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.

join, but instead, she promptly handed over their funds and

to her quarters, she

fretted, "Violeta, what

get some sleep. If

the end, she wouldn't

likely felt the outing wasn't worth

Violeta had scoped out the endpoint

That place...

It promised significant rewards!

The next morning came.

anticipated, only Violeta, Kaylee, and another couple turned up for the

class, likely joining to avoid any rifts with

a boat could accommodate ten

which nearly filled two boats each, their group had only four

at the bow, taking

two lads from the student council as reinforcements to bolster their

still undermanned, it lessened their

locals awaited their arrival. The first to reach would be treated to a

excitement soared. Lake Skyward

last night, when she scouted the nearby lakes and learned of Lake Skyward's fame for Hoiten crabs. Clearly, the school

delight. "Bet the guys who skipped out are going

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

set off on their

boat, comprising herself, Kaylee, and the two student council

smaller group facilitated swifter manoeuvres. Consequently,