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

to her quarters,

learning of this, fretted, "Violeta, what should

it and get some sleep. If they

end, she

the outing wasn't worth

the endpoint of

That place...

It promised significant rewards!

The next morning came.

Kaylee, and another couple turned up for the boating

low profile in class, likely

a boat could accommodate ten

had only four participants, with just one lad taking the lead. It

herself at the bow,

meagre numbers and dispatched two lads from

it lessened their plight

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

crab feast, everyone's excitement soared. Lake

had suspected this treat since last night, when she scouted the nearby lakes and learned of Lake Skyward's fame for Hoiten crabs. Clearly, the school had orchestrated this

with delight. "Bet the guys who skipped out are going to

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

set off

Violeta's boat, comprising herself, Kaylee, and the two

at full capacity, their smaller group facilitated swifter manoeuvres. Consequently, despite their fewer numbers, their rowing speed