?Larry seemed to ponder for a moment before finally saying, "Fine. What are your terms?"?

  ?"He can join your association, but he must also sign with our company."?

  ?"You forget,"? Larry countered, ?"Federal law prohibits hiring child laborers under twenty."?

  Latham frowned, interjecting hesitantly: ?"Dr. Raqqa… the law specifies minors under twenty can’t be employed, not just ‘child laborers’..."?

  Larry chuckled. ?"Semantics. Point stands."?

  Card sighed. He knew the law but pressed on: ?"We can draft a pre-contract agreement."?

  ?"Useless,"? Larry snapped. ?"Pre-contracts aren’t binding. Bigger players than Black Phage will swarm him once word spreads. You think your terms can outbid them?"?

  Card’s brow furrowed. ?"Let’s discuss this privately."?

  ?"No."? Larry’s tone hardened. ?"He’s the most gifted pilot I’ve seen. I won’t let him resent me later for selling him short. Earn him with real诚意—or walk."?

  ?"Fine."? Card relented. ?"I’ll consult our CEO. Give me time."?

  ?"Seven days,"? Larry declared. ?"That’s all I can suppress the rumors for."?

  ?"Done."? Card nodded, then clapped Latham’s shoulder. ?"Hope we’ll work together, kid."? A flash of light marked his logout.

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  Larry turned to Schneider. ?"Not a word of this. To anyone."?

  ?"Even the association?"?

  ?"Especially them."?

  Latham remained silent, a flicker of resentment brewing. A day ago, he’d have leapt at any opportunity. Now, the idea of others dictating his future soured his stomach.

  Larry noticed. ?"You’re unhappy with our… arrangements?"?

  ?"I… don’t understand,"? Latham deflected.

  ?"Good."? Larry grinned. ?"Only true talents chafe at being puppeteered. You’re meant to own your destiny."?

  Latham nearly laughed. Talent? If only you knew it’s the sensor’s AI doing the work…

  ?"Four hours,"? Larry marveled. ?"You mastered basics others grind at for years. Even surpassed us. You’re not just gifted—you’re historic."?

  ?"But talent’s fragile,"? Larry warned, his voice grave. ?"The world will tempt you—fame, credits, shortcuts. I’ve seen prodigies crumble under it. Stay focused. Become the king of mechs, and then taste the world’s rewards."?

  Latham’s breath hitched. The promise of glory tugged at him, undeniable.

  ?"Think on it,"? Larry said, checking his wrist display. ?"It’s late. We’ll reconvene."?

  Schneider nudged Latham. Mimicking Card, both logged out instantly—escaping the mob that would’ve mobbed their avatars.

  Reality:

  The game pod hatch hissed open. Latham blinked, dazed, as Schneider tapped his shoulder. ?"Welcome back."?

  ?"Thanks…"? Latham removed his archaic neural sensor headset.

  Schneider stared. ?"You logged into Skynet with that relic?"?

  ?"Yeah? Everyone at college uses these."?

  ?"That model was phased out ages ago."