Chapter 264


    Xanthea blinked back tears as she stood outside the coach’s lounge, feeling utterly alone without Orion


    around.


    Alright, everyone, listen up! We’re kicking off the third round of assessments–100–meter dash!”


    “Tracks are divided by gender, with the fastest male and female getting 2 points, the slowest scoring


    none, and 1 point!”


    You’ve


    “This final round will determine your chances of picking your instructor teams, so give it all you’ve got!”


    “Boys, get ready!”


    yone else receiving


    a a nap.”


    Nelson grumbled, “Competing in a sprint against a former Olympic champion? I might as well lie down


    and take


    Previously, he had been all in, trying to secure a spot with Xanthea; but now, with his romantic hopes


    dashed by Mr. Lockwood, he didn’t care who he teamed up with.


    Secondster, Martin predictably clinched the race, and it was time for the girls to take the stage.


    Xanthea, Isabe, and Olivia were neck and neck in points.


    For them, this sprint was crucial. Winning could mean securing a spot on Team Orion.


    Rachel, although trailing by a point from the shooting round, could stille out on top if she won this


    race.


    As the four girls lined up, the tension was palpable, even through the screen.


    【Bets are open! Who’s your pick?]


    【I’m betting on Xanthea; those long legs give her a natural edge!]


    [I’m on Olivia. Sure, Xanthea’s got the height, but she’s been more of a pampered princess. Olivia’s got


    real track experience from the junior sports festival!)


    [No takers for Isabe? Something tells me she’s got her eye on Xanthea; it could be the established


    top stars‘ apprehension towards the rising new ones.]


    “Ladies, to your marks!”


    “Ready-”


    Jonathan blew the whistle, and the girls got into position, the race ready to explode into action.


    Isabe clenched her fists, determined to outrun Xanthea.


    Olivia nced at Xanthea’s dominant stride and felt a surge of malice.


    This was the final assessment; she couldn’t let Xanthea win!,


    N?velDrama.Org owns this.


    Especially after she seemed to have charmed Mr. Lockwood. If she also made his team, who knew


    what would happen next?


    As they prepared to start, Xanthea looked up and saw Orion stepping out of the lounge, watching the


    race from the sidelines.


    Victory was in sight!


    Ori, wait for me!


    “Go!”


    The start signal red, and the four dashed off like arrows from a bow.”


    Olivia sprinted ahead with all her might, her speed waning after 40 meters, but it didn’t matter. Her real


    goal was to block Xanthea…


    The track was narrow, and with the high speed and their shy athletic gear, it was a blur of motion.


    Amid the intensepetition, no one noticed Olivia suddenly stick out her leg, sending Xanthea


    tumbling.


    “Aah!!!”


    Mid–sprint, Xanthea tripped and fell to her knees, sliding forward due to the momentum, clearly off the


    track and heading towards the sidelines until she grabbed onto something to stop herself.


    The incident happened so fast that the crowd was still processing what they saw.


    the


    Xanthea, did she just crash into Mr. Lockwood’s legs?


    She exhaled a sigh of relief.


    Thankfully, she hadn’t hit the hard track, and the soft grass had cushioned her fall. If not for something


    to grab onto, she could have been seriously injured.


    *apter 26


    She wondered who had tripped her. She would definitely confront herter!


    But for now, realizing what–or rather, whose legs–she was holding, she looked up and found herself


    face–to–face with Orion.