Of course, Raymond knew what Leonid was thinking.
Most likely, in Leonid's eyes, he looked like someone who relied on powerful connections to push S.H.I.E.L.D. into letting him do whatever he wanted.
So Raymond didn't get angry. He just smiled and asked, "Dean Leonid, do you disagree with me teaching the Comprehensive Combat Class course because you think I look like a bookworm who can't handle it?"
"That's not what I meant," Leonid replied reluctantly.
But anyone could tell from his tone that this was exactly what he meant.
Raymond wasn't blind—he could see that clearly. But he didn't mind. He kept smiling and said, "I heard that you used to teach this course too, right?"
"That's right," Leonid replied, still unsure why Raymond was asking this.
"Then how about this—we have a little competition?" Raymond smiled at him. "You choose the events. As long as it's related to the Comprehensive Combat Class course, anything goes. Pick three events, and let's see who's better."
"Huh?"
Leonid didn't expect that, and paused for a moment in surprise.
"What's wrong, Dean Leonid? Are you afraid?" Raymond looked at him, half-smiling.
"Afraid? Hah." Leonid laughed coldly and didn't even bother to argue. Instead, he asked, "How will we decide who wins?"
"We'll do three challenges. If I lose even one, I'll admit defeat," Raymond said with a smile. "If I lose, I'll withdraw my application to join the Combat Division. That way, you won't have to worry. But if I win?"
"If you win, I won't get in your way again. I'll approve anything you do in the future—no objections!" Leonid said firmly. "Also, forget that 'lose one and it counts as a loss' thing. Let's be fair—best two out of three."
"You sure?"
"Of course!"
"Great. Then let's have Ms. Weaver be our witness," Raymond said, turning to her.
"Fine with me," Leonid shrugged.
Weaver saw them both looking at her and had no choice but to nod.
She had actually planned to stop Raymond, because honestly, there was no need for him to take on this bet. With both Director Fury and Principal Dugan backing him, even Leonid couldn't stop Raymond from joining the Combat Division.
No matter how unhappy Leonid was, he couldn't do anything about it.
But since the bet was Raymond's idea, and both of them agreed to it, it would be pointless for her to interfere now.
So, after hesitating for a moment, she agreed.
"Then let's do it this afternoon," Raymond smiled. "Dean Leonid, please arrange the training grounds. I have something to discuss with Ms. Weaver. Once it's ready, just let her know."
"No problem," Leonid agreed at once.
Setting up a training area was nothing for him. As the Dean of the Combat Division, he only needed to say a word, and someone else would take care of it.
"Well then, see you later, Dean Leonid~~~" Raymond waved.
"See you this afternoon," Weaver said as she stood and said goodbye.
As he watched them walk away, Leonid let out a cold laugh, then picked up the phone to give some orders.
It was clear he knew Raymond was trying to provoke him—but he didn't care at all, because he didn't think Raymond had any chance of winning.
If one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s active senior agents had challenged him, maybe he'd be worried. After all, he had been retired for ten years now. Even though he still trained regularly, he wasn't as strong as he used to be.
But Raymond was just an academic. No one had ever heard of him having any kind of impressive combat skills. Even if he was an expert in psychology, that had nothing to do with combat training.
If Leonid was afraid of someone like that, he might as well quit his job and go home.
…
Raymond had gone to see Weaver mainly to ask for help getting some daily essentials—like a change of clothes, a laptop, a new phone and number, and so on.
The clothes he was wearing were still the standard uniform Hill and the others had found for him back at the villa. Other than that, he didn't even have a clean pair of underwear.
The phone he had now was some random off-brand thing they gave him just to get by. It could barely make calls and send texts, and trying to go online with it was a nightmare. It was giving him a real headache.
Up until now, he'd been busy redeeming character cards, unlocking alternate personalities, or exploring the "Immersion" feature, so he hadn't paid attention to these everyday issues.
But once he finally had a break and got a better idea of what "Immersion" could do, he realized he didn't even have the basic things he needed after being brought out of the hospital. It felt super awkward.
As a modern person in the 21st century, things like a phone and laptop were essential. Not to mention basic items like underwear.
So, he rushed to find Weaver and ask her to help sort things out.
Of course, before that, there was something even more important: he needed Weaver to help him replace the bank card that belonged to the original owner of this body.
That guy was a big name in psychology, with roles at various schools and companies. Between those jobs, speech fees, and writing commissions, he had at least a seven-figure net worth.
It was actually more than Raymond had made in his previous life from running his own business.
And that was with the original owner not even being very focused on making money. If he had been, his wealth could have easily doubled or tripled.
Raymond wasn't planning to have Weaver pay for anything. He would use the original owner's money.
Honestly, he hadn't expected to overhear Weaver and Dean Leonid arguing when he went to find her. It was a complete coincidence.
But the argument happened to be about him.
He knew he didn't have to get involved. No matter how much Leonid objected, Director Fury would handle everything.
Still, since he'd be working at the academy for a while, he didn't want to deal with a boss who constantly had a problem with him. So, he decided to step in and settle things once and for all.
"Might as well use this to let the Deadshot personality stretch his legs… and to see what 'he' can really do," Raymond thought to himself as he sat in the passenger seat of Weaver's car, heading off to get the bank card replaced.
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