence fell over the crowd, their astonishment evident.

It was hard for everyone to grasp that he had just referred to Maren with such respect.

Suddenly, all eyes were focused on Maren.

Could Hades truly be serious? The revelation seemed unbelievable.

Hades‘ tone suggested he was addressing someone of notable higher status.

The scene threw everyone into confusion, particularly Wilbur and Nadia, who were visibly flabbergasted.

“Master Hades, what is happening here?” Daniel asked, more perplexed than anyone.

He knew Hades well.

Hades was known for his stoic, emotionless demeanor and his pride. He seldom recognized anyone else’s presence as significant.

Daniel always approached his conversations with Hades with extra care.

Now, there was a noticeable change in Hades,

Maren had a notorious reputation for being a complete failure, an impression that particularly resonated with Daniel. However, she now seemed to command respect from Hades.

What Daniel was unaware of was that Hades was actually Stormclaw–Maren’s former subordinate, who was visibly elated. to find her still alive. He almost spilled everything until a subtle cue from Maren halted him.

Years of working together had sharpened his ability to immediately recognize her cues. Her survival, coupled with her decision to remain hidden, suggested she had compelling reasons to keep her identity under wraps.

With his excitement momentarily quelled, he quickly reverted to his typical aloof demeanor.

“Forgive my confusion, I momentarily thought this lady was someone I once served. She was a prodigy, excelling in military strategy, combat sports, medicine, and scientific research–truly without parallel. Even I could barely withstand three moves against her in combat. Unfortunately, she passed away some years ago. This young lady bears a striking resemblance, which led to my mistake.”

The audience was left stunned by the declaration.

His references to military strategy, combat sports, medicine, and scientific research aligned perfectly with the renowned specialties of the Baimsa Royal Trinity. The high praise from Hades underscored just how extraordinary she had been.

Additionally, could it really be true that not even Hades could withstand more than three moves against her?

The spectators were in disbelief. How could any individual possess such formidable skills?

Wilbur’s heart pounded. He had opted for Nadia over Maren due to Nadia’s notable skills.

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<Chapter 8 The Challenge

A gleam of ambition shone in Nadia’s eyes, inspired by the formidable woman Hades described.

It quickly dawned on them that the individual Hades referred to couldn’t be Maren.

Known widely for her failures, Maren’s reputation contrasted starkly with the description.

This realization spread among the crowd, bringing a collective relief once the confusion was clarified.

Yet, Wilbur saw an opening. Hades‘ connection to such a remarkable person confirmed his legitimacy.

As the heir to Thorpe Group, Wilbur understood the importance of cultivating relationships with influential figures like

Hades.

This line of thought was not lost on the other wealthy heirs present; they, too, recognized the potential advantages.

They all sought to curry favor with Hades. Yet, he rebuffed their overtures and headed straight to his place next to Daniel.

The event moved forward.

At that point, Daniel made an announcement that excited the crowd, saying, “Today’s top performer in the combat trial

will learn from me.”

This announcement set the room erupted with excitement.

There had been rumors that Daniel was looking for a student, but the stakes were higher now. Becoming Daniel’s student

meant potential access to Hades, which was the true prize.

Those heirs who had unsuccessfully tried to win Hades‘ favor now felt renewed enthusiasm.

Wilbur was particularly ecstatic. He was convinced that he was the prime candidate at the Royal Military Academy for this

opportunity.

Securing a connection with Hades would elevate his status immeasurably. And Maren, that naive woman, would

undoubtedly continue to admire him. After all, could she ever meet someone more distinguished than him?

“That’s fantastic, Wilbur,” Nadia said, quickly discerning his ambitions and offering her congratulations.

If Wilbur was chosen, she knew she would stand to gain from his success.

Wilbur smiled confidently and patted Nadia’s head affectionately.

The pair stood together, the picture of a perfect couple, radiating potential and mutual affection, eliciting the envy of many

onlookers.

At that moment, a distinct female voice cut through the buzz of the crowd, elegant yet strikingly discordant with the scene.

“Pardon me, Mr. Smith, but could you inform me of the quickest route to graduation from the Royal Military Academy?”

The voice belonged to Maren.

Following her inquiry, all attention shifted to her.

Daniel hesitated briefly, considering the oddity of addressing such a question from one of the academy’s least distinguished students. Yet, he responded with due professionalism, “There are two ways. Firstly, you can complete all required coursework and pass the necessary exams across various disciplines–military tactics, combat, hacking, medicine, and disguise, among others. Once your thesis is approved, you will be eligible to graduate.”

Typically, this process would span three to four years, according to the academy’s rigorous standards.

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Daniel looked at Maren and continued, “Alternatively, there’s a more direct approach. Defeat me in combat, and you

graduate on the spot.”

This challenge, however, was unheard of; no student had ever taken up the gauntlet to defeat Daniel. It seemed a feat beyond reach.

However, when Daniel finished speaking, Maren’s reply caused a sudden stillness to sweep through the crowd, rendering them speechless.

With unmistakable confidence, she said, “Ideal. I have been eager to expedite my graduation. Thus, Mr. Smith, please accept my challenge. I intend to defeat you, right here, right now.”