Claws' group had just completed the puzzle stage when the sirens sounded again. All the teams were gathered in the main courtyard. The anticipation was huge: those still in the game watched the other groups with a mix of fatigue and renewed energy.
Vice Principal Augusto climbed onto the stage, standing tall and holding the microphone.
Augusto: "Very well, students. Up to this point, each team has demonstrated skill in obstacles, reasoning, and cooperation. But the real challenge begins now."
A silence spread among everyone.
Augusto: "The final stage will be collective. All teams will participate at the same time. You'll need to navigate a course that spans the entire school, featuring physical challenges, puzzles, and tasks requiring coordination. There will be only one winner, but this competition will test not only group strength but also the ability to handle pressure from multiple opponents."
The reaction was immediate: shouts, murmurs, and provocations between teams. The air buzzed with rivalry.
Rafa adjusted her headband, excited:
Rafa: "Now this is a real competition!"
Isa took a deep breath:
Isa: "And definitely going to be chaotic…"
Diego smirked, stretching his arms:
Diego: "Even better—more fun."
Claws merely glanced at the vice principal, serious, almost as if he understood that there was something behind that gaze. But he said nothing.
The buzzer sounded, and the trial began.
The final course was impressive:
First section: Giant inflatable walls that students had to climb and descend, with slippery ropes.
Second section: A maze set up inside the gym, filled with false clues and hidden puzzles.
Third section: A courtyard race with obstacles, including water barriers, ropes, and sandbags.
Teams jostled each other, taunted, and quickly devised strategies to take the lead.
Matheus: "Rafa, go left!" — helping Isa climb one of the ropes.
Isa: "Diego, stop laughing and help Lucas!" — barely keeping her balance.
Claws' team stayed united, even amid the chaos. Some other teams started interfering, pulling ropes or blocking paths, making the competition even fiercer.
In the maze, Lucas led the reading of clues while Claws forced open false doors to find a quicker path. Rafa and Diego ran side by side, trying to shake off another team following them.
The vice principal watched everything from a distance, with sharp attention. His eyes briefly rested on Claws, and a slight smile appeared on his face.
Augusto (muttering to himself, unheard): "Let's see how far you can go together…"
The contest was intense, each team trying to surpass the others. The entire school vibrated with energy; students not competing shouted and cheered from the sidelines, turning the festival into a true spectacle.
Finally, at the end of the maze, a huge gate opened, revealing the last part of the trial—something no one had seen before.
The chapter ends with all teams running toward the new challenge, leaving the tension high over who would emerge victorious.