I felt my lip gloss drift from my lips when someone interrupted me from fixing my look.

"Anne, wakey wakey," Sandra's voice called out while knocking on the door.

I immediately wiped the scattered gloss away before looking at the mirror. Its still visible after wiping but I'll think about that later.

With a thud I went closer to the door and opened it.

"Oh, you're awake," she said, striding into my room as if it were hers. I shot her an annoyed look, but it seemed to bounce off her obliviousness.

Look and you'll see my wrath.

"That's a nice suit," she remarked, retouching her makeup at my vanity mirror.

I rolled my eyes on her statement. I don't like compliments.

And by the way how come she can act like nothing happened before? Actually, she was very energetic that in our set up I was rhe one who didn't have a good sleep. Well I didn't so what.

I leaned against the wall, watching her every move. Well I don't trust her so this is valid.

"Oh yeah, the team-building activity will be done outside the premises," she mentioned casually, making me shift my position.

Outside the premises? With those large and huge trees around. And she said to be roam by wild animals?

"And guess what? We'll be paired with different families. To bad we can't be pairs tho" she added, turning to face me.

If that's how it works then It means there would be 5 members in a group from different family I concluded on my mind

But the problem for me is being paired with other families. I didn’t think I was ready for that. I didn’t think I could pair up with anyone.

---

"Good day, students! Today is the annual start of Regatta," the speaker announced. I didn’t listen to most of the speeches—it's not like they were worth hearing anyway. I skimmed through the speaker's statements, only catching the important parts.

At the moment we are at tge gymnasium once again. It feels hot at this place maybe because of tge close area.

Tge speaker continued talking for quite a while before starting the event with the lightning of the torch.

And then she continued talking.

"Notification will be alerted on your digital phones in 3...2...1..."

"Oh, that sucks. We're not on the same team," Sandra muttered beside me like she didn't say that we wouldn't be in tge same team a while ago.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

She's really weird.

I looked at my digital phone as it beeped out alerting me about the notification about the names of my teammates from different families.

List of Teammates:

1. Cassian Nightfall - Viperclaw

2. Roxanne Veneralle - Shadowveil

3. Orion Frost - Ironfist

4. Asher Grey - Alchemist

5. Solstice Sage - Sharpshot

If being lucky is a thing, I ain't it. Being paired with someone I don't even know was the worst. This system must be playing against each one of us. But it doesn't matter cause I'll beat it in no time.

---

As Sandra mentioned, the event took place outside the premises. Tall trees surrounded our path, and I noticed there were a lot of hidden people around us.

Must be the schools facilitators keeping an eye on our movement and safety if not then I have no idea who. When we reached the sea outside the institute the place was already set up for the event. There were many booths indicating where we should be. Stalls to buy souvenir, food and other things. Thousands of students were around the campus, but right now, it was just a few hundred of us.

They must have declined this event for some reason.

B23 was our team’s number. I looked for our spot and found it near a big coconut tree. As I stepped closer, I felt a wave of uneasiness.

"I guess we are complete," a guy in red announced, looking at each one of us.

"I'm Orion Frost," he said, offering his hand. The others shook it, but when it was my turn, I hesitated before shaking his hand. It was cold. Freaking cold. It felt like he had come out of a freezer.

"So I guess let's start by appointing a leader," he suggested, and we decided to give that role to him. Responsibilities weren't for me.

"For a regatta competition, it's important to have a well-balanced team, so I'll appoint positions" he stated.

"I'll be incharge of the Coxswain then, are you all okay with that?" he asked and we hust agreed

Coxswain (Cox): Orion Frost

Role: Steers the boat, keeps the crew synchronized, and makes strategic decisions. With Orion excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of race tactics this team is on control

"Sage you'll be in charge of the Stroke Seat"

Stroke Seat: Solstice Sage

Role: Sets the rhythm and pace for the rest of the crew. Solstice should have a strong and consistent rowing technique, providing a steady cadence for the team in order for things to be right on track.

"Asher the Engine Room is on your hand"

Seat 3 (Engine Room): Asher Grey

Role: Provides power and endurance. Asher needs his stamina and strength for this challenge for maintaining a powerful and sustained effort throughout the race.

"Nightfall you'll be working with Asher on your task"

Seat 2 (Engine Room): Cassian Nightfall

Role: Works in tandem with Seat 3 to deliver the boat's main power.

"And lastly Roxanne the bow seat is on you." he said and I just nodded.

Bow Seat: Roxanne Veneralle

Role: Balances the boat and provides stability.

"Does anyone object?" he then asked and they said that it was just as fine. I didn't argue, It's not like a big deal right.

Plus I do my task balancing would be a piece of cake.

We are now set. Let the race begin!

---

I glanced at my teammates, each of us wearing our designated colors. Orion, in his confident manner, gathered us for a final pep talk.

"We've got this," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. "Just remember to keep your strokes even and listen to my calls."

We nodded, taking our positions in the boat. As we pushed off from the shore, the water was calm, but the tension was palpable. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, the adrenaline kicking in. But despite such emotions, I knew we would ace this.

There are a lot of opponents on this challenge and the best would only win.

Orion's voice cut through the silence, "Ready... Row!"

The rhythm of the strokes was hypnotic, each pull through the water, bringing us closer to the next station. I'm not that good at rowing, but I'm striving, and that's what matters. Instead of thinking negatively, I focused on keeping the boat steady, my eyes fixed on the boat and ahead in front of me.

Halfway through the race, we hit a rough patch. The water became choppy, and for a moment, it seemed like we might lose our rhythm.

Added to that other team is trying to sabotage us by teaming up to sink our boat. What a bunch of losers.

"Hey, that's okay. Do not panic. Breathe in and focus," Orion's voice remained steady guiding us through the turbulence.

"Power ten on my mark," he called. "Three, two, one, now!"

We dug in, each stroke harder than the last leaving the other opponents behind. The boat surged forward, cutting through the water with renewed energy. I could feel the burn in my arms and legs, but I pushed it aside, focusing on the goal ahead.

I thought my suit would help me, but the sun's rays were piercing through me. I knew for a fact that my face was sweating like crazy.

As we neared the next station, the cheers of the crowd became louder. My body was screaming for relief, but I kept going, knowing we were so close. With one final, powerful stroke, we crossed the line. Finishing at 9th place not bad.

The boat coasted to a stop, and for a moment, there was silence as we caught our breath. Then the realization hit us—we had done it. We had reached the first station.

Orion turned to us, a smile breaking across his face. "Great job, team. We did it."

We exchanged tired but triumphant smiles, the exhaustion melting away in the glow of victory. It wasn’t just about the race—it was about overcoming our doubts, working together, and pushing beyond our limits.

As we paddled back to shore, I realized that this team, as unlikely as it seemed at first, had become something more. We had become a unit, each of us playing a vital role in our success. And in that moment, I knew that I had found something worth being a part of.

After landing at the first station, my teammates and I parted ways. I looked up at the digital display on my phone. Now, I had a new set of teammates.

This game is pretty rigged. It's not just a team fight but also a solo one.

I had no idea who these people were, but I knew I had to win this thing.