From Ruin to Reign Leander's Unbreakable Will novel Chapter 381

The moment Corin spoke, everyone around finally caught on—he hadn't come over for small talk. He was gunning straight for Leander.

Corin wasn't just anyone. He was the undisputed king of this billiard hall, undefeated, with a skill level sharp enough to go toe-to-toe with pros. Challenging Leander to a match wasn't about fun—it was a setup to humiliate him in front of the crowd.

Calira's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. She had complete faith in her brother's game. Seeing Leander getting close to Yvette today had irritated them both. They couldn't do anything to Yvette, but humiliating Leander right in front of her? Corin could easily manage that.

Everyone turned toward Leander, waiting for his response. Yvette didn't speak up this time—she only looked at him, a faint teasing smile playing on her lips.

Seriously? Leander, of all people? The man who could flatten mountains if he wanted to? And someone thought he couldn't handle a game of pool?

Corin was asking to be embarrassed. Yvette had been fed up with him pestering her lately, so she didn't mind letting Leander teach him a well-deserved lesson.

"You want to play against me?"

Leander set his coffee cup down and shook his head with a light chuckle. "Forget it."

Corin wasn't about to let that go. Seeing Leander back off, he took it as fear, assuming the man didn't think he stood a chance. A smug grin spread across his face.

"Hey, it's just a friendly game. Don't get so nervous. If you're really that scared of losing, I'll even play the whole round with my other hand. You can pick the rules—eight-ball, nine-ball, snooker, whatever you want."

His tone dripped with arrogance, his confidence practically radiating off him.

After all, Corin ruled this place. No one here had ever beaten him. Every top student from nearby universities had tried and failed. The only people who might stand a chance were professionals—and even then, only the very best.

The others exchanged amused glances, quietly pitying Leander.

Getting on Corin's bad side meant Leander might as well say goodbye to this pool hall for good.

"That's not the problem," Leander said, waving a hand dismissively.

"I just think playing against me would be… unfair to you."

The room fell dead silent.

Dozens of eyes turned toward him, stunned, then incredulous.

Corin was the best player in the hall, his skills on another level entirely. Anyone who could last within three balls of him was already considered top-tier.

So, when Leander had the nerve to say that playing against him would be unfair to Corin, the room nearly burst out laughing. Overpowering Corin? That would take a professional—and not just any pro, but one of the best in the game. Leander was clearly nowhere close.

Corin was quiet for a beat, then burst out laughing.

"You've got a real sense of humor, I'll give you that. Too unfair to me? Go ahead, ask anyone here if they'd dare say something like that.

"Fine. Whatever the rules, if you somehow beat me, every expense you rack up in this hall from now on is on me.

"But if you lose—stay away from Yvette. Completely. Are you up for it?"

Nathan and his two friends stiffened. So, that was it—Corin was picking a fight over Yvette.

Yvette sat quietly, saying nothing. Leander glanced her way, then sighed and stood.

"My expenses don't need you to cover them. I can afford my own games. But since you're so eager to embarrass yourself, I'll play along. If I lose, I'll honor your terms.

"But if I win, I don't want your money. I just want one thing—next time I come here, I don't ever want to see you again. Fair enough?"

Corin's pupils contracted sharply, his gaze turning cold as the air in the room seemed to drop several degrees.

Just earlier, when they'd played a casual round, Leander had actually lost a ball to him. And compared to Corin, Nathan's skills were nothing. So, how could Leander possibly win this time?

"You're letting me break?" Leander asked, the corner of his mouth lifting. "If you went first, maybe you'd have a slim chance. But since I'm breaking… one shot's all it'll take for you to lose."

The words had barely left his lips when he leaned forward, setting up in perfect form. His left hand framed the bridge, thumb slightly raised, while his right arm drew back smoothly—then struck.

The cue ball shot forward like a streak of light, smashing into the neatly racked triangle. The fifteen balls exploded across the table, ricocheting off cushions with sharp clacks that echoed through the hall.

Ten seconds passed before the last ball stopped rolling.

Silence.

Everyone leaned in, eyes widening in disbelief. Corin froze, his face drained of color, as if he'd just seen a ghost.

On the table, balls numbered nine through fifteen were scattered neatly across the felt. Every solid—one through seven—was gone, cleanly pocketed.

Only the black eight remained, sitting quietly at the corner pocket. The cue ball rested just two inches away—perfectly lined up. One light tap would have sent it home.

The room was utterly still.

"I don't think I need to take another shot, do I?" Leander said calmly, setting the cue back on the rack.

"If not for the rule that says sinking the eight ball first counts as a loss, that one would've gone in too. I'd say that settles it."

He gave a faint wave, walking past Corin without another glance.

"Remember what you promised. I don't ever want to see you in this pool hall again."