Crushing Victory

---MC's POV---

Ever since the event began, we have been doing very well. I saw Miguel energetically waving colorful signs that read, "Try Our Irresistible Cookie Dough!" With a vibrant display inspired by a certain 'guy' who owned a Chocolate Factory.

Well, that's my idea – to use nostalgia to attract people to our stand. People feel attached to these things.

Like in my previous world, they used to watch various different movies of the same story being told over and over again. I don't blame them, though, because that happened with me as well.

Then I noticed Miguel energetically calling out to passing students and parents, his voice blending with the lively chatter of the crowd.

Miguel, his cheeks flushing with excitement and newfound confidence, addressed a pair of inquisitive parents. "You simply must try our cookie dough delights! They're a treat like no other!"

I chimed in. "That's right! Once you taste them, you'll be transported to a world of flavor!"

I directed them to our table, where Olivia stood. I looked at our colorful booth filled with an array of delectable cookies; she did a great job decorating, which was also inspired by the enchanting sweet shops of another "guy" and the Chocolate Factory.

Yeah, that was also my idea.

I had planned this with them before, I decided on the decoration and stuff like that... that resembled something that made part of their childhood. While looking at stuff like that, I had notice that this world is very similar to my previous one.

Olivia was in charge of welcoming customers, introducing them to the cookie dough, and ensuring that our sales were a success. "Welcome! Please, take this cookie sample to see if it's to your taste!" She said while smiling at the couple.

Then the lady took a cautious bite of a cookie dough truffle. Her eyes widened with delight as she savored the flavors dancing on her palate. "Oh my goodness! These are incredible!"

Her husband had a similar reaction to his partner. He said, "I haven't tasted anything like this in years! Kids, come over here and try this!"

As they beckoned their children, a few more students saw their reaction and couldn't resist the temptation. They formed a small crowd, all eagerly reaching for cookie dough.

Miguel's grin grew wider as he served another batch. "Please, every single cookie will cost $1. Firstly, you have to pay my colleague, and then you can retrieve your cookie!"

Nice, everything is going well; now let's just wait for everything to get spicier.

---General POV---

After a few minutes, however, as Miguel, and Olivia were busy entertaining and serving the delighted customers, another challenge loomed on the horizon.

A horde of students, who hadn't participated in the tournament, arrived at the cafeteria. Alex, with a mischievous grin, was their ringleader.

The students swarmed the cafeteria, their excitement infectious. They had heard from Alex about the cookie dough, being described as the most delicious thing he had ever tasted. So, their curiosity had led them to this event.

Miguel, and Olivia exchanged glances as the cafeteria buzzed with eager customers.

Miguel, his heart pounding with exhilaration, approached a group of enthusiastic students. "Please! Take the line to pay for our cookies!" He exclaimed.

Olivia, her face looking worried for a few moments before saying. "This is... too much! We don't have many cookies left! Guys!"

Miguel and Alex heard Olivia's plea, and they rushed over. "What's wrong?" Alex was the first one to ask.

"We can't take all of them... the cookies are finishing. If I knew it would get this busy, I would have made more!" Said Olivia, looking depressed.

"We sold all of our cookies, but if this batch leaves our stand, they will be attracted to the other ones!" Said Miguel. "Where is Asahi??"

"Wasn't he with you?" Olivia said, looking at Miguel with a confused look.

"I lost track of him when all these people came," Miguel admitted.

"Aaah, this is the worst moment for him to disappear!" Olivia said while entering into panic.

"Who said I disappeared?"

The group looked at the source of the voice and saw Asahi holding another batch of cookies, steam coming out of them as if they were just made now.

Olivia turned to Asahi, her voice tinged with surprise, "Asahi, where were you? And when did you leave your spot?"

Asahi's expression remained composed, but his eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "Oh, I whipped up a fresh batch. Thought we might have needed a few more." He said.

Olivia looked surprised at Asahi. 'Has he foreseen this situation?' She thought. What Asahi demonstrated now was his ability to read the room and adapt to the situation.

As the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, customers gravitated toward the stand like moths to a flame. Their eyes sparkled with anticipation as they extended eager hands for a sample.

One young student, with a mouthful of cookie, couldn't contain his excitement. "These are amazing! Can we buy some more?"

Asahi, his eyes gleaming with entrepreneurial spirit, nodded. "Of course, we've got plenty!"

The excitement was contagious. Soon, the line grew bigger, filled with people eager to get their hands on these irresistible cookies. Miguel, Alex, and Olivia worked tirelessly, serving cookies and engaging with customers. They had fallen into a predicament before, but luckily, Asahi had seen this situation before it happened, so he went back to prepare more cookies with the help of James, the assistant chef of the school.

The enthusiasm in the cafeteria was infectious, and their competitors from other teams couldn't help but watch in awe.

" What are you looking at me for? Get to move!" Said while passing through them in the direction of the customers to receive them.

The three of them looked at Asahi with surprised expressions. They stood there for a few seconds until Alex broke the ice. " Hah... he never ceases to impress me. Let's go, guys."

Olivia also looked a little relieved, and Miguel very energetic. He ran to the crowd of people and started announcing, "Come quickly!! We have our special ..."

...

Across the room, Maria's team exchanged defeated glances. The disparity in customers between their modest stands and Asahi's booming operation was undeniable. They whispered among themselves, conceding that they couldn't compete with them.

They were in second position, while before the whole crowd of students came, they were fighting tightly for the first spot against them.

One team member sighed, "It's over, guys. We can't compete with this. Look at the crowd they're drawing!"

Their leader, Maria, with a look of defeat but then a smile surged on her face, and then she gestured to Asahi's stand. "They've outdone us in creativity. We should focus on getting the second place, at least."

And with that, everyone sighed at that response.

'Asahi...' thought Maria for a moment before coming back to reality.

"Alright! Let's do our best!"

And after hearing that, everyone came back to work harder.

...

Back at the winning stand, customers continued to line up, eager for a taste of the cookies. The joy on their faces was undeniable as they savored the flavors, and word of mouth quickly spread. The scent of success lingered in the air, and their stand became the focal point of the event.

Alex couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Their well-executed strategy had not only secured their victory but also elevated their reputation. 'Asahi's a genius!' he thought, remembering the time Asahi had proposed this idea to him.

...

As the event came to a close, the organizer took the stage once more to announce the winners. The anticipation in the cafeteria was palpable as students and parents alike awaited the results.

"The moment you've all been waiting for," the organizer began, "the students that have sold the most and won this year's school event are…"

The crowd held its breath, waiting for the final verdict. Miguel's heart pounded with a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was a victory they had worked tirelessly for, but it also meant stepping into the spotlight.

The organizer paused for dramatic effect before declaring, "Alex Brown, Miguel Garcia, Olivia Rodriguez, and finally, Asahi Anderson!"

(A/N: I KNOW THAT I AM HORRIBLE AT GIVING NAMES.)

A thunderous applause filled the cafeteria as their fellow students and proud parents celebrated their win. Asahi's team members wore broad smiles, reveling in their accomplishment. Olivia, in particular, couldn't contain her excitement as she turned to Asahi.

"We did it! We won!" she exclaimed, her eyes shining with happiness.

---MC's POV---

I looked at my team getting happy for winning, but my thoughts were already on my next challenge. My first real challenge after coming to this world, against a top chef. I am going to take this opportunity to test the limits of my abilities. It's a battle that I couldn't take lightly.

Olivia sensed that I wasn't commemorating and looked at me concerned. She asked, "What's wrong, Asahi? We won, and everyone's cheering for us."

I turned to her and said, "I appreciate your support, Olivia, but our biggest challenge is yet to come."

"Ah, you mean...!" She noticed my serious demeanor, so she stopped talking and got a thoughtful expression.

The victory was sweet, but it was only the beginning of a much larger battle. Maria's uncle was a formidable opponent, and I knew that I have to be prepared for what lays ahead.