In the warmth of the early afternoon, the campsite buzzed with activity as each group tackled their assigned tasks. While some of the Mavericks were busy setting up tents for their own batch, most were focused on assembling tents for their more rule-abiding counterparts as they were more numerous than those for their own group.

Meanwhile, the two earlier fighters found themselves paired together, facing the challenging task of setting up the girls' tent, which was twice the size they could handle.

“This wouldn’t have happened if you hadn’t talked about my dad,” one fighter muttered, struggling with a stubborn tent pole. “And we can take on each other but not this tent?”

The other grunted, struggling with the fabric. “Shut up! Let’s just get this over with. Left side up, on three.”

Elsewhere, Axka was paired with Takoda, their conversation a mix of jokes and bursts of laughter, reflecting their friendship despite the challenges they faced. Smitty and Aime, too, found common ground, their usual bickering replaced by cooperative problem-solving.

“You alright, Aime?” Smitty kneeled, tying a knot.

Aime shook his head, trying to make a joke. “I’m sweating like a dirty pig here.”

Amidst the chaos, the rest of the girl students and female teachers, including Ms. Lyra, were absorbed in culinary efforts, their laughter and chatter creating a warm atmosphere in the kitchen.

Takoda wiped his brow as he stood up to prepare setting up the nearby tent. “Alright, this one is done. Let’s go set up the next one,” he called out from the other side. But with each step of their progress, Axka’s eyes kept drifting back to the abandoned building.

The building loomed like a predator stalking its prey, its jagged silhouette carving into the sky. Shadows stretched unnaturally long, creeping closer with every blink. The air thrummed with a low, pulsing hum, not heavy but bristling with a challenge. Axka felt it like a dare, as if something unseen was urging him toward something darker, something dangerous. The shadows didn’t just slither; they beckoned, taunting him.

Why do I feel something from that building?

Takoda noticed Axka’s distracted stares. “You keep looking at that building. Is something wrong with it?”

Axka’s eyes stayed locked on the structure, the weight of an unspoken dread pressing on his chest. “I don’t know, it’s just... something is there. Don’t you feel it?”

Takoda squinted his eyes as he glancing to the building. Puzzled, he turned to Aime and Smitty, who were setting up the tent nearby. “You guys feel anything off about that building?”

Aime paused his work, his voice filled with a light tease. “The only thing I’m feeling is my ass getting numb from setting up this tent.” Smitty wiped his sweat, echoing Aime’s sentiment. “Yeah, me too.”

Their lack of concern only deepened Axka’s confusion. It was more than that. The air around it seemed to hum, an unnatural atmosphere pressing on his chest. “That’s weird. Why do I really feel... something there?” He furrowed his brow, murmuring and thinking out loud.

Takoda shrugged, trying to reassure him. “Maybe you’re just tired, bro.”

Deciding not to overthink it any further, Axka pushed the feeling aside. “Well, never mind that. We need to finish setting up this tent before lunch.” He focused on the task at hand, and Takoda nodded in agreement, joining him in the effort to finish the current task.

***

An hour passed, and the campsite underwent a transformation through a flurry of activity, almost unnoticed by the bustling students. The Mavericks managed to set up half of the campsite’s tents, their efforts demonstrating an unexpected efficiency and teamwork.

Meanwhile, the Achievers took charge of the communal areas, having finished their task with the teachers’ tents. They set up camp tables, carefully arranging plates and utensils for everyone.

As the lunch bell echoed across the campsite, the busy pace of the area began to slow down. Everyone paused their work, their attention caught by the sound, signaling the most awaited announcement.

“Attention, please!” Ms. Keegan began, amplified by a megaphone that cutting through the air with authority. “All students are required to stop for a lunch break.” Her voice carried across the campsite, inviting everyone to gather for lunch and prompting those far from the kitchen to start heading toward the inviting aroma of lunch.

“Finally,” Axka muttered, dusting off his hands and looking forward to the break.

The scent of food was already pulling students toward the dining area when Caden emerged from the edge of the forest, calling out, “Alright everyone, let’s eat.” He addressed those nearby who were yet finishing their tent setups.

As Axka took a few steps by him, he caught sight of Caden pulling out his phone. The usually confident mentor froze, the carefree expression on his face faltering. His fingers hovered over the screen, his jaw clenched in what looked like hesitation.

“Caden? Everything okay?” Axka asked, his voice carrying a hint of worry upon seeing the brief flash of unease on Caden’s face.

Caden always had a way of brushing off worry, and today seemed no different. He pocketed his phone quickly, flashing his usual confident smile. “Yeah, let’s not let the food get cold, alright?”

Axka nodded, allowing himself to be reassured by Caden’s usual confidence and waiting for him to approach before continuing their walk.

Walking beside Caden, a familiar but unplaceable feeling tugged at him, reminiscent of the unease from the alleyway a few days ago. It wasn’t the camp itself that unsettled him—something more personal, perhaps related to Caden.

But Axka was sure that whatever was on Caden’s mind was nothing his mentor couldn’t handle. Caden had been through worse. Trying to ease the tension, Axka changed the subject as they walked to their table. “Where did you go after the podium?” he asked, keeping his tone casual.

“I went to have a smoke with a tree,” Caden quipped, his chuckled covering something. Axka chuckled but sensed a subtle shift behind the humor. “Right,” he replied, trying to push his lingering unease aside.

Reaching the dining area, Caden made an unexpected move toward the teachers' table. He grabbed his food and drink before joining the students.

“Make some room, guys. I’m sitting here,” he declared with a warm smile. The Achievers’ boys eagerly made space for him. As he ate among them, Caden blurred the lines between teacher and friend. He playfully snatched side dishes from students next to him, causing lighthearted protests. His mix of mischief and charm never failed to entertain Axka.

After finishing his meal, Caden took his drink and moved to join the Mavericks. His ease and humor worked just as well in their company, reflecting his dedication to treating all his students equally.

However, as he picked up the megaphone, Caden’s expression shifted to one of seriousness. “I want everyone to listen, okay? I’ll have to go back to the hospital to check on some things.”

A shared sigh of disappointment swept through the students. Caden quickly reassured them, “But, hey,” he continued in a comforting tone, “I’ll be back before you know it. Just keep the fun going for me, alright?”

The campsite was filled with voices of understanding and well-wishes. “It’s fine, Mr. Caden! We hope everything’s okay with you,” some responded, while others expressed relief at knowing he would return.

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Ms. Lyra approached Caden, her tone laced with concern. “Are you going to be alright, Caden?”

Caden offered a reassuring smile, his attempt to lift the mood evident. “It’s fine, love. They might just give me some more pills, but it's nothing serious.” His voice soft, his words almost a whisper but clear.

Lyra’s expression softened at his words. “Okay, just... take care.”

Caden nodded with a smirk. “I will,” he replied, before turning to address his students. “Alright, I'm off, everyone.”

A chorus of “See you later, Mr. Caden” followed him as he made his way to his deep green cruiser motorbike, covered with silver stripes. Caden geared up, his helmet perfectly matching the bike's aesthetic.

As he prepared to depart, the crowd of students and teachers watched from a distance. He raised a hand in farewell, giving a thumbs-up that cut through the air. The campsite responded with waves and calls of goodbye. Beneath his helmet, his smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, concealing a slight pain and a silent promise to return without causing unnecessary worry. He started the engine and rode off, leaving behind a silence that spoke volumes.

Axka watched his mentor disappear down the path, a wave of unease washing over him.

I hope everything’s gonna be alright with him.

Caden's departure was definitive, his absence promising more than just physical distance. As he vanished from view, a palpable tension settled over those he left behind, each person silently grappling with the situation of what was to come.

Mr. Lawson stood apart from the rest, a solitary figure of authority. Although physically isolated, his rigid stance and deeply furrowed brow revealed the heavy concerns occupying his mind.

The absence of Caden loomed large, amplifying Mr. Lawson’s growing anxiety.

With him gone, managing all of them will be a challenge, Lawson felt the weight of his position more acutely.

Alone in his thoughts, Mr. Lawson took a purposeful step away from the crowd and retrieved his phone. The device felt unusually heavy, mirroring the gravity of recent events. His fingers scrolled through contacts with practiced ease, though his eyes darted around, ensuring privacy in the open space. When the call connected, he exchanged brief pleasantries before addressing the main issue.

“Would you do me a favor?” His voice tinged with both urgency and the weight of responsibility. The seriousness in his tone underscored the magnitude of the challenges he was about to face, his voice gradually fading into the background.

The air buzzed with the symphony of nature—the soft rustling of leaves, distant wildlife calls, and the earthy aroma of the camp. Amidst this natural concert, Ms. Lyra as well the rest of the teachers took charge with assertive authority that tolerated no argument.

Her voice, soft yet firm and encouraging, cut through the murmurs and distractions of the group. “Let's finish our meal quickly and get the camp set up.”

The response was immediate and unanimous. The students, particularly the Achievers, though momentarily distracted by talk of Caden's departure, quickly refocused on the tasks at hand.

Their “yes” echoed in agreement, signaling their readiness to shift their attention back to the day's responsibilities.

As the buzz of speculation about Caden’s sudden departure among the students faded into a distant hum, Axka picked at his meal. The camp's once vibrant energy was now overshadowed by a palpable tension that mirrored his own feelings.

Pushing the food around on his plate, Axka finally broke the silence. “Well, there goes our excitement for this camp.” His voice filled with disappointment and unable to ignore the shift in mood.

Takoda leaned forward, his voice filled with hope. “Let’s just hope this camp is still fun for us.” His tone filled with encouragement, trying to lift them.

Aime glanced at him. “It’ll be less fun without him.” Axka nodded in agreement as the rest continued eating in silence, the mood subdued but hopeful.

The camp buzzed with the sounds of students enjoying their meals, their gossip mingling with the rustling leaves and distant calls of wildlife.

Mr. Lawson stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate attention. “Attention, students!” he announced, his voice carrying weight and authority, cutting through the air and silencing conversations as heads turned his way.

“For safekeeping, I need every smartphone to be handed over to your teachers immediately,” Mr. Lawson’s voice sliced through the camp, a command that hung heavily in the air.

The shift was immediate. The students froze, exchanging uneasy glances. A few shuffled nervously, their hands instinctively reaching toward their pockets, gripping their lifelines. A collective breath was held. A wave of disagreement swept through the crowd, fueled by confusion, reluctance, and rising defiance.

For some, a rebellious spark flared, while others were overtaken by anxiety. The thought of parting with their lifelines to the outside world, even temporarily, felt like an attack on their freedom. This was not just a simple request; it was a battle line being drawn, forcing them to choose between the comfort of staying connected and the reality of isolation.

Axka’s resistance was evident. Without my phone, how will I check in on Mika? He shot an annoyed glance at Mr. Lawson.

Aime’s brow furrowed, weighing the consequences of defiance against the futility of resistance. Takoda tried to appear indifferent, while Smitty remained calm, observing the reactions of others.

The rest of the Mavericks, ever the embodiment of teenage defiance, shared loaded glances. Their posture spoke volumes: this was a line drawn, a challenge to their freedom.

“That’s bullshit,” one of the Mavericks muttered, his voice low enough to stay under Mr. Lawson’s radar but loud enough to be shared among his group. A few sitting a little straighter, their rebellion simmering just beneath the surface. Not everyone voiced their resistance—some simply stayed silent, eyes gleaming with defiance, ready to challenge the teachers’ authority in their own way.

Axka exchanged glances with the others, their murmurs growing into a low rumble of rebellion. This camp was supposed to save them, but the Mavericks didn’t bend that easily—not even for expulsion.

Axka wandered, their situation hanging in the back of his mind.

This camp was supposed to be our second chance.

The principal wasn’t ready to give up on them yet, but that didn’t mean the Mavericks were ready to behave. They were still the same rebellious students, no matter how much the school wanted to 'reform' them.

At the Achievers’ table, a flicker of panic crossed their faces. The thought of disconnecting from their online lives, even briefly, stirred real fear. The Achievers moved first, hesitantly pulling out their phones, fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary before handing them over like prisoners surrendering their weapons. Their eyes darted nervously, as if parting with the phones left them defenseless.

The act was a visible display of trust, yet their uneasy eyes betrayed their discomfort.

Is this right? some wondered, their pockets now empty. The weight of disconnection felt heavy, a forced return to the present that many weren’t ready to face.

Mr. Lawson observed with eager attention, his directive not only demanding compliance but highlighting the divide between freedom and control.

As he turned away from the students, a calculated smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, a stark contrast to his usual stern demeanor. “Now to wait for them to arrive,” he muttered under his breath, the tension rising.

As the Achievers finished surrendering their phones, they fell into their traditional roles. The boys cleared tables and returned plates to the kitchen, while the girls cleaned the area. But the Mavericks? Not a chance. The rebellious fire in their eyes burned brighter. The Mavericks remained seated, ignored the command and their plates untouched, lost in their chaotic behavior.

The Mavericks continued their loud conversations and laughter. The air around them was thick with a rebellious energy, their resistance to authority palpable in their disregard for the earlier command.

Ms. Keegan stepped forward to regain control. “I need everyone to cooperate. Please hand over your phones and tidy up so we can proceed.” She stood in front of the the Mavericks’ tables, her tone a mix of firmness and appeal.

But her plea was met with resistance as one student boldly replied, “It’s fine, Ms. Keegan. We’ll keep our phones safe ourselves.” Another added, “Yeah, and we’ll clean up later,” before returning to their previous behavior.

This clear disrespect for authority caught Mr. Lawson's attention, causing him to raise his voice. "DO AS YOU WERE TOLD!" he shouted, momentarily silencing the group. However, the command was quickly followed by jeers and mockery, with students responding with playful taunts.

Among them, Axka and his friends couldn’t help but laugh, caught up in the rebellious energy of the moment.

Mr. Lawson’s stern face scanned the group of rebellious Mavericks, his jaw tightening with each laugh and jeer. They were losing respect, and he could feel authority slipping through his fingers.

Mr. Lawson’s eyes flicked toward his phone, lips pressing into a thin line. His patience had worn thin. “Alright,” he muttered under his breath, watching the students’ carefree antics. “If they won’t listen, I’ll make sure they understand the consequences. Just you wait.”

Despite his warning, the problematic students continued their disruptive behavior, undeterred by the authority that sought to rein them in.