Behind the school rumours

CHAPTER 9: THE QUIZ BEGINS🔰

Monday morning arrived with a different kind of excitement at Evercrest Academy.

Colorful banners were hung around the assembly ground, announcing the school's annual quiz competition. Students from every class talked about only one thing.

"SS2 Gold has to win this year!"

"I heard the questions will be tougher than last year's."

"The finals are on Friday."

As the principal finished the morning assembly, he smiled at the students.

"I expect honesty, discipline and teamwork from everyone. Remember, winning means nothing without integrity."

His words echoed in Ethan's mind.

Integrity.

The same thing the person behind the rumors seemed determined to destroy.

Later that morning, Mrs. Williams entered the classroom with a clipboard.

"I've chosen three students to represent SS2 Gold."

The class became silent.

"The first representative is Sophie Williams."

Applause filled the room.

"The second is Jemimah James."

Jemimah grinned.

"And the third..."

Mrs. Wilson glanced around the room.

"...Ethan Johnson."

The classroom erupted with whispers.

"Him?"

"Why would she choose Ethan?"

Bryan folded his arms in anger while Vanessa hissed away in annoyance.

Mrs. Wilson raised her hand.

"I chose students based on their test scores, the decision is final."

After class, the three teammates gathered beneath a large tree in the school courtyard.

"We'll need to practice together," Sophie said.

Jemimah nodded eagerly.

"If we work as a team, we stand a chance."

Ethan agreed.

"I'll bring some revision notes tomorrow."

For the first time since joining Evercrest Academy, Ethan felt as though he truly belonged somewhere.

That afternoon, the preliminary round of the quiz began.

The school hall was packed with students cheering for their classes.

The quiz master welcomed everyone before reading the first question.

Round after round, the teams answered confidently.

When it was SS2 Gold's turn, Ethan answered a difficult science question correctly.

The audience murmured in surprise.

"I didn't know he was that smart."

"So the rumors were wrong about him being lazy."

The competition continued until the judges called for a short break.

As students left their seats, Jemimah noticed something lying beneath their team's table.

It was a folded sheet of paper.

She picked it up.

"What is it?" Sophie asked.

Jemimah unfolded it slowly.

The smile disappeared from her face.

"What does it say?" Ethan asked.

Without speaking, she showed him the note.

Written across the page were the words:

One of your teammates cannot be trusted.

The three friends looked at one another.

No one spoke.

Was the message trying to warn them, or turn them against each other?

Before they could decide, the announcer's voice echoed through the hall.

"All contestants, please return to your seats. The next round is about to begin."

Ethan folded the note and slipped it into his pocket.

The quiz competition was no longer just about winning.

Someone had turned it into another move in a much larger game...