Chapter Three

All students in grade 12 gathered at the front of the school bus very early as directed by Miss Austin. The driver dashed in and asked the simple question without caring for a response, "Are you all set?"

"Like he was going to listen to us if we weren't set!"

He got into the bus and they zoomed off the school premises. They arrived at Saint Paul High School 10 minutes before the commencement of the quiz, walked into the hall and they sat quietly while waiting for someone to address them.

The moderator made her way to the mic stand on the podium as she welcomed everyone. She then made the general announcement and invited all participants from each school to the podium.

Every student from the 13th school in attendance cheered their participants as they walked to the podium.

John's palms became sweaty and his heart raced faster than ever before the moment they approached the podium.

Kendra noticed his sweaty palm and she smirked at him, "Take a deep breath and let your nerves subside. Remember we are in this together. Trust me, we will come out victorious."

They began with the first phase which was a multiple-choice question. All they had to do was fill out the correct options in the note given to them in the next 15 minutes.

"And we have come to the end of the first phase leaving us behind with six schools." The moderator announced.

On hearing that, the quiz hall became so silent as if a gentle whisper could shatter the stillness. The absence of sound seems to amplify every heartbeat and inhale of breadth.

The moderator continued with the announcement, " The schools competing in the next phase are Royal…West Field and Saint Paul High School. All other participants may leave as others get prepared for the next phase."

The winning side became so cheerful that they couldn't hold their excitement.

Kendra looked at John in the eyes and whispered calmly, " We will do it."

The second phase began with oral oral-based question which lasted for 35 minutes. It was really a tough session for all 6 participants as the lapse became so tight that the initial proposed session of 25 minutes got extended by an additional 10 minutes.

The moderator walked towards the mic stand to announce the results but she intentionally paused the moment she got to the mic stand to get their attention.

Everyone became silent at once as if time held their breath. It was indeed a moment of suspended serenity that demanded their utmost attention.

The moderator continued with the announcement, "As decided by the panel of judges, the third phase is strictly for the top two competitors who had a tie as they are going to compete for the winning prize while the other winners for first and second runner up would be announced after the third phase."

This time around, the echoes heard in the hall are nothing but heartbeats of students.

"The schools competing in the third phase are Oasis and West Field High School." She congratulated both schools and declared a 30-minute break before the final session.

John couldn't believe they could get to that point.

"I told you, we can do it!" Kendra said with all excitement.

He was still dumbfounded even though he had answered most questions correctly. " I can't believe this."

They hugged each other tightly ignoring the fact that they were on the podium. They snapped out of it at once immediately they became conscious of the crowd.

"I need to use the restroom," John said as he hurriedly left the podium.

"Okay, I will wait for you outside the restroom."

Kendra followed and one other competitor from Oasis trailed behind.

After he had washed his face and adjusted his dress, he opened the door to exit the restroom and suddenly bumped into a hard-chest guy.

"Hey dude, you are the guy from Oasis. To be honest, you are one great competitor that can't be underestimated."

"Lol, coming out from son of the wanted murder! Or do you think we don't know? What an effrontery! I can't believe a low life like you can think of…"

Kendra dashed in and interrupted the other guy as she tugged John away from him.

Tears well in his eyes and he couldn't hold them back anymore that they started flowing down his cheeks. His emotion was tampered with.

Kendra couldn't help but hug him even as tears dripped down his cheeks. She instantly let go of the grip on him and held his face while looking into his eyes.

"You know you are bound to encounter obstacles on the verge of success, right? This is exactly one of them. Whatever you have heard was intentionally said to drive you away from the winning team. Do you really wanna let that get to you? Do you?" She waited patiently for a response.

His head gesture gave him the positive answer she needed.

"Cast away your worries, believe in yourself, and summon strength that surpasses all intimidation. Remember, we must emerge as the winner."

Her words comforted him in such a vulnerable moment and he embraced her tightly.

"We can do it!" He whispered and snapped out of his emotions.

They both walked back to the hall to prepare for the final phase.

The moderator mounted the podium just as they walked in and gave instructions to both competitors. She also added not to go beyond the time frame as that could lead to losing a point automatically.

The last phase began with mathematics questions. Both schools scored a point for themselves and lost a point leaving them with another tie.

They both had one last question to answer which means anyone who answered it correctly automatically becomes the winner.

"This question goes to Oasis High School. What is Linear…" the moderator asked.

Both participants from Oasis were silent for a while and before they could gather their thoughts together, the timer stopped ticking and that made them lose a point.

The moderator turned to West Field High School and said to them, "You are free to answer the question or you get a new question."

John stood up confidently, walked up to the mic stand, and answered like he had memorized the answer before approaching the mic stand.

Everyone in the hall applauded him as the moderator confirmed the answer.

"And we have come to the end of the quiz. Please, welcome Saint Paul High School participants on the stage ."

The sound of clapping hands, high-pitched cheers, and shouts of victory filled the air, creating a symphony of jubilation. Once again, the dead hall became alive with an electrifying energy.