### **SCENE 26: MEETING IN THE GARDEN
After class, Alexys, Ethan, Jordan and Ema met in the university garden, an outdoor space surrounded by lush greenery and tranquility. The afternoon was pleasant, and the four friends decided to discuss their ranking strategies while relaxing on a wooden bench.
Alexys (sitting with her feet on the grass):
— "So, what do you think? Do we work together or split up to cover more ground? I don't want to be the one to be blamed for any fiasco."
Jordan (leaning against the tree, with a relaxed smile):
— "Separating could be an interesting idea. This way, we can discover more about what the university hides. But it can also be chaos without coordination."
Ema (looking at the surrounding vegetation, carefully touching a plant):
— "I think it would be better if we worked together. We can use our skills to complement each other and deal with challenges more effectively."
Ethan (analyzing the situation, with a calculating tone):
— "Working as a team seems more sensible. If we divide and try to handle everything alone, we risk becoming overwhelmed and losing the bigger picture. By combining our talents, we can face different challenges in a more strategic way, since there are many students here with powers that if we were left alone we could have problems."
Alexys (with a mischievous smile):
— "Ah, so you think we're a quartet of superheroes now? All we needed was a really lame cape to make it official."
Jordan (laughing):
— "If the idea is to show the rest of the students our power, and make a little mess, I'm all for it. But then, Alexys, are you going to let the winds decide whether or not we're going to separate?"
Ema (with a shy but resolute look):
— "I... I prefer us to work together. With all of us collaborating, we can support each other and avoid mistakes. And honestly, I think it's safer."
Ethan (smiling at Ema, with an encouraging tone):
— "I agree with you, Ema. Working together allows us to make adjustments and create dynamic strategies. Plus, it's always good to have someone to cover your back when things get complicated."
Alexys (making a theatrical gesture with her arms):
— "So, we're all on board with the team plan? Perfect. Just remember, mess is guaranteed, because I can't avoid a little chaos. And we also have to know what's really going on Here, I have to find my father."
Jordan (with an amused look):
— "And who said we want to avoid chaos? The fun is in the chaos. But let's prepare for anything, because if we're going to do this, it's for real."
Ema (nervous, but determined):
— "I just hope we can handle the challenges. If creativity and strength are needed, we are ready. And I will try not to let the plants dominate me."
Ethan (with a confident smile):
— "With our combined skills and a little planning, we can tackle anything. And even when things get tense, we'll still have each other's fun and support."
Alexys (with a challenging and excited look):
— "So that's it, team! Let's show Solaris University that, when we're together, nothing is impossible. Get ready friends, we have a mission to accomplish, and now is the time."
The group began to get up, ready to face what lay ahead. The decision to work together brought a new sense of unity and purpose. With friendly laughter and teasing, they prepared to face the next challenge that Solaris University had in store for them.
### **SCENE 27: THE REFEITORY
Ema entered the cafeteria, her gaze quickly sweeping the place, until she found Georgie, as always, with her face almost glued to the laptop. She approached with a slight smile on her face, feeling that typical nervous feeling whenever she was around the girl. Georgie, with her headphones on, didn't even seem to notice the movement around her, completely focused on whatever she was working on on the computer.
Ema (thinking while walking):
— Okay, Ema, no pressure. It's just a conversation. Maybe a flirt or two...no big deal. Just don't be an idiot.
Ema sat across from Georgie, resting her chin in her hands in a way she hoped was casually charming. The blonde didn't even look up from her laptop, her fingers dancing on the keys with the precision of someone who had been in that digital world for hours.
Ema (trying to break the ice):
— "I think you're going to end up fusing your brain with this laptop if you keep this up."
Georgie finally looked up, her face as expressionless as ever. She took out one of the headphones, staring at Ema as if she had been interrupted from something incredibly important, which was probably the case for her.
Georgie (in a cold voice):
- "There is?"
Ema (laughing, trying to sound relaxed):
— "You. The laptop. I'm starting to think you two are having an affair. You're making me jealous."
Georgie raised an eyebrow, clearly out of patience with the comment. She looked back at the screen, her fingers moving again before she could respond.
Georgie (dry):
— "If you were in the middle of something interesting, you wouldn't take your eyes off it either. Now, if you'll excuse me..."
Ema grimaced internally, but didn't let it get her down so easily. She knew Georgie was difficult, but part of the fun was trying to break that ice barrier.
Ema (teasing):
— "Ah, come on, I know I'm more interesting than a spreadsheet or anything you're doing there."
Georgie let out an audible sigh, as if she needed to muster up the patience to deal with Ema. His eyes stared at the screen for a few more seconds before finally closing it, as if he had no choice but to pay attention to the girl who wouldn't go away.
Georgie (annoyed):
— "I'm in the middle of important research. I don't have time for… that."
Ema (insisting, smiling mischievously):
— "This? You mean, an engaging conversation with a girl who clearly just wants to make you smile?"
Georgie (cold, without losing control):
— "No, I meant useless distractions."
It hit like a slap, but Ema just laughed to cover it up, throwing her hair to the side, trying not to show that the rejection bothered her. She already expected this, but she wasn't going to give up so easily.
Ema (with a cheeky smile):
— "Useless distraction? Wow, I'm offended now. Maybe you need a distraction like that to relax. Maybe I'm exactly what you need and you don't know it."
Georgie stared at Ema with an expression that bordered on impatience, as if he was one step away from completely ignoring her. But instead, she just sighed again, this time closing the laptop completely.
Georgie (direct):
— "Look, if I needed a distraction, Ema, you'd be the last thing I'd look for. Nothing personal, but... you're loud and kind of... annoying."
Ema blinked, surprised by Georgie's blunt honesty, but instead of feeling bad, she just laughed. The challenge of conquering that wall of ice amused her more than it discouraged her.
Ema (with malice):
— "Noisy, huh? Depends on the context, I'd say."
Georgie snorted, but this time she couldn't hide the slight blush on her cheeks, which didn't go unnoticed by Ema. She knew she had touched a sensitive spot, even though the blonde tried hard to maintain her cool pose.
Georgie (trying to cut the subject short):
— "I'm serious. I... don't have time for... these things."
Ema leaned forward a little more, her smile widening.
Ema (lowering the tone, her voice soft):
— "I know. But you're also always so... tense. Maybe you should give something outside of your spreadsheets and codes a chance for a while. Maybe... relax with me?"
Georgie, visibly uncomfortable, shifted in her seat, clearly trying to find a response that would end the conversation once and for all, but without being overly rude.
Georgie (direct, almost impatient):
— "I don't... relax like that, Ema. Go find someone who likes that kind of conversation. I'm fine alone, thank you."
Ema finally raised her hands in surrender, still smiling even though she knew she hadn't gotten very far with Georgie that day.
Ema (laughing, as she stands up):
— "Okay, okay. I'll leave you to your cyber romance for today. But remember what I said... one of these days you might change your mind."
Georgie only made a slight face before replacing the headphones and opening the laptop again, cutting off the interaction once and for all. Ema took one last look before turning and leaving, still laughing to herself.
Ema (thinking, as she left):
— She will give in, sooner or later. No one can resist forever.
Ema walked away, already planning her next approach, determined to continue with her little mission of softening the cold and distant Georgie's heart, even if it took time.
### **SCENE 28: THE UNIVERSITY GYMNASIUM – THE FIRST RANKING ACTIVITY
The atmosphere in the gym was electric. The echo of the students' voices mixed with the rhythmic beats of footsteps and murmurs. Professor Michael, with his serious and unyielding posture, walked through the center, gesturing with his hands, as students lined up. High above, on an observation platform, Director Sinclair was leaning back in a leather armchair, with a mischievous smile on his lips, his eyes attentive to every movement in the gym.
Alexys was at the front line, looking serious, as if she were already bored. She looked around, analyzing her "opponents". Beside her, three other students stood ready: Nate, a boy with messy green hair who controlled electricity; Amber, a brunette girl with intense eyes and the power to manipulate crystals; and Kane, a tall, muscular boy with the power to create gravitational fields.
Professor Michael (dry and direct):
— "Today's activity is simple. We will test not only the raw strength of your powers, but the ability to control and strategy. The objective is simple: Disarm and neutralize opponents without causing excessive damage. The last person standing will be declared the winner ."
The gym was filled with anticipation. Alexys' friends were sitting in the stands. Ethan, Jordan and Ema watched, exchanging glances. Ethan especially seemed interested in Sinclair's aura, which seemed to be hiding something behind his wicked smile.
Ethan (to Jordan):
— "There's something strange about that man. His aura is... chaotic."
Jordan (laughing, without taking his eyes off Alexys):
— "Of course it is. He's the principal of a school where teenagers with superpowers that can blow things up bro."
Ema was restless, but she didn't take her eyes off Alexys.
Ema (mumbling):
— "She's going to kill it."
Alexys snapped her fingers, already warming up her body for the clash. The smile on his face was evident. She loved challenges like that. At that moment, Professor Michael gave the signal to begin.
Professor Michael (firmly):
— "Let the activity begin!"
Both of Nate's arms glowed, sparking blue electricity as he fired two beams towards Alexys. Amber quickly created a shield of crystals around herself, while Kane began manipulating gravity, making the ground around them so heavy that anyone who came close would be pulled to the ground.
Alexys, with a mischievous smile on her face, was not intimidated. In the blink of an eye, she summoned a gust of wind so strong that Nate's lightning was deflected toward the ceiling.
Alexys (playful, teasing):
— "Ah, Nate, is that all you have? I was hoping for a little more... electricity between us!"
Nate grunted, but before he could try anything else, Alexys was already running towards him. She used the wind to her advantage, gliding through the air as if she were flying. With one agile movement, she created a barrier of wind around Nate, completely disorienting him.
Amber, in turn, tried to close Alexys inside a crystal dome, but the wind was too strong for her crystals to maintain their shape. Kane, realizing that Alexys was in control, used his gravitational power to try to bring down the wind field. The ground shook beneath her feet, causing Alexys to almost lose her balance.
Kane (screaming, concentrated):
— "Let's see if you fly without wind, Alexys!"
Alexys, always agile, increased the intensity of her gusts of wind even further, making her body float slightly above the ground, escaping the gravitational force that was trying to trap her. With a wicked laugh, she fired a shot at Kane.
Alexys (whispering mischievously):
— "Let's see if you can handle the pressure, you retard!"
She channeled a concentrated gust of wind toward Kane's gravitational field. The air crashed into him with such force that his power was destabilized, and he was thrown backwards, falling to the ground with a heavy thud.
The last one left was Amber, still protected by her crystals. Alexys floated towards it, and with a simple movement of her hands, channeled a current of air so precise that it reached the cracks between the crystals, dismantling the shield in seconds.
Amber (desperate):
— "Wait... that's not fair!"
Alexys (laughing, with a gleam of mischief in her eyes):
— "Who said I play fair?"
With one last push of wind, Amber was thrown against the gym wall, defeated. Alexys landed on the ground with grace, her hair slightly messed up by the wind, but a victorious smile on her face.
The crowd in the stands erupted in applause and screams. Ethan and Jordan looked at each other, impressed.
Jordan (laughing out loud):
— "This girl is unstoppable!"
Ethan smiled, but his eyes were on Principal Sinclair, who was watching the scene with an even more wicked smile on his face. Something about his expression was disturbing.
Ethan (whispering to himself):
— "He's... planning something."
Director Sinclair finally stood up from his seat, slowly applauding.
Director Sinclair (with a sarcastic tone):
— "Impressive, Miss Alexys. So much... intensity in such a small body. Who knew someone like you would have so much potential?"
Alexys raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a mix of curiosity and suspicion.
Alexys (provocative):
— "Well, someone needs to keep you entertained, that's what I do best, right?"
The Director laughed, his gaze never leaving Alexys's, as if he was analyzing her every move.
Director Sinclair (smiling wickedly):
— "Ah, but that's exactly the kind of... entertainment I like. Let's see if you can maintain that level, Miss Alexys."
Alexys gave the principal one last defiant smile before leaving the center of the gym, tossing her hair to the side as her friends approached.
Emma (laughing):
— "You killed it!"
Jordan (patting her on the shoulder):
— "I knew you were going to win, but man, it was better than I expected."
Alexys just shrugged, as if it was no big deal.
Alexys (with malice):
— "I make it look easy."
Ethan (seriously, but with a smile on the corner of his lips):
— "Just be careful with Sinclair. He... can't be trusted."
Alexys (laughing, carefree):
— "I know how to deal with men like him. Don't worry."
The group walked out of the gym, with Alexys in the center, still laughing. But Sinclair's gaze followed them until they were out of sight, his eyes shining with dangerous malice.
### **SCENE 29: THE GYM – SECOND ACTIVITY IN THE RANKING
Students ready to watch the second round of the rankings. The atmosphere pulsed with expectation. In the center of the court, Ema was positioned discreetly, almost as if she didn't want to attract attention. His hands were slightly sweaty, but his focus was sharp.
Director Sinclair, once again, was high above, sitting in his observation chair, the same calculating smile on his face. Professor Michael, at the side of the court, announced the participants.
Professor Michael (seriously, with his voice echoing through the gym):
— "Now it's Ema Green's turn, against Ivy Carter, Lia Moon and Carl Price."
The crowd reacted with murmurs and whispers. Ivy was known for her power to control poisons, while Lia manipulated light and shadow and Carl possessed the ability to manipulate the elements around him. It was a frightening combination, especially considering Ema's shy personality.
However, Alexys, Ethan, and Jordan were sitting in the front row, watching intently. Alexys, with her usual roguish air, crossed her arms, watching Ema with a confident smile.
Alexys (provocative):
— "Let's see what our little gardener will do."
Jordan (laughing, but with genuine interest):
— "I bet she'll surprise everyone. She's always been the quiet one... but there's something about her."
Ethan (with a calculating look, observing the auras around):
— "Her strength comes from a deep place. You'll see."
The match began with an explosion of lights and shadows as Lia began to manipulate the gym's lighting, creating temporary blind areas to try to disorient Ema. Marcus, in turn, summoned a current of air and water that mixed, creating a miniature storm that surrounded the participants. Ivy, always smiling, began to emit a poisonous green mist from her hands.
Ema closed her eyes for a second. She felt the energy of nature all around her, even in the small plants that emerged from the cracks in the gym floor. She took a deep breath, her body beginning to synchronize with the plant life around her.
Ivy (laughing maliciously):
— "Are you just going to stand there, little shit? Or are you scared to face me?"
Soon after, Ivy launched a blast of poison towards Ema, but before the mist could touch her, vines began to emerge from the ground, forming a natural barrier around her. The plants seemed to respond to Ema instantly, and she controlled them with almost surgical precision.
Ema (calm, but determined):
— "If you think poison will stop me... maybe you need something stronger."
She waved her hands lightly, and the vines lengthened, moving towards Ivy with impressive speed. Ivy tried to counterattack with more mist, but the plants were quick and accurate, trapping her legs and immobilizing her before she could react.
Ivy (surprised, fighting the vines):
- "What...?!"
Ema threw Ivy into the wall with tremendous force, then turned her gaze to Marcus, who continued to summon his storm. He was confident, believing that his combination of air and water would be enough to neutralize any attack, and launched a typhoon towards her, but Ema dodged it with speed and agility. The crowd applauds
With one agile movement, she grew thick roots from the ground, which curled around the water, absorbing the moisture and neutralizing Marcus's power. He tried to use the air to blow it away, but the plants were resistant. The roots trapped Marcus and threw him to the ground three times, knocking him out.
Marcus (defeated on the ground, frustrated):
— "That's not possible!"
Ema (cold, but with a tone of satisfaction):
— "You underestimate the force of nature."
And then, there was Lia, who was still playing with light and shadows. She manages to hit Ema with three beams of light that send her flying, but Ema stands up, standing firm, Lia launches a huge beam of light in an attempt to temporarily blind Ema's eyes. But Ema, keeping her calm, closed her eyes and let her senses connect with the plants around her. She didn't need to see to feel.
Ema stretched out her hands and caused a vast network of vines and leaves to spread across the ground, each plant feeling Lia's presence. When the girl of light and shadow tried to attack, the plants twined around her, disarming her powers and completely immobilizing her, and temporarily paralyzed Lia.
Lia (breathing, surprised by the speed):
- "I don't believe..."
Within minutes, Ema had defeated all of her opponents with a perfect combination of strategy and control. She stood in the center of the gym, eyes still closed, as the plants around her retreated into the ground.
The crowd was silent for a moment, completely stunned. Then, the applause began to echo. Alexys stood up from her chair, clapping her hands vigorously.
Alexys (shouting with a provocative smile):
— "I knew you had it in you, plant girl!"
Jordan looked on, impressed, whistling playfully.
Jordan (laughing):
— "Who knew that the shy girl was a beast, she crushed the guys?"
Ethan just watched with a slight smile, satisfied with what he saw. However, his eyes returned to Director Sinclair, who was wearing that calculated and disturbing smile again.
Ethan (mumbling to himself):
— "He's got his eye on all of us... and she just stood out."
Professor Michael stepped forward, acknowledging Ema's performance with a nod.
Professor Michael (seriously, but respectfully):
— "Very well, Miss Green. Impeccable control."
Ema took a deep breath, finally opening her eyes, and looked at her friends with a slight shy smile.
Ema (nervous, but satisfied):
— "I think... I did it."
Jordan (running up to her, laughing):
— "Did you do it? You rocked it, Ema! That was incredible!"
Alexys (hugging Ema sideways, teasing):
— "I knew you had a wild side hidden there. Now everyone sees you in a different way, just don't go around tying us up with those vines."
Ema (blushing slightly, but with a smile):
— "Yeah... I just... followed my instinct."
Principal Sinclair, still watching, muttered to himself, a dangerous gleam in his eyes.
Director Sinclair (with a wicked smile):
— "It looks like we have a lot more hidden talent than we imagined. This is going to be interesting..."
He then stood up and silently left the platform, while the crowd was still ecstatic over Ema's victory.
### **SCENE 30: GYM – THIRD AND LAST ACTIVITY OF THE DAY
At the end of the second activity, the gym was still vibrating with Ema's unexpected victory. The next fight, however, promised to be completely different. Ryan's name was called over the loudspeakers, and the audience immediately fell silent. The gothic punk rebel, with his calm and distant look, walked to the center of the gym with a dark aura around him. His dark clothes, almost like an extension of his own darkness, moved slightly in the wind.
Jordan, Alexys, Ethan and Ema, sitting in the stands, watched intently. The air was heavy. Jordan clenched his fists, remembering the beating he got from Ryan at the party. The goth rebel had proven that he was not just an ordinary student.
Jordan (with a somewhat tense expression):
— "This guy... he destroyed me at the party. Now everyone will see what I had to face, this guy is really cute."
Alexys (smiling, but with a gleam of caution in her eyes):
— "Yeah, it looks like the bad boy is going to show what he knows. Violence is in the air, that makes me excited."
Ethan (analyzing the auras carefully):
— "He won't hold back anything. He's filled with pent-up fury."
Ema (shyly, but intrigued):
— "Is he really that strong?"
Ethan (seriously analyzing his aura)
- "And yes."
Professor Michael raised his voice, preparing the audience for what was to come.
Professor Michael (serene but imposing):
— "Ryan Black vs. Zach Harper, Ben Caldwell and Mason Reed. Let the fight begin."
Ryan just smiled, completely relaxed. Their opponents, however, seemed to be gearing up for an intense battle. Zach controlled metal, Ben was capable of generating seismic vibrations, and Mason had the ability to create force fields for defense and attack. The three boys exchanged confident glances, believing they could take Ryan down with teamwork.
The fight began with Zach firing metal blades directly towards Ryan. However, before the blades could reach him, Ryan disappeared into the shadows, teleporting to the other side of the court.
Ryan (calm, with a provocative smile):
— "You're going to have to be faster than that."
Ben, frustrated, hit the ground, generating a seismic wave that ran throughout the gym, causing the ground to shake violently. But the shadows around Ryan seemed to absorb the impact, as if he were protected by an indestructible darkness.
Mason, realizing that his teammates were having no success, activated his force field and charged at Ryan with brutal force. The energy field around him glowed brightly, forming an impenetrable shield. He charged with everything he had, hoping to crush Ryan with the force field.
But with a subtle movement, Ryan disappeared again, emerging behind Mason, who had no time to react.
Ryan (whispering in Mason's ear, while holding him by the back of the neck):
— "So predictable..."
With an explosion of shadows, Ryan grabbed Mason and started hitting him with a bunch of punches in the face and then threw him violently to the ground, breaking his force field as if it were glass. The impact was so brutal that the crowd gasped in shock. Mason was out of commission, his body limp on the ground.
The crowd began to grow restless. Jordan, sitting down, closed his hand into a fist, reliving the moment he felt that same force.
Jordan (whispering to himself):
— "Damn....This guy...he's a beast."
Alexys (laughing lightly, but with a hint of respect):
— "That's what I call brute force with style. Look how he moves."
Janie (from the stands, watching with a cocky smile):
— "He always knows how to cause a good mess, when he wants to he really turns into a monster, huh."
Emily, sitting next to Cristina, just watched calmly, as she always did. Her intelligent gaze analyzed every movement, but she said nothing, preferring to maintain her usual silence.
Ben, realizing what happened to Mason, decided to release everything he had. He began creating violent seismic tremors, intending to destabilize Ryan. However, the shadows around Ryan grew, forming an impenetrable barrier that absorbed the impacts.
Ryan, with his usual calmness, advanced towards Ben. Every step he took seemed to make the shadows around him grow thicker, more menacing.
Ben (screaming, in despair):
— "Stay away from me, you bastard!"
Ben tried to release a final seismic wave, but before he could react, Ryan grabbed him by the shirt and started hitting him with many strong punches to the stomach, and lifted him into the air, the shadows wrapped around his body increasing his strength and resistance. With a single brutal movement, he threw Ben to the ground, causing the court to shake from the impact. Ben was out.
That left only Zach, the metal controller. He, now completely terrified, began to throw several metal blades in all directions, trying to hit Ryan. But Ryan moved in the shadows, appearing and disappearing like a ghost, playing with Zach.
Ryan (smiling, as he approaches Zach):
— "You're wasting your energy for nothing, you piece of shit."
Zach, in a last desperate effort, tried to gather a bunch of blades around him to hit Ryan. But before he could release them, Ryan was behind him, his shadows enveloping Zach like a dark, suffocating prison that squeezed him tightly.
With a quick movement, Ryan throws Zach against the gym wall, leaving him powerless on the floor. The crowd watched in silence, in disbelief at Ryan's brutality and precision.
Alexys (claps slowly, with a provocative smile):
— "And that's our bad boy. He makes us look like amateurs."
Ethan (calm, but amazed):
— "He is ruthless... and knows exactly how to use fear against others."
Ema (in shock, but fascinated):
— "He really can't hold back, does he?"
Ryan, now the only one standing in the gym, looked at the crowd and gave a slight smile. He knew he had left his mark. The shadows around him began to recede, slowly disappearing as he left the field.
Director Sinclair watched from his seat, that cold, calculated smile on his lips. Ryan had demonstrated brutal, devastating strength, exactly the kind of talent he enjoyed watching.
Director Sinclair (mumbling to himself):
— "This boy... he will be useful. The more talented young people, the more resources for my plans."