Chapter 7
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Professor Matthews' face darkened: "Miss Thompson, are you questioning my expertise?"
I approached the podium confidently: "I'm not questioning, Professor. I'm correcting."
I wrote the correct solution on the board with steady hands.
Professor Matthews snatched my paper, examined the solution I'd marked in red pen, and his expression soured further.
Students throughout the room pulled out their own papers to compare, murmuring as they realized the professor had indeed made an error.
But instead of acknowledging his mistake, Professor Matthews exploded: "Lily Thompson, who the hell do you think you are? Your mother is just some Beta selling lamb on the street. What right do you have to correct ME?"
The classroom went dead silent.
I met his gaze steadily: "Professor, math doesn't care about anyone's background. A mistake is still a mistake."
Professor Matthews ripped my exam paper to shreds and threw the pieces on the floor: "When I say there's a connection, there IS a connection!"
"Students born Alpha naturally possess superior genes and intelligence! You Betas can study until you drop dead and never reach our level! That's biological reality!"
At this, students throughout the room rose from their seats in outrage.
Though Alphas were the majority, plenty of wealthy Beta and Omega students attended St. Mary's too.
A petite Beta girl was first on her feet: "Professor, that kind of genetic determinism is complete bullshit! Education should be equal for everyone!"
More students rose in solidarity:
"Damn right! Academic ability has nothing to do with whether you're Alpha, Beta, or Omega!"
"I'm a Beta too, and I've made Dean's List every semester!"
"That kind of discriminatory garbage has no place in education!"
Professor Matthews jabbed his finger at the class: "Mutiny! This is absolute mutiny! You inferior students dare to challenge me?"
"Fine! I'm walking out! Without me, you worthless lot won't learn a damn thing!"
He snatched his textbook from the lectern and stormed toward the door, pausing dramatically, clearly expecting someone to beg him to stay.
Not a single voice called him back. The entire class just stared in stony silence.
Realizing he'd lost all authority, Professor Matthews slunk away, the door closing behind him with a pathetic click.
Time flew by, and soon we were on the eve of standardized testing.
My nine mentors gathered in our Discord channel for a final strategy session.
"Little Lily," Dr.Lamb said with absolute confidence, "after all these months of preparation, we know you're ready to crush this."
SteakMaster, munching on lamb his mom had shipped him, spoke through a full mouth: "With your current skills, this test is a cakewalk. Those Alpha snobs are about to eat some serious crow."
WingCommander added seriously: "Just remember our problem-solving frameworks and time management techniques. You're more than prepared."
On test day, I walked in with a confidence I'd never felt before. Every question felt manageable, and those complex formulas that once terrified me had become weapons in my arsenal.
Three weeks later came the moment of truth.
The school called a special assembly to announce the standardized test results. Principal Blackwood strode onto the stage clutching the score sheets.
"First, congratulations to all test-takers," he began, clearing his throat. "I'm especially proud to announce that our school has achieved an extraordinary score in the 99th percentile nationally."
The auditorium held its collective breath. Victoria straightened in her seat, clearly ready to accept accolades.
