Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 255 Crab Feast

The leader had to tally the numbers and arrange enough boats to accommodate everyone. They had to hand in the list before ten at night.

After supper, Violeta took the roster and went from door to door, canvassing each household about their interest in tomorrow's boating venture and needing a headcount by ten o'clock for the boat arrangements.

Few were keen, while most were apathetic.

Reasons varied; some cited exhaustion from the day's walking, craving rest, while others professed fear of the water....

The student council's mandate was clear and set by the school.

If their group couldn't muster enough for a boat, it spoke volumes about the leader's rapport. That meant no one was willing to pitch in.

"Our legs are knackered from all the walking today. We haven't an ounce of strength left for rowing."

"Yeah, there's no gain for us in boating. What if the boat capsizes? Accidents could happen."

"I'm still not going. Water terrifies me."

"I'm not going either. I just want to get some shut-eye."

More excuses were thrown about when asked if they wanted to go.

After inquiries, only four, including Violeta and Kaylee, agreed to participate.

Clearly, this was an anomaly. It seemed certain parties were undermining Violeta, the leader.

Those opting out of the group boating demanded Violeta refund their share of the class fees so they could buy their own food.

expected Violeta to plead with them to join, but instead, she promptly handed over their funds and

quarters,

learning of this, fretted, "Violeta, what should we do now? They

it and get some sleep. If they don't want to go, then so be

the end, she wouldn't suffer

the outing wasn't worth

Violeta had scoped out the

That place...

It promised significant rewards!

The next morning came.

anticipated, only Violeta, Kaylee, and another couple

a low profile in class, likely joining to avoid any rifts with

boat could accommodate

other classes, which nearly filled two boats each, their group had only four participants, with just one lad taking the lead. It looked

step up, Violeta positioned herself at the bow,

their meagre numbers and dispatched two lads from the student council as

it lessened their

that their destination lay at Lake Skyward ahead, where locals awaited their arrival. The first to reach would be treated

feast, everyone's excitement soared. Lake Skyward

she scouted the nearby lakes and learned of Lake Skyward's fame for Hoiten crabs. Clearly, the school had orchestrated this

guys who skipped out are

in a life jacket, joined Violeta's boat to assist

off on their

comprising herself, Kaylee, and the two student

group facilitated swifter manoeuvres. Consequently, despite their fewer numbers, their rowing speed proved surprisingly