chapter715

Chaos ruled the assembly ground. People stumbled around with shirts buttoned wrong, hair sticking up in all directions, and eyes still heavy with sleep. Some had thrown on their shoes the wrong way or even managed to wear their shirts inside out. It was a sight straight out of a comedy skit.

A sharp voice cut through the noise. "If you're still half-asleep, step out of line and give me one hundred push-ups.

Suddenly, the loudspeaker came alive again, but this time it wasn't the robotic voice from before. This one was deep and smooth, so pleasant it made you want to

listen... until you actually heard the message.

Are you kidding me? One hundred push-ups?

That snapped everyone awake in an instant.

Lydia's eyes narrowed as she heard the voice, more annoyed than surprised. Seriously? Connor actually showed up? She shot a glance at Jay, who stood at the front, looking calm and collected. He must have known this was coming.

Connor rattled off a few reminders and gave a quick pep talk, then sent the long line of students off in perfect order.

Their first mission: a ten-kilometer hike to the first checkpoint, following the map. Groans rippled through the crowd. Ten kilometers, and it looked like most of it was uphill. To make it worse, everyone was lugging a heavy pack.

At least they could fall behind to rest if they needed to.

Each group had a walkie-talkie, and a team leader kept track of everyone's location, ready to step in if anything went wrong.

For the first half hour, everyone managed to keep it together. After that, the line started to break apart.

The morning sun finally broke through the clouds, casting warm rays over the mountain trail. Lydia strode at the front with a cool, unbothered vibe. The ground was soft under her boots, trees crowding in on both sides like a rolling green sea. She moved like she didn't even know what tired felt like, her steps light and steady.

Fiona glanced at her watch. They'd been walking nonstop for fifty minutes, and she was ready to drop.

"Lydia, Jules, wait up. I need five minutes to catch my breath and get some water." Fiona dropped her pack and collapsed onto the grass, breathing hard.

Monica followed her lead and flopped down beside her. This wasn't just tough, it was brutal "How are you two still going?" she gasped, chugging water. "Don't you ever get tired?"

Lydia shrugged. "You just need to train more."

Right then, another group caught up. It was Daisy's team, five people looking way

too happy and energetic for this hour. There was not even a hint of sweat.

They spotted Lydia's group resting and couldn't hold back a laugh.

"Well, well, if it isn't the 'elite team.' What's the matter? Can't handle a little walk?" Daisy grinned, stopping right next to them.

Patricia rolled her eyes. "Look at you,

gasping for air. I thought you were supposed to be tough. What are you going to do for the next week? Better not call for a

"Content

She covered her mouth, giggling like she'd just told the best joke of her life.

Monica and Fiona flushed, too exhausted to fire back.

Lydia just shot them a frosty look. "We are not finished yet. Better save yourself the embarrassment."

You could practically see Daisy's blood boiling. Lydia, just watch. We'll be the ones laughing when we take first place."

Lydia raised an eyebrow, a little smirk on her face. "Funny, first place is exactly what we're after too."

Daisy's group, even the guys, snickered at that.

Felix, one of Daisy's teammates, gave Lydia a friendly nod. "Don't worry, Lydia. Our team has got this. We bring home first place to Our class and beat all the other teams."