Against the Edge

The Academic Rivalry Heats Up

The next morning, Miguel arrived in class only to find Nick already sitting in the front row, flipping through his notes. Their eyes met, and Nick gave Miguel a smug smile.

"Ready for today's debate, Anderson?" Nick asked, his tone dripping with arrogance.

Miguel narrowed his eyes, taking a seat a few rows behind. "Always."

Professor Gwen entered the room, as she took her place at the front of the class, Miguel felt a familiar rush of energy surge through him. Academic debates were his arena, and this time, going head-to-head with Nick Holloway made it even more exhilarating. Nick's smug glance from the front row did nothing to soften Miguel's resolve.

Professor Gwen scanned the class with her usual stern gaze. "Today, we'll witness a debate between two of our most promising students, Miguel Anderson and Nick Holloway. Anderson, Holloway, your topic is the ethics of artificial intelligence in judicial systems. Each of you will have two minutes for your opening statements."

Nick shot Miguel one last smirk as he stood up to deliver his opening argument. "Ladies and gentlemen," he began smoothly, "artificial intelligence represents the next frontier in ensuring judicial fairness. Its algorithms don't tire, they don't discriminate, and they don't succumb to bias. I firmly believe that a future where AI complements our judicial system will bring us closer to true justice."

He glanced Miguel's way, subtly taunting him with the precision of his argument.

Unfazed, Miguel rose to speak, his voice calm but strong. "Artificial intelligence, while powerful, lacks the inherent moral and ethical judgment that defines our legal system. We risk undermining the very foundation of justice by depending on something that does not understand context, emotions, or the nuanced reality of human situations."

As Miguel spoke, he saw Nick's expression shift slightly, and a small, amused smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Miguel knew he'd struck a chord.

Professor Gwen nodded approvingly. "Excellent points from both sides. Anderson, Holloway, please continue with your rebuttals."

Nick leaned in, his gaze challenging as he spoke. "Miguel, I admire your sentiment, but don't you think the justice system needs objectivity? Perhaps you're clinging too much to ideals that cloud true progress."

Miguel felt the weight of Nick's words but kept his cool, responding with a slight smile. "Objectivity is necessary, Nick. But without empathy and understanding, the law becomes as rigid as the code that runs AI. In human hands, it's more than rules, it's about equity."

Their back-and-forth ignited the classroom, each argument pushing the other to dig deeper, refine their logic, and stay composed under pressure. By the end, the class buzzed with the intensity of their debate, each student more engaged than ever.

As Miguel and Nick traded intense arguments at the front of the classroom, Ethan, Louis, and James sat together near the back, sharing amused glances and whispering comments under their breath. They were far enough not to disturb the debate, but close enough to have a front-row view of the tension between Miguel and Nick.

Ethan leaned forward, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Look at Nick," he muttered. "That guy acts like he's on some TV courtroom drama."

Louis snickered, crossing his arms. "Yeah, but I've gotta hand it to him, he's got style. Just wish he'd quit with that smug smile. It's like he's trying to be the villain on purpose."

James leaned in, keeping his voice low. "You know, for someone who claims he's 'objective,' Nick seems to love getting under Miguel's skin. Classic villain move."

Ethan laughed softly, nudging James. "It's the way he keeps looking at Miguel, like he's just waiting for him to slip up. If he thinks Miguel's gonna crack under pressure, he's got another thing coming."