Chapter 22: The Roar of the Dragon
The sun was barely suning when the Monta?a Azul team arrived at the competition venue. Cameras, lights and reporters were everywhere. The atmosphere vibrated with the excitement of a historic event: the first televised competition that would decide who would get the direct pass to the Olympics.
"This is..." Bruno murmured, his eyes wide open.
"Crazy..." Luz completed, without taking her eyes off the crowd.
Talion took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility.
"Today it's not just us... today we represent something much bigger," he said out loud.
The group nodded, knowing that it was not only about themselves... but about leaving a mark on the whole country.
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Drago's presentation
While the Blue Mountain team was getting ready, a voice echoed in the speaker:
"Ladies and gentlemen!" We present to you the young prodigy who has dominated every competition in which he has participated! The pride of the Scarlet team... the invincible... Drago!
A tall, muscular young man with an arrogant expression walked towards the edge of the pool. Her black hair was carefully combed back and her cold eyes radiated absolute confidence.
Drago looked directly at Talión and smiled mockingly, as if the victory was already his.
"That guy..." Azrat murmured, frowning. I don't like it at all.
"Leave it..." Talión said, with a slight smile. We'll see how arrogant he's still being after today.
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Start of the competition
"First confrontation!" Category: New style! Representing the Blue Mountain team... Bruno!
Bruno took a deep breath and went to the edge of the pool.
"Calm down... you have it under control." Talión said, placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Yes..." Bruno said, trying to convince himself.
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Bruno went up to the starting block, along with the first competitor of the Scarlet team.
"In their marks...!"
Bruno closed his eyes.
"For Valeria..." he thought.
"Ready... NOW!"
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First round: Bruno
Bruno jumped into the water and pushed himself like lightning. The new style required constantly changing between fast strokes and stretches where he could only propel himself with his legs, but Bruno handled it as if it were natural.
His agility and impeccable technique allowed him to keep up the pace, even when his rival tried to overtake him in the last stretch.
"Come on, Bruno!" Azrat shouted, jumping from his seat.
Bruno reached the finish line, touching the edge just half a second before his rival.
—Point for the Monta?a Azul team!
The team burst into screams and applause as Bruno came out of the water, panting but with a triumphant smile.
"You did it, champion!" Azrat shouted, hugging him.
"A little..." Bruno said, still not believing that he had won.
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Second round: Azrat
—Category: Butterfly style! Representing the Blue Mountain team... Azrat!
"Beat them up!" Jocelyn shouted at him.
Azrat climbed on the exit block, stretched out his arms and smiled confidently.
"Ready... NOW!"
Azrat shot out like a bullet. His strokes were powerful and his rhythm wild. The rival competitor tried to get ahead, but Azrat responded with a brutal impulse in the last stretch.
—Winner: Azrat from the Blue Mountain team!
The audience burst into applause. Azrat, coming out of the water, looked at the rival team and smiled cheekily.
"Tell them to get ready for the rest..." he murmured to himself.
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Third round: Jocelyn
—Category: Chest style! Representing the Blue Mountain team... Jocelyn!
Jocelyn moved calmly towards the block. Before going up, Aurora approached her.
"Remember... you don't compare yourself to anyone." It's you... and the water.
Jocelyn nodded and got ready.
"In their marks...!"
The whistle sounded and Jocelyn threw herself into the water. His technique was clean, his movements powerful. However, her rival was incredibly fast and managed to catch up with her in the last stretch.
Jocelyn gritted her teeth and gave one last stroke with all her strength.
—Winner: Scarlet Team!
Jocelyn came out of the water furious with herself, but Talion stopped her.
"You swam incredible... don't punish yourself for that."
Jocelyn smiled slightly and gave him a friendly punch on the arm.
"Sure you win, huh?"
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Fourth round: Light
—Category: Back style! Representing the Blue Mountain team... Light!
Luz advanced nervously, but stopped when Talion took him by the arm.
"Do you remember what I told you?" No matter what you look like... you're amazing.
Luz took a deep breath, climbed the exit block and got ready.
"In their marks...!"
The whistle sounded and Luz pushed herself into the water with impeccable grace. Each stroke was precise and his legs moved with constant force.
"Come on, Luz!" shouted Talion.
Luz arrived first at the finish line, leaving her rival several meters behind.
—Point for the Monta?a Azul team!
When he came out of the water, Luz ran to Talion and hugged him.
"I did it..." he murmured.
"I knew you would do it," Talión replied, proud.
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Last round: Talión vs Drago
The atmosphere was filled with tension. Everyone knew that this last confrontation would define everything.
Drago approached Talión and smiled arrogantly.
"Get ready to lose."
Talión didn't answer. He just smiled back.
"Lose?" I didn't train for that...
They both went up to the exit block.
"In their marks...!"
The audience held their breath.
"Ready... NOW!"
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End of chapter 22
