Lana: Ho—how is that possible?
Lana stood in stunned silence, looking at Ava with disbelief. She had just lost, and the shock of it was almost too much to process. Her body felt heavy, and she slumped to the ground, feeling an overwhelming sense of depression creeping over her.
Ava: See? I told you I wouldn't lose to people like you.
Ava stood tall, her expression filled with determination and confidence. She had won the challenge, and it showed in her posture. Lana, however, was on the ground, staring up at her with a mixture of frustration and anger.
Lana: People like me? Do you think just because you're royalty, that you're better than me?
Lana's voice shook with a mix of anger and humiliation. She had always been used to being the strongest, the most famous. Her group had ruled over the academy for so long, and now this girl, Ava, had come and toppled everything. She couldn't handle it.
Ava: No. I think that because your group are cheaters, and how could anyone in the academy cheat on a challenge they started? You were also the former strongest. Just how low could you fall?
Ava's voice had a certain sharpness to it. There was no room for weakness or hesitation in her tone. She was direct, and that made Lana feel even more humiliated. Ava wasn't just someone who defeated her; Ava was calling out her entire group for being dishonest.
Lana: Shut up, you bitch. Before your group came here to the academy, we were the strongest and most famous. But when you entered, all the attention shifted to you. You were the youngest group to kill a mid-ranked Djinn and also a high-ranked Djinn.
Ava raised an eyebrow at Lana's words but didn't back down. She had heard the rumors. She had seen how everyone fawned over the victories of Lana's group, but now she understood why they had all been so proud. It wasn't because of skill—it was because they had always played dirty. But that didn't matter now.
Ava: So, you challenged us out of jealousy? How foolish.
Lana's face turned red with anger, but she didn't have the strength to argue anymore. She could barely stand up as the weight of defeat crushed her spirit. Ava's words cut deep, but it wasn't just Ava that Lana had to blame; it was her own group's actions that had led to this point.
Lana: ...I don't care. Your group will lose the other four challenges. This was the easiest one anyway.
Ava: It was the easiest, huh? Well, we're still not going to lose to the likes of you. My group will win all the challenges.
Lana's eyes narrowed. Her pride was all she had left, and she wasn't about to let Ava's words go unchallenged.
Lana: ...Oh, really? I guess we'll see about that.
Ava smiled coolly, unfazed by Lana's anger. She turned on her heel and started walking away.
Ava: We will indeed. Now, goodbye, trash.
As Ava walked away, her group quickly followed, leaving Lana alone in her defeat. Her group rushed to her side, offering words of comfort and trying to lift her spirits, but it was clear they had lost their confidence as well. It wasn't just one challenge they had lost—it was their sense of superiority.
Ava made her way back to her own group, the satisfaction of her victory still lingering in her steps.
Ava: Well, looks like your idea worked, Dakota. Thank you.
Dakota: No need to thank me. I'm just glad we won the first challenge, and now we know that their group is going to cheat in the rest of the challenges.
Lucas: Yeah, that's true. I wonder what the next challenge is going to be.
Dakota thought for a moment, looking back toward Lana and her group. It was clear now that they would stop at nothing to win, including playing dirty. But Dakota wasn't worried. They had come this far, and they weren't going to let anything stand in their way.
Dakota: Well, let's go ask them. They're over there comforting their friend.
Dakota and the others made their way to the opposing group, walking confidently. As they approached, Dakota stepped forward and asked the question.
Dakota: So, what's the next challenge?
The members of the opposing group exchanged uncertain glances. The tension was palpable, but Andri finally spoke.
Andri: ...The next challenge will be... Dodgeball.
Dakota raised an eyebrow, impressed by the decision. Dodgeball wasn't a complicated game, but it was one that required agility, strategy, and teamwork.
Dakota: Oh, dodgeball? That's a good one. Nice choice.
Ava turned to Dakota with a small smile, acknowledging his words.
Dakota: Now, who should we choose for dodgeball?
The group paused for a moment as Dakota considered the best strategy. They had to choose someone who could not only dodge but also throw with precision. After thinking for a few moments, Dakota made his decision.
Dakota: Liam. We'll choose Liam.
Liam grinned widely, his eyes lighting up at the challenge.
Liam: Oh, yes! I'm very good at dodgeball, since I'm very fast.
Dakota chuckled, knowing exactly what Liam was capable of. His speed and reflexes were top-notch, and Dakota had no doubt that Liam would excel in this challenge.
Dakota: Yeah, I know. That's why I chose you. Now, who are you going to choose to face Liam in dodgeball?
Andri thought for a moment, then spoke with certainty.
Andri: We'll choose Andrew.
Andrew nodded, a fierce determination in his eyes.
Andrew: I will not lose. I will avenge Lana.
Liam smirked, not bothered by Andrew's declaration.
Liam: Avenge for what? We didn't even do anything bad, and you're not going to beat me.
Andrew: Then come, and we'll see.
With the challenge set, both groups made their way to the gym. The atmosphere was tense, but there was also a sense of excitement. Liam and Andrew stood at the ready, preparing for the first round.
Andri: The rules are simple. If the ball touches you, even barely, you're out. If you catch it, you win. There will be three rounds. Now, start!
The whistle blew, and both Liam and Andrew immediately dashed for the balls. Liam grabbed one first and threw it at Andrew with great force. Andrew dodged with ease and threw his own ball at Liam. Liam swiftly dodged, his reflexes sharp. The two continued to exchange fast throws, each one narrowly missing their target. But eventually, Andrew threw his ball with full power. Liam tried to catch it, but the ball twisted in midair and struck him in the face instead.
Liam: What the hell just happened? Why did the ball go the other way?
Dakota's eyes narrowed, understanding the situation.
Dakota: Ah, I see. Someone must have changed the ball's direction to trick Liam. This is going to be difficult now, and it's also the final round. Come on, Liam, you can do it.
Liam shook off his shock and nodded, determination returning to his eyes.
Liam: Okay! I'll win this.
Andrew, seeing Liam's resolve, smirked.
Andrew: How was that? Did it meet your expectations?
Liam: It actually surpassed them. Congratulations for that. But now that I know your trick, you won't beat me this time.
Andrew: Oh, really? We'll see then.
The final round began, and both players grabbed the balls. Andrew threw his first, but Liam dodged it easily. This time, Liam was prepared. He quickly threw his own ball with pinpoint accuracy, but Andrew dodged it and countered by throwing two balls at once. But Liam had anticipated this move and jumped into the air, managing to dodge both.
Liam: Like I said, I know your trick. You're not going to win.
With a confident grin, Liam hurled another ball at Andrew, faster than any of the previous throws. Andrew tried to dodge, but this time, he wasn't quick enough. The ball hit him square in the chest.
Andrew was about to retaliate, but before he could grab another ball, Liam dashed forward at full speed, grabbed a ball, and launched it with even greater force. The ball struck Andrew in the face, sending him crashing to the ground. This meant that Liam and his group had won the second challenge.
Liam: See? I told you I wouldn't lose.