Chapter 1: The First Battle
Luna Evans adjusted the strap of her backpack as she stepped into the grand lecture hall, her eyes scanning the packed rows of students. The scent of old books, freshly brewed coffee, and a faint hint of chalk dust filled the air—a familiar mix that always brought her a sense of focus. Today was the first official debate for the university's prestigious Debate Club, and she wasn't just here to participate. She was here to win.
Taking a seat near the front, she flipped open her notebook and began reviewing her notes, her pen tapping rhythmically against the margin. Her topic was airtight, her counterarguments flawless. There was no room for doubt. She bit her lip, lost in thought, until an annoyingly familiar voice cut through her concentration.
"Well, well. Look who's already over-preparing."
Luna sighed before glancing up. Xavier Sinclair stood beside her desk, a smug smirk tugging at his lips. As usual, he looked infuriatingly effortless—perfectly styled dark hair, crisp white shirt rolled at the sleeves, and an air of arrogance that practically radiated off him.
She closed her notebook with an exaggerated calm. "I prefer to call it being prepared, but I wouldn't expect you to understand the concept."
Xavier chuckled, sliding into the seat beside her, completely unbothered. "Why stress when charm and wit can do the heavy lifting?"
"Charm and wit won't save you when facts tear your argument apart," Luna shot back, arching an eyebrow.
"Guess we'll see about that," he replied, leaning back as the professor approached the podium.
The room settled into silence as the debate began. Luna's heart pounded with anticipation, but she forced herself to remain composed. It was her against Xavier. Logic versus arrogance. And she wasn't about to lose.
The topic of the debate flashed across the screen: "Should the education system prioritize merit over privilege?"
Luna's lips curled into a smile. Perfect.
The professor nodded toward her. "Miss Evans, you'll be arguing in favor."
Then he turned to Xavier. "Mr. Sinclair, you're arguing against."
Xavier's smirk widened. "This should be fun."
Luna took a deep breath, steeling herself. Let the battle begin.
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Luna stood first, her confidence unwavering as she adjusted the microphone. "Education should be a system where merit and hard work determine success. The idea that privilege should hold more weight than ability undermines fairness and progress. Without equal opportunities, we risk losing potential innovators, leaders, and thinkers."
She let her words settle for a moment before continuing. "History has proven that some of the most brilliant minds came from backgrounds where they had to fight for every opportunity. The system should reward dedication, not wealth."
Applause rippled through the audience, but Luna barely acknowledged it. Her gaze was locked on Xavier, who seemed completely unfazed as he leaned forward, adjusting his microphone.
"An impressive speech, Evans," he drawled, his tone smooth. "But let's not be idealistic. The reality is that privilege will always exist. Resources, connections, and legacy—these are not things that can simply be erased from the equation."
Luna narrowed her eyes as Xavier continued, effortlessly weaving his argument. "Merit alone does not guarantee success. An individual with talent but no resources cannot be expected to outperform someone who has access to the best education, training, and guidance from childhood." He leaned back slightly. "So, should we really pretend that privilege doesn't play a role?"
A murmur ran through the crowd. Xavier's argument had weight, but Luna wasn't rattled. She immediately took notes, formulating her counter.
When it was her turn again, she met his gaze with cool precision. "Privilege may exist, but that doesn't mean it should be the deciding factor. Your argument assumes that we should accept inequality rather than challenge it. If history teaches us anything, it's that change comes from questioning flawed systems."
Xavier tilted his head, a flicker of something—was it respect?—passing through his expression. He recovered quickly, flashing his usual smirk. "Touché."
The debate continued, growing sharper with every round. Luna held her ground, refuting each of Xavier's points with precise logic, while he countered with charisma and clever twists. The audience was hooked, watching their intellectual duel like a championship match.
Finally, the professor raised a hand. "That concludes our debate. The panel will deliberate."
As Luna sat back, she exhaled slowly. Xavier turned to her, his smirk still in place. "Not bad, Evans."
"Likewise," she replied, surprising herself with the hint of a smile.
The results came in moments later—Luna had won.
Xavier blinked at the announcement, then huffed a quiet laugh. "I guess I underestimated you."
"Don't make that mistake again," Luna said smoothly, gathering her notes.
As she walked past him, she could feel his eyes lingering on her, amusement and intrigue swirling behind them. The first battle was over, but the war had just begun.