Chapter 6: The Smiling Scotsman

  The bustle of the pool echoed strongly. The teams were preparing for the three tests that would define who would emerge victorious that day. Talion was adjusting his goggles when he heard a voice behind him.

  "Hey, champion... Don't you get tired of your hair making you look like an anime character?

  Talion suddenly turned around and found a tall boy with fair skin, messy blond hair and intense blue eyes. He wore a carefree smile, almost as if nothing in the world mattered to him.

  "And who are you?" Talión asked, curious.

  "Azrat," said the boy with an exaggerated inclination. The pride of the Fenrir Institute.

  "Pride?" Like in gay pride or what? - Luz joked, appearing out of nowhere.

  "Exactly!" Azrat said laughing, without losing the rhythm. Although, well, in my case I'm also the one who's going to beat them today... so nice to meet you.

  Luz let out a scandalous laugh, and Talión couldn't help but smile too. Was this guy the best swimmer on the rival team? He didn't look like the typical arrogant boy who made fun of others.

  "How good are you?" Talion asked, curious.

  "Well... I'm not going to lie to you," Azrat said, shrugging his shoulders. I'm fast, but I really don't know if I beat you... you look pretty good. Maybe you should come to our school, so I'm sure we'll end up in the Olympics together.

  "Inviting me before competing?" Talión said with a mocking smile. That's trust.

  "Nah, it's not trust..." Azrat gave him a friendly pat on the shoulder. It's just that I think we would like each other.

  Talion couldn't help laughing. The guy was too relaxed not to like him.

  A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

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  First Test: Freestyle

  Talión stood on the exit block, feeling the adrenaline running through his veins. To his right was Azrat, with that carefree smile as if he was waiting for a cocktail to be brought to him on the beach.

  Focus..., Talión thought.

  The whistle sounded and everyone threw themselves into the water.

  Talion advanced like a torpedo, his strokes were strong and rhythmic. He felt one with the water, as if the liquid opened in his path. At his side, Azrat maintained an impressive pace, moving with surgical precision.

  The final touch was a matter of milliseconds.

  "Winner: Fenrir Institute!" the speaker announced.

  Talion came out of the water breathing agitated. Azrat approached and held out his hand.

  "Do you see?" It wasn't as easy as you thought.

  Talion chuckled.

  "Relax, blond... there are still two tests to go."

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  Second Test: 100 meters

  This time it was Luz's turn. His body was tense as he adjusted his swimming goggles.

  "Ready to shut up?" Talión said, giving him a slight elbow.

  "I was born ready!" Luz replied, although her voice trembled a little.

  The whistle sounded and Luz threw herself into the water.

  The race was intense. Although his movements were clean and his technique stood out, his physique did not allow him to advance as fast as the rest. However, in the last lap, Luz pushed with everything she had and reached third place.

  It wasn't a victory... but I had endured until the end.

  "Well done, crazy!" said Talión when Luz came out of the water. You're almost there!

  "But I didn't succeed..." Luz murmured, with her head down.

  "Hey..." Talion patted him on the back. The important thing is that you swam with eggs. That's what matters.

  Luz smiled, grateful.

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  Third Test: 300 meters

  This time Talión was determined. There was no way to lose. Not this time.

  The race was intense, each stroke felt like it was pulling energy from him, but Talión pushed with everything. He remembered the orca of his dream... the way he slid with force and elegance.

  Be like her... be like water...

  When he made the last turn, Talión ignored the burning in his arms and legs. He pushed with everything he had and stretched out his hand at the final touch.

  "Winner: Blue Mountain School!" the speaker announced.

  They had won one of the three tests.

  "Let's go!" Luz shouted, hugging him excitedly.

  "Good job, bastard!" Azrat said approaching, holding out his hand. I knew you were good.

  "And now what?" Are you going to invite me to your school again? -Talión joked.

  "Of course..." Azrat replied with a half-smile. And if you're not convinced... I'll buy you some tacos so you can think about it better.

  The three laughed together, while the first day of the competition came to an end.

  The road to the Olympics was just beginning... and Talión knew it.

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  End of Chapter 6