Chapter 270: Chapter 270: Sabotage X Heroics (Part 1)

The pod's hydraulics released with a soft **hiss** as Don's hand emerged to grip the edge. As he began climbing out, the disorientation from disconnecting hit him, making his movements slightly sluggish.The first thing that struck his senses was Mr. Tex's booming voice echoing through the room.

Donald, who had been hovering anxiously near the pod, immediately stepped forward and extended his hand. "That guy's dad is going nuts on him for losing," he whispered, helping Don find his footing. "He looks like he might snap."

Don stretched his arms above his head, rolling his shoulders as he observed the unfolding drama. A faint smile appeared at the corners of his mouth as he read the system prompt confirming his completed objective and rewards.

———

**Objective complete**

**Reward: 200 Aura + 50 Idol Points**

———

'well that was easy,' he thought, watching the notification soon after fade away.

Mr. Tex's face had turned an alarming shade of red as he loomed over his son. "Answer me, boy! Come on!" His voice practically thundered through the facility, causing several nearby technicians outside that particular hall to pause their work.

Dominic stood rigid, jaw clenched tight. His eyes flickered toward Don, burning with such intense hatred that it could have melted steel.

This subtle glance seemed to further enrage Mr. Tex, who stepped even closer and shoved his son's chest with enough force to make Dominic stumble backward.

Dr. Rajesh, who had been standing between the pods with his hands clasped behind his back, let out a weary sigh. His pristine lab coat swished as he walked toward the confrontation, raising one hand in a stopping gesture.

"Please, Mr. Tex," he said, his voice full of concern, "This being over now. No need for anger when just game, yes?"

Mr. Tex whirled around to look at Dr. Rajesh. "Just a game?" he repeated, voice dropping to a dangerous low. He then took a menacing step toward Dr. Rajesh. "Just a game? It's more than a game, dammit!"

Advancing with each word, Mr. Tex jabbed his finger into Dr. Rajesh's chest. "That mentality is exactly why I can never bring my kids to this shit school, with shit pods, and shit staff and-"

"Mr. Tex." Dr. Rajesh's normally gentle voice stopped the larger Mr. Tex mid-sentence. The doctor's expression hardened as he straightened his glasses. "You will be calming down now, or security will be escorting you out. Legal intervention will be following, which not looking good to other schools, yes?"

Mr. Tex's face contorted as he stepped even closer to Dr. Rajesh, using his height advantage to loom over the smaller man. "Are you threatenin' me!?" he asked intensely, his accent becoming more pronounced with his rising anger.

Seeing the situation getting worse, Don stepped forward with quick strides, positioning himself behind Dr. Rajesh. His movement was casual but demanded attention as the fluorescent lights cast his shadow across the polished floor.

"He's asking you to calm down," Don said, his voice almost strangely casual given the current atmosphere. "Me though, I'm here to ask you to leave." He crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly, his tone almost mockingly polite. "That is, unless you want to go back on your bet?"

Mr. Tex's face turned even redder, his fists clenching at his sides. The veins in his neck bulged as he visibly struggled with his anger. But even a proud man like him knew better than to challenge someone with superhuman abilities.

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"We're leaving!" he spoke out, shoving past Dominic with enough force to make his son stumble.

Mrs. Tex let out a relieved sigh, her eyes drifting toward the lounge area. "Elliot, honey, carry your sister. We're heading out."

She then reached for Dominic's hand, her fingers gentle against his trembling fist. "Cheer up, darling. I know there must've been somethin' wrong with the pod-"

**Swat**

Dominic jerked his hand away from her touch as he also turned. But before walking away, he fixed Don with a burning glare. "I'll remember this."

Don's mouth curved into an easy smile. "I know you will."

Mrs. Tex's heels clicked rapidly against the floor as she hurried after her eldest son. Behind her, Elliot scooped up his sleepy sister, who buried her face in his shoulder as they followed their mother out.

**Whoosh**

The automatic doors slid shut behind the Tex family, leaving an almost peaceful silence in their wake. Dr. Rajesh's shoulders finally slumped as he released a heavy breath, shaking his head slowly.

"Thank you to you, Don," he said, adjusting his glasses. "Was worried situation might be going out of hands."

Don waved off the gratitude, shoving his hands into his pockets. "No need for thanks. If anything, I should apologize. Might have cost you a talent in Dominic."

A weak smile crossed Dr. Rajesh's face as he leaned against one of the VR pods. "No need for apologies being given. We are desperate for talents in VR-program, yes, but throwing away values and principles? This we cannot do."

Dr. Rajesh straightened up, his eyes suddenly focusing on Don with renewed interest. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, studying the young man before him.

"You have good strategic perspective when playing," he said, his eyes brightening. "Have you ever to be considering professional training?" He gestured to the high-tech facility around them. "Would be pleasure having you in program."

Don rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his fingers brushing against the light stubble as he considered Dr. Rajesh's offer.

Donald shifted his weight from one foot to the other, watching the interaction with clear anticipation.

After a moment, Don let out a sigh and shrugged his shoulders. "I'll have to decline, at least for now." He crossed his arms. "As interesting as it would be, I don't know how much time the hero program will consume, so I cannot commit to anything else until I'm sure."

The words were half-true on his part. While he genuinely didn't know the time requirements of the hero program, the real reason though was quite simple - his plate was already full, so VR exploration could wait.

Dr. Rajesh's shoulders slumped slightly, disappointment flickering across his features. He adjusted his glasses, the lenses catching the overhead light. "Is understanding," he said, his voice warm. "But please to consider part time member? Can train here whenever liking, no official duties or responsibilities."

'Is he offering this because I impressed him, or does he just want to capitalize on my trending status?' Don wondered, studying the older man's earnest expression.

Both seemed equally plausible, but something in Dr. Rajesh's gentle demeanor made Don lean toward giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Don's gaze then drifted to Donald, who stood nearby with his hands tucked into his pockets, trying to appear casual despite the hopeful look in his eyes.

Don could only smile as he nodded. "When you put it like that..." He paused, gesturing toward Donald. "I'll join if he can also be a part-time member."

Donald's eyes widened, his posture straightening as surprise and excitement washed over his features. His hands came out of his pockets, fingers fidgeting with the hem of his shirt.

"Is wonderful idea!" Dr. Rajesh clapped his hands together once, his face brightening. He turned toward the door, his lab coat swishing with the hurried movement. "Please to give student ID numbers. Will register both and arrange facility keycards right away."