Chapter 40: THE FESTIVAL BEGINS (Part 2)

Phoenix Academy’s field that morning looked so alive. The sunlight shone on the green grass still wet with dew, creating small sparkles on each blade. Around the field, the spectator stands started filling up with parents and guardians arriving with enthusiasm. Colorful banners fluttered in the morning breeze, and the sounds of cheers started to be heard from various corners.

In the middle of the field, the relay race area had been neatly prepared. The hundred-meter track was divided into four sections with clear white lines. Colorful relay batons were neatly arranged on the committee’s table, ready to be used. The participants started arriving at the start area, doing light warm-ups while waiting for their turn.

Kai stood near the teachers’ section, his eyes observing his students who were gathering at the side of the field. They formed a small circle, with Ella in the middle giving final instructions. Their navy blue uniforms stood out among the crowd, the phoenix embroidery on their chests glinting under the sunlight.

"Alright, everyone," Ella said in a firm voice, "we already know the strategy. Mira and Iris will be our main runners in the relay. Remember, the baton exchange is key. Don’t rush, but don’t be too slow either."

Mira nodded quickly, her legs moving impatiently. "Mira is ready, Ella! Mira won’t let you down!"

"I trust you, Mira," Ella said with a small smile.

In the commentator’s booth, a man in a neat suit with a microphone in his hand started preparing. His loud, enthusiastic voice immediately captured everyone’s attention.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen! We will begin the first match of the Phoenix Academy Sports Festival! The relay race!"

Cheers from the spectator stands welcomed the announcement.

"First, we will witness the match from Group 1! Three classes will compete, namely 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3! Let’s see who will advance to the final round!"

The three runners from Classes 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3 stood at the starting line in ready positions.

"And they’re off! The runner from Class 1.1 immediately takes the lead with impressive speed! Her short hair flutters in the wind as she dashes forward! Behind her, the runner from Class 1.2 tries to catch up, while Class 1.3 is lagging quite far behind!"

In the second leg, Class 1.1 maintained its lead.

"The second runner from Class 1.1 runs with good technique! Her legs move with a steady rhythm! Class 1.2 is starting to close in, but the gap is still too far! And now, entering the third leg!"

The third and fourth legs took place dramatically.

"Class 1.2 almost caught up in the final seconds! But the last runner from Class 1.1 managed to maintain her lead! She crosses the finish line as the winner! Class 1.1 advances to the final round! Amazing!"

Class 1.1 celebrated their victory with hugs and laughter.

"Next, we will witness the match from Group 2! Four classes will compete, namely 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, and the special Class IX-9! Let’s watch their action!"

The four teams stood at the starting line. The atmosphere around the track started to tense up.

"And they’re off! The runner from Class 2.1 immediately takes the lead! But wait! Iris from Class IX-9 starts chasing with incredible speed! Her nimble legs carry her flying down the track! She almost catches up to the Class 2.1 runner! Amazing!"

Iris handed the baton to the second runner with a smooth movement.

"Perfect transition from Iris! Now it’s Mira from Class IX-9’s turn! Her small legs dart forward like an arrow released from a bow! She runs with incredible speed! The spectators are amazed by her agility! Class IX-9 is pulling away!"

In the third leg, Class IX-9 maintained its lead.

"The third runner from Class IX-9 runs steadily! Enough to keep the distance from her competitors! Class 2.1 and 2.2 are chasing each other behind them! And now, the final leg!"

In the final leg, the fourth runner from Class IX-9 crossed with a comfortable lead.

"And she crosses the finish line! Class IX-9 wins Group 2! They will advance to the final round! What an outstanding performance from this special class!"

Rin hugged Mira tightly. "You were amazing, Mira! I knew you could do it!"

"Iris was amazing too!" Katrin added. "Her baton exchange was perfect!"

Iris smiled mysteriously, her eyes sparkling. "We’re not done yet. There’s still the championship round."

"And now, we witness the match from Group 3! The three strongest classes will compete, namely 3.1, 3.2, and 3.3! This will be an intense match!"

The three teams stood at the starting line with sharp gazes.

"The runner from Class 3.1 immediately takes the lead! She runs like the wind! Class 3.2 and 3.3 are chasing each other for second and third place! The second leg begins!"

In the second leg, Class 3.1 was still leading.

"The second runner from Class 3.3 starts showing her speed! She almost catches up to the Class 3.1 runner! An intense battle on the track!"

However, from the sidelines, Ella, who was watching carefully, noticed something. As the Class 3.3 runner passed the Class 3.2 runner, there was a small, almost invisible movement. The Class 3.2 runner suddenly lost her balance. Her foot dragged, and she almost fell. She managed to steady herself, but lost several precious steps.

Ella sharpened her gaze. No one saw what happened. The referee didn’t react. The spectators didn’t notice. Only Ella saw.

"Did you see that?" Ella whispered to Rin.

Rin blinked. "See what?"

"The Class 3.3 runner. There was a strange movement."

"I didn’t see anything, Ella."

Ella didn’t answer. Her eyes were still watching the race.

"The third leg begins! Class 3.1 is still leading, but Class 3.3 is getting closer! Their third runner is running at very high speed! Now entering the fourth leg! A fierce battle between Class 3.1 and Class 3.3! The two runners are almost side by side!"

In the fourth leg, the same thing happened. The Class 3.3 runner moved her hand quickly as she passed the Class 3.1 runner. Moments later, the Class 3.1 runner stumbled, her foot seeming to trip on something. She lost her balance for a moment, enough for Class 3.3 to surge forward.

"And she wins the race! Class 3.3 advances to the final round!"

Ella clenched her fists. She was sure something was wrong. But there was no proof.

After three races were completed, the classes that advanced to the championship round were Class 1.1, Class IX-9, and Class 3.3.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Here it is, the final round! The three best classes will compete for the relay race championship title! There’s Class 1.1, Class IX-9, and Class 3.3! Who will become the champion? Let’s watch together!"

Ella gathered her team in a small circle.

"We’ve seen how they play," Ella said, her voice soft but firm. "Class 3.3 uses dirty tricks. I’m sure they throw powder at other participants to disrupt their balance."

"Powder?" Rin blinked.

"I saw it when they passed Class 3.1. The 3.1 runner suddenly lost her balance."

"So Mira needs to be careful," Katrin said.

"Yes." Ella looked at Mira. "Mira, you’ll pass the Class 3.3 runner at a certain point. If they try to throw something at you, avoid it. Don’t let it touch you."

Mira nodded, her expression serious. "Mira understands. Mira will keep her distance."

"But if you’re too far, they could catch up," Iris said, her eyes narrowing.

"I know," Ella said. "That’s why Mira needs to stay focused on her lane. Don’t think too much about them, but stay alert."

Mira took a deep breath. "Mira is ready, Ella. Mira won’t let you down."

The three finalist teams stood at the starting line. The commentator started his commentary with full enthusiasm.

"And they’re off! The runner from Class 1.1 immediately takes the lead! Behind her, the Class 3.3 runner runs at almost the same speed! Iris from Class IX-9 is in third position, but not too far behind! They’re chasing each other!"

In the first leg, Iris from Class IX-9 ran at a steady speed. In the second leg, Mira received the baton perfectly.

"Smooth transition from Iris! Mira receives the baton and immediately darts forward! Class 1.1 starts catching up, and Class 3.3 is also getting closer! The second runner from Class 3.3 is running at very high speed!"

In the middle of the track, something happened.

"But wait! What’s happening? Class 1.1’s relay baton suddenly falls! The Class 1.1 runner is surprised and has to stop for a moment to pick it up! She loses precious time! The Class 3.3 runner keeps surging forward! And now, Class 3.3 is starting to catch up to Mira!"

Mira, running ahead, couldn’t see what was happening behind her. But she felt a bad feeling. She kept running, focused on her lane, trying to ignore that feeling.

Suddenly, Class 3.3 caught up to her. The Class 3.3 runner was right beside her. Mira glanced to the side briefly, and at that moment, the Class 3.3 runner moved her hand quickly. Something sparkling shot toward Mira.

But because of Ella’s warning, Mira was already prepared. With quick reflexes, she ducked. Her flexible and agile body allowed her to dodge with a very thin margin. The sparkling powder flew past her head and scattered in the air, missing its target.

The Class 3.3 runner was shocked. Her eyes widened in disbelief. She didn’t expect Mira to dodge.

Still in a crouching position, Mira corrected her stance. She adjusted her balance in a fraction of a second, then darted forward. Her small, fast legs carried her forward with incredible speed. She passed the still-shocked Class 3.3 runner, then passed the Class 1.1 runner who was still trying to catch up.

"And Mira surges forward! She passes all her competitors! She’s heading toward the finish line! Amazing! Look at that speed!"

The atmosphere became a roar. All the spectators were shouting in support. Mira kept running, her legs moving like the wind. She didn’t look back. She only focused on the finish line that was getting closer.

"And she crosses! Mira crosses the finish line! CLASS IX-9 WINS! They managed to win the relay race! What an incredible match!"

Cheers from Mira’s friends echoed across the field.

"WE WON!" Mira shouted, raising both hands in the air. Her breath was panting, but her smile never faded.

Rin was the first to reach Mira, hugging her tightly. "You were amazing, Mira! I knew you could do it!"

Katrin came next, followed by Iris who smiled slightly. "You dodged it. Good."

Ella came with calm steps, but there was a smile on her face. "We won."

Mira was still panting, but her smile never faded. "Mira said, Mira wouldn’t let you down!"

Sera gave a thumbs up. Maya smiled widely, her hands gripping the edge of her jersey tightly. Aria cried happy tears, and Fay laughed softly.

All her friends hugged Mira with great joy. This victory wasn’t just about being champions, but about proving that they could. That they weren’t a class to be underestimated. That they deserved to be noticed.

From a distance, Kai watched them from the teachers’ tent. He couldn’t hide his smile. Weeks of hard training hadn’t been in vain. They had managed to show their abilities.

"Congratulations, Kai," Reina said, suddenly appearing beside him. "Your students are amazing."

On the field, Class IX-9 was still celebrating their victory. Hugs, laughter, and happy tears mixed together as one. They had done it. They had truly done it.