The entire courtyard stirred with the announcement of the surprise challenge. All the students gathered near the central stage, curious to know what would come next.
Stepping onto the stage, Vice Principal Augusto took the microphone. He was known for his serious posture and almost enigmatic aura, always commanding respect.
Augusto: "Students, the time has come for the Spring Festival's special challenge." His voice was firm. "This year, I've prepared something different. It won't just be a test of strength or speed… it will be a trial of spirit, reasoning, and unity."
The murmurs among the students grew, but everyone remained attentive.
Augusto: "Teams will be formed with up to six members. Each team must face a series of obstacles spread across the school. Whoever reaches the end first—wins."
Claws raised an eyebrow, almost suspicious. "This guy just loves to complicate things…" he thought, without saying a word.
Rafa stepped forward, excited.
Rafa: "Then it's decided, right? Our group is in!"
Isa huffed, but nodded.
Isa: "Of course. We're not just going to sit and watch."
Diego cracked his knuckles.
Diego: "Let's win this thing, then!"
Lucas grew more serious, analyzing.
Lucas: "If he said reasoning and unity, there's going to be some trick in the middle. It won't just be a race."
Matheus crossed his arms, defiant.
Matheus: "Even better. Let's see who can last until the end."
The vice principal smiled faintly at the students' excitement. He watched Claws for a few seconds, as if expecting something, but no one noticed that subtle exchange of glances.
Soon after, the teams were organized, and the siren blared, signaling the start of the challenge.
The first obstacle was a balance test: crossing a narrow corridor with ropes and suspended platforms. Rafa almost fell, but Isa grabbed her just in time. Diego cracked a joke, but soon tripped and had to be saved by Lucas.
Rafa (laughing): "See? It's not just me!"
Claws passed with ease, not even seeming worried, while Matheus kept his focus and pushed the group forward.
Matheus: "Come on, we can't fall behind!"
The second obstacle was a riddle: several locked boxes with puzzles written on them. Only by solving the correct sequence could they find the key to move forward.
Lucas: "Leave it to me." He adjusted his glasses, reading the clues while Rafa and Isa quickly worked out possible answers.
Claws, impatient, simply crossed his arms—but deep down he watched with a faint smile, almost proud to see the group working together.
Time passed, and the challenge grew tougher, mixing logic, endurance, and strategy. The vice principal observed everything from a distance, paying close attention to their performance.
"This group… especially Claws… they're more prepared than they realize." he thought silently.
The chapter ends with the group advancing to the final stage of the challenge, unaware that the vice principal had prepared something even more surprising to truly test their unity.