The gate opened slowly, revealing the final challenge field. The school courtyard had been transformed into a massive makeshift arena: cones marked the boundaries, ropes defined safe zones, and obstacles were scattered everywhere—boxes, wooden panels, even giant tires. The students fell silent for a few seconds, trying to comprehend what was happening.
Vice Principal Augusto, standing imposingly, took the microphone once again:
Augusto: "Welcome to the final stage of the challenge! Now it's every team for themselves. The rules are simple: each participant wears a vest with sensors marking three points on the body—right shoulder, left shoulder, and back. If someone is touched on any of these points, they're eliminated. The team that remains until the end wins."
Murmurs spread through the crowd. Some students cheered, others seemed worried. The festive atmosphere now carried a different intensity: it wasn't just fun—it was real competition.
Diego (punching the air, excited): "Finally, a challenge worth doing!"
Isa (adjusting her vest, looking serious): "This is going to get messy…"
Lucas (already analyzing the arena like a chessboard): "Messy or not, we can't slack off."
Rafa smiled determinedly:
Rafa: "Then let's show that our team is the most united here!"
Claws didn't say anything. He simply stretched, flexing his muscles, and stared at the vice principal for a brief moment. His serious gaze met Augusto's, who responded with a subtle, almost imperceptible nod. No one noticed the exchange, but Claws felt that this challenge held more meaning than it seemed.
The buzzer sounded, and the game began.
Immediately, the courtyard became controlled chaos. Teams ran in different directions, some hiding among obstacles, others charging straight into confrontation.
Lucas (shouting to the group): "Strategy! If we go into the middle of the chaos, we'll be eliminated quickly. We need to play smart."
Matheus (ready to run): "And what's the plan, genius?"
Lucas (calmly): "Flank. Let the others fight it out and we strike when fewer remain."
Isa (without hesitation): "Agreed! Let's avoid direct contact for now."
Meanwhile, Rafa was restless.
Rafa: "But I want to fight too!"
Claws (smirking slightly): "Calm down. Your turn will come."
The group ran toward a stack of boxes and positioned themselves. From there, they could observe the entire field. Several teams were already clashing: in the center, two groups collided at speed, with shouts, laughter, and taunts. Each touch eliminated someone, and the vests beeped with a red light when that happened.
Diego (laughing): "Look at them, falling like dominoes."
Suddenly, an opposing group noticed them and ran toward the boxes.
Rafa: "Here they come!"
Matheus (determined): "Alright, now!"
The battle began. Two opponents advanced first, trying to corner Isa and Lucas. But Lucas skillfully dodged, luring one enemy close to the boxes, while Isa took the opportunity to tap the opponent's shoulder. The sensor beeped red.
Referee: "Eliminated!"
The other tried to hit Lucas, but Claws appeared from behind, firmly tapping the rival's back. Another red beep.
Claws: "Two down."
Rafa (cheering): "Nice! Now leave this one to me!"
She charged at a third opponent, faster than expected. The chase turned into a circular sprint around the boxes until Rafa feigned a fall. When the rival approached, she spun and lightly touched his shoulder. Another eliminated.
Rafa (laughing): "And with style!"
The group quickly regrouped.
Lucas (adjusting his glasses): "That's it. Keep moving calmly."
But the field's chaos intensified. Many teams remained, and some rivals began to notice Claws' group advancing with few losses. They became targets.
Isa (looking around): "They're aiming at us now."
Matheus (confidently): "Good. Let them come."
And they did. Two groups temporarily joined forces to take down the six. A flood of students ran toward them.
Diego (breathing heavily): "This is going to be rough…"
Claws then gave the command:
Claws: "Split into pairs. Matheus and I hold the front line. Rafa and Isa take the flanks. Diego and Lucas cover the rear."
No one questioned; they simply obeyed. The whole team moved as one.
Matheus and Claws confronted the rivals first. Matheus showed his agility, dodging and eliminating two quickly. Claws, with impressive reflexes, tapped opponents in near-choreographed movements, leaving no room for reaction.
On the flank, Rafa and Isa surprised their opponents: Rafa used her speed to draw rivals in, while Isa struck with precision. A double elimination in seconds.
At the rear, Lucas calculated every movement. He wasn't the fastest, but he guided Diego with precise instructions.
Lucas: "Right, now left!"
Diego followed as if he were an extension of Lucas, managing to tag enemies trying to surround them from behind.
The field became a whirlwind of shouts and elimination beeps. Within minutes, more than half the rivals were down, many at the hands of Claws' team.
The spectators cheered. The festival felt like a sports final, with improvised crowds chanting for their teams.
But the challenge was far from over. Three strong teams remained, all eyeing victory.
Lucas (analyzing the remaining opponents): "This just got serious."
Claws (confident): "Perfect. Now it really begins."
The six took a deep breath, sweaty and breathless, yet ready to continue. The test wasn't over, and the next confrontation promised to be the fiercest of all.
The chapter ends with the three remaining teams advancing toward Claws' group, setting the stage for a decisive battle that would determine the Spring Festival champion.