The festival was at its peak. Colorful stalls, music filling the courtyard, and students running everywhere made Aurora Academy feel like a completely different place.
Rafa appeared carrying a tray full of skewers, smiling.
Rafa: "Come on, let's eat before the games start!"
Lucas was already pulling Diego by the arm.
Lucas: "No way, first we're hitting the street basketball tournament. I heard there's a prize!"
Before the argument could continue, Claws suddenly appeared behind them.
Claws: "What did I miss?"
Isa jumped, nearly making Rafa drop the tray.
Isa: "You could at least warn us when you show up!"
Some nearby students started whispering about Claws's presence. Some admired him, others threw spiteful comments, but he simply ignored them.
Matheus crossed his arms, staring at his friend.
Matheus: "So, you just gonna stand there, or are you joining in?"
Claws: "Of course I'm joining. But fair warning—I'm gonna beat you all at everything."
Rafa laughed, excited.
Rafa: "I want to see that!"
The group headed to the shooting booth. Each took their turn. Isa turned out to be surprisingly good, hitting almost every target. Diego missed badly and became the butt of everyone's jokes, while Lucas stayed serious, trying his hardest to focus.
Matheus (teasing): "Relax, Diego, you're only good for cheering."
The group burst into laughter.
When Claws grabbed the toy gun, several students' eyes turned immediately to him. He hit every target, finishing the round flawlessly.
Claws: "Champion, just like I said."
Isa (muttering): "Cocky…" — but she couldn't hide her smile.
As the group celebrated and teased one another, Mr. Gustavo, from a distance, spoke with Principal Augusto.
Gustavo: "Principal, Claws is still drawing too much attention. What if this becomes a problem?"
Augusto (calmly): "He isn't doing anything wrong. Let the students enjoy themselves."
Later, the group decided to wander through the festival. They stopped at food stalls, tried games, and even joined an impromptu sack race, where Rafa ended up winning and couldn't stop laughing at the boys' defeated faces.
The mood was light, full of laughter and playful banter. For them, it was just another day of friendship—even though, deep down, they knew the festival still held some surprises.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky orange, a voice boomed from the microphone:
Announcer: "Attention, students! Get ready for the festival's big surprise challenge!"
The group exchanged curious looks.
Lucas: "What do you think it is?"
Claws smiled with confidence.
Claws: "Whatever it is—we're going to win."
And so the chapter ended, leaving in the air the suspense of the mysterious challenge to come.