After exchanging brief introductions, June asked Anna to check the plan's progress. Anna and June had already communicated with the remaining five students and convinced them to form a team. In return, June assured them that their team wouldn't interfere with their performance during the entire exam.
Now that all the arrangements were in place and only 15 minutes left for team registration, the group dispersed and went to class separately. The whole class was busy among themselves, the group that had already registered were chatting among themselves and the rest were busy with registration. The process of registration was simple they just had to fill up a small form on the teacher console and be done. Ahiro also saw the last group to register were the remaining five students except their group. Soon the registration time was over and Ahiro received a notification stating
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Everything went according to June and Anna's plan. The group again gathered together and acted like this was their first meeting. Soon they 'decided' that June should be the leader and updated the info in the teachers' console following the other teams.
All the teams were sitting together and discussing, and Ahiro's team was also doing the same, Anna was barely able to suppress her smile but somehow managed to do so. But in the end, their team was perfectly formed according to the plan.
Even Ahiro who was a little doubtful was glad, he had firsthand seen the power both Anna and June possess and knew both of them were strong. With the introduction of Zoe and Owen, he came to know they were also strong in their own right and thus the teammates June has chosen were much better than Ahiro had hoped. When he rejected Melvin he didn't know what he would do going forward but seeing as how it all worked out at the end he was again thankful to June.
The team was secretly very happy as they whispered how they were successful and congratulated June on the plan well planned. However, their moment of triumph was abruptly interrupted when Jade, with surprising swiftness, grabbed June's arm from behind, forcefully pulling her out of the group.
"What are you thinking? I already told you to join the team I chose. Not only did you not choose a team, but now you're bundled with a bunch of losers," Jade said, his voice seething with anger.
Ahiro was taken aback by this turn of events and was about to rise to June's defence when Anna stopped him, whispering, "We already knew this would happen, and she was prepared for it."
June firmly grabbed Jade's hand, which was tightly gripping her arm, and yanked it away. "I didn't want to be in that team, and that's why I let the teachers decide the team. If you have any problem with that, take it up with the teacher, if you can," she retorted, her voice steady.
"Hey, who do you think you are talking back to me?" Jade fumed, his face turning red with anger. It was the first time June had stood up against him.
As June left the class, Ahiro and the others followed her outside. Ahiro cast a final glance at Jade, who was seething with anger. However, he seemed powerless in this situation. Unlike his homeland, where men were considered superior, where he had already been bested by the princess, and even his sister had refused to follow his commands. Jade's frustration was palpable, and Ahiro sensed that they might have to pay a price for challenging him during the upcoming exam.
Out in the corridor, Ahiro walked alongside June, who seemed composed despite the recent confrontation. Anna whispered to Ahiro, "She handled that pretty well, don't you think?"
Ahiro nodded, acknowledging June's strength in standing up for her choices. As they walked towards the exam hall, Ahiro couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The upcoming team evaluation was crucial, and the dynamics within their group would undoubtedly play a role in the outcome.
Reaching the exam hall, they took their seats, waiting for the teacher to present the scenario-based question. The atmosphere was tense, with occasional glances exchanged among the team members. He noticed June was smiling back at him but he felt she was a little shaken by the confrontation.
He understood how difficult it was to confront something you fear and that also something that you have been raised to fear since childhood. When he had lost his parents he was also scared but he smiled so that his sister did not fear, so he could identify the pain and fear behind that smile. he wanted to say something but the teacher came inside the hall.
"Ok you are the team that is comprised of students who haven't selected any team, I hope you have introduced yourself to each other," said Professor Savant as he read students' data from his tablets. "Ok so the team lead June Snow, could you stand up" said the professor.
"Yes professor," said June Standing up.
Professor Savant looked directly at June, his gaze piercing yet composed. "June, as the designated team leader, you hold a significant responsibility. Your role is pivotal in ensuring the coordination and success of your team. Do you understand the weight of this position?"
June met his gaze, her expression unwavering. "Yes, Professor, I understand."
"Good. As the leader, you'll be responsible for strategic decision-making during the team's evaluation. Your ability to delegate tasks and guide your team members will be crucial. Each decision you make will impact your team's overall performance."
He paused for a moment, letting the importance of her role sink in. "However, being the leader also comes with its advantages. You'll have the authority to guide the team's direction and contribute significantly to its success. Your decisions will be the driving force behind the team's performance in various scenarios. Plus you will be given points for your leadership that will not be included in the team points which means they would be your extra points."
"But," he continued, "with authority comes scrutiny. The team's overall score will be reflective of your leadership. Any missteps or lack of coordination will be deducted from the team's points. It's a system designed to emphasize the importance of effective leadership in a team environment."
June nodded, acknowledging the challenges ahead. Professor Savant's stern yet encouraging tone conveyed the gravity of the responsibility she now carried. "Remember, June, effective leadership isn't just about making the right decisions; it's about inspiring and guiding your team to perform at their best. Do you feel prepared for this role?"
June replied with determination, "I am ready, Professor. I will do my best to lead the team to success."
"Very well, June. I trust in your capabilities." Professor Savant's gaze softened slightly, hinting at a subtle encouragement. "Now, let me explain the next phase of the evaluation. today I will present a scenario to your team. This scenario will be a complex situation that your team needs to navigate strategically."
He paused for a moment, ensuring everyone was attentive. "In three days, it's your responsibility, June, to collaborate with your teammates and devise a comprehensive strategy. The solution you present must include the roles assigned to each team member, emphasizing their strengths and contributions. The judge, in this case, will assess not only the viability of your strategy but also the efficiency of the roles you assign."
June nodded, absorbing the details of the upcoming challenge. Professor Savant continued, "This exercise is designed to test your team's ability to work together cohesively, considering each member's unique strengths. It's not just about finding the right answer but also about showcasing effective teamwork and leadership."
"As you present your solution," he added, "be prepared to justify your choices and demonstrate a deep understanding of your team members' capabilities. The judge will closely scrutinize how well you integrate your team's potential into a unified and effective strategy. The result will determine if the team stays or not. "