Chapter 28
Since it was a survival exercise, having the right stuff was crucial. Highcrest University did a solid job. They had a bunch of supplies piled up on the field–food, sleeping bags, big spray, flashlights, compasses, knives, and more.
The students knew the drill. Most of them grabbed the essentials first–food and sleeping bags.
Eunice and her brothers, Herbert and Jacob, were extra careful. They grabbed some food, necessities, flashlights, and even electric
batons
Cheryl followed Eunice, copying everything she did.
After they got their gear, they saw Zoe in the crowd. She walked up to the supplies and did something that left everyone scratching their heade
Zoe rummaged through the supplies and only grabbed a military knife. She tucked it in her waist and plopped down on the ground, crossing her legs.
Everyone was shocked. Zor only took a knife and skipped the food. They thought Zoe didn’t know this year’s challenge was way more dangerous
They heard that the place was unexplored. No one knew what was out there. In their eyes, taking a knife only was equal to asking for
trouble
“Zoe, I know you’ve never been to something this fancy before and don’t really get the rules, but you should know food’s important. Just
knife won’t fill your belly–you’re gonna regret it.” Eunice stepped forward, pretending to care, but really just wanting to embarrass
Her voice was so loud that everyone turned to look at Zoe. And, just like that, the crowd erupted in laughter.
These country folks are something else. Look at her, acting like a wild person. No food at all? Does she think she’s Robinson Crusoe, building huts and living off wild plants in the wilderness?”
“What a moron. She only brought a knife. Thinks she’s gonna cut off her own meat to eat?”
“Who knows, maybe that’s the plan. Remember that day in class! Didn’t you see all the scars on her wrists? Maybe she’s been cutting herself and eating her own flesh.
The students laughed at Zoe, mocking her for bringing just a knife and no food.
Even though they were making fun of her, Zoe didn’t care. She just knelt down, closed her eyes, and took a rest to recharge.
Quiet a deep, commanding male voice cut through the noise. The crowd bustantly shut up.
Not far away, Shawn stood till in his military uniform. His tanned, muscular body radiated authority. He walked over with Chase and a bunce of soldiers
When Lunice saw Sławn her heart raced. She wanted to impress him. But remembering how Zoe had tried to get his attention. decided to make Zoe the target of everyone’s criticism, hoping Shawn would dislike Zor.
she
Lowering her heart shyly, Luce softly said to Shawn, Instructor, could you please talk some sense into Zoc? This survival activity is dangerous, but no matter what I say, she insists on only bringing a krude.
Shawn didn’t even look
Ladex” she added. Tmean, she should’ve at least brought some food and water“:
her. He just waved his hand duumissively
In a fash, his waited soldiers acted quickly before the students could react, they had taken all
il the gear
from everyone.
students seem completely shocked. They all stood there, stunned.
Kid in front of them, Shawn card harm. His white gloved fingers intertwines, making his long slender knuckles stand out. He
Chate stepped forward and explained, “Hey students, this survival event will be led by our chief instructor, Shawn, who’ll be in charge
survival activity, there won’t be any supply drops. You can’t bring food, sleeping bags or bug spray. The only thing you’ll have is knife. How you survive in the wild is up to you”
Clupter 28
As soon as he said that, the students‘ expressions changed drastically. Eunier’s face looked like she hai jisst eaten something disgusting
Just a moment ago, everyone had been laughing at Zoe for only bringing a knife, thinking she’d suffer the most
And now, everyone felt like they’d been slapped in the face, so embarrassed they couldn’t say a word.
Chase continued. “Also, to make it more realistic, we’ll have some soldiers join you in the forest. They might pretend to be enemies and ambush you. If you get ambushed, you’re out. This event will be recorded in your files, so take it seriously“
“What?!” As soon as Chase finished, all the students exclaimed in shock.
Instead of laughing at Zoe and being proven wrong, everyone was more focused on the people around Shawn. These were warriors who had fought alongside Shawn in battles. They were once the strongest team in the world.
Students at Highcrest University had trained hard since they were kids, but they were no match for the pros. Their skills just
it weren’t good enough
This event went on their permanent record. If they got knocked out and it showed up there, forget about joining the Eminence Nexus as a top leader.
The students looked dead serious. The only one who stayed chill was Zoe.
“Everybody got the rules?” Shawn’s sharp eyes scanned the crowd. Everyone could feel the tension. When no one spoke, he just said, “Alright. let’s start this mission.
The annual wilderness survival event at Highcrest University was on
After Shawn and Chase left, the heavy vibe eased up. Students started forming six–person teams to tackle the mission.
Tearning up was crucial here. Once in the forest, they would face nature
dangers and surprise attacks from warriors.
If they were on a weak team, they were risking your life or getting knocked out–a big black mark on their record. For Highcrest students, that was a huge deal.
Philip didn’t participate, se Euruce teamed up with her two brothers and the three strongest honors class fighters. The other students grouped by strength, strongest to weakest. Naturally, Zoe ended up on the weakest team.
Not far off, Cheryl, who got a solid team, laughed her head off seeing Zoe on the weak group. Zoe, you’re done. You’re only good at sneaking around, and now you’re stuck here? If Mr. Ludwig’s guys ambush you, you’re finished. You’ll get eliminated.
“And if there’s real danger, they’ll probably chase you down. Just thinking about it cracks me up!”
Everyour thought Zor’s past wins were just from sneaking. Now, in a teamwork task, she was on the weakest team. Her fate seemed dear Just thinking about it made students around her laugh
That annoying girl! With her lousy skills, what makes her think she can handle survival? I hope danger finds her soon, so she sees how useles, she is.”
I don’t know where she heard it, but she knew we’d only get one knife. Maybe she didn’t just flirt with Mr. Ludwig, maybe she charmed din teammate too? What a shame!“
“But wait till we’re in the forest. Let’s see how she handles it, never having done survival training. She’ll be crying soon”
“Having Zor around helps in. Thanks, Zoe. If it weren’t for you, our group might ye been last.
Soone guys even teased Zura framnia “If you get eliminated and it’s on your record, thank your amazing teammate Zoc. Duntlet
