I am the creator of New Life on the Earth
Chapter 69: The Annual Sport Festival

Chapter 69: The Annual Sport Festival

The air buzzed with anticipation at the PK Academy sports ground.

Students from various schools sat in groups, their eyes shifting calculatively toward their competitors.

A sea of parents watched from the bleachers outside the field, murmuring words of encouragement and waiting eagerly for the festival to begin.

Among the crowd, Adam sat with his friends, his posture relaxed yet alert as he glanced occasionally at the race track.

His mind lingered on his own race, though he face his anticipation behind a calm exterior.

The school principal, Mr. Jay, stepped onto the podium, his voice booming through the speakers as he delivered a long, ceremonious speech to inaugurate the event.

While the principal’s words emphasized motivation and sportsmanship, Adam’s thoughts wandered.

This speech is probably making the students even more nervous, he mused, his eyes scanning the field.

As the speech concluded, the first event was announced: the 100-meter girls’ race.

The participants included ten girls—four from other schools and six from PK Academy.

Among them was Ani, a second-year student, and another girl who Adam recalled from his past.

She had once thought about becoming like Ani, both admiring and competing with her. This race was her chance to prove herself.

The teachers began organizing the girls, lining them up at the starting point.

The student council president, Sakura, observed from a short distance, ensuring everything ran smoothly.

Yet, as Ani’s race approached, Sakura’s focus shifted entirely to the competition.

The track encircled the field in a perfect oval, and the crowd’s energy heightened as the starting signal neared.

The teachers called out, "Take your positions!" The girls walked up to the starting line, their faces a mix of determination and nerves.

Ani exhaled deeply, her thoughts a swirling storm of resolve. I can’t lose this race. Not after how hard I’ve trained. I don’t want to face Adam’s disappointment if I fail.

Adam, observing from the sidelines, thought silently to himself.

Ani, whether you win or lose, it doesn’t matter to me. Just don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Of course, Ani couldn’t hear his thoughts, and she prepared to give it her all.

The teacher’s voice rang out: "Ready... set... go!"

The sharp whistle cut through the air, and the race began. The ten girls sprinted forward, their feet pounding against the track in a rapid rhythm.

Ani took the lead quickly, her strides long and powerful. Adam’s gaze remained fixed on her, silently willing her to stay strong.

But just as the finish line came into view, a blonde girl from another school closed in beside Ani.

This girl had her own agenda—she had heard of Ani’s reputation and was determined to break her streak of victories.

Their rivalry intensified as the gap between them narrowed.

Ani glanced to her side, her competitor’s determination fueling her own.

She pushed harder, every ounce of strength channeled into her legs.

The finish line drew closer. With one final burst of energy, Ani surged ahead, crossing the line first.

As soon as she crossed, however, her momentum faltered, and she stumbled forward, falling hard onto the ground.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Adam instinctively leaned forward, ready to rush to her side, but he stopped himself, clenching his fists.

The other girls behind Ani sped past her as they crossed the finish line, their momentum carrying them forward.

But one girl forced herself to stop—Shreya. She was from Adam’s class and had always admired Ani.

Shreya rushed to Ani’s side and helped her to her feet. Her face showed both concern and awe as she spoke softly, "Ani, are you okay?"

Ani nodded, brushing herself off. "I’m fine, really," she insisted, though the scrape on her knee told a different story. Blood trickled down from the shallow wound.

Shreya’s admiration shone through her words. "You’re amazing, Ani. Even now, you’re so humble and strong."

Adam watched the interaction from a distance, recalling how he had once overheard Shreya’s thoughts in class.

Back then, she had admired Ani for her hard work and humility despite her beauty and intelligence. Today, her actions reflected that same admiration.

A teacher approached and asked Ani, "Are you hurt badly?"

Ani shook her head. "It’s nothing serious," she replied, glancing toward Adam.

He caught her gaze and offered a small, reassuring smile. Her heart swelled with relief and pride.

Adam is happy for me, she thought, her spirits lifting despite the sting in her knee.

Shreya, still by her side, insisted on helping her to the sidelines, despite Ani’s protests. As they passed Adam, Ani hesitated, wanting to speak to him, to ask how she had done.

But the moment slipped away as Shreya guided her to where the other participants waited.

Seated now, Ani noticed her parents waving from the crowd. Beside them, her elder sister smiled warmly. Ani’s surprise quickly turned into joy. She came to see me!

Meanwhile, the teachers announced the next event: the 100-meter boys’ race. Adam’s friend, Eric, stood up, his energy infectious as he shouted, "This one’s mine! Everyone, watch me win!"

Adam chuckled, covering his face with a hand to hide his amusement. Eric’s confidence was both endearing and entertaining.

At the starting line, Eric jogged in place, loosening up and psyching himself for the race.

His competitors lined up beside him, including a friend of Robin’s who smirked and taunted, "I’ve practiced hard for this. You won’t win easily, Eric."

Eric grinned back. "Don’t worry. You’ll end up just like Robin—far behind me."

The teacher raised his hand. "Ready... set... go!"

With explosive speed, Eric launched forward, immediately taking the lead.

Within seconds, he left the others trailing behind, his form impeccable and his confidence unshaken.

The crowd erupted in cheers, especially Eric’s parents, who enthusiastically celebrated his dominance.

His sister, seated nearby, seemed more reserved, her parents’ excitement embarrassing her slightly.

Adam’s parents, seated just behind Eric’s, also cheered for him.

Having seen Eric visit their home often, they knew how close he was to Adam and were genuinely supportive.

Eric crossed the finish line effortlessly, his victory almost anticlimactic in its ease.

He raised his fists triumphantly, shouting, "This is just the beginning!" His parents’ cheers grew louder, their pride unmistakable.

From the sidelines, Adam’s attention drifted back to Ani.

She was seated with Shreya and another girl, Monika. Monika’s eyes were still on Eric, while Ani’s were fixed on Adam. Yet Adam noticed something peculiar—Shreya’s intense gaze at Ani’s bandaged knee.

The sight unsettled him briefly, but he shook the thought away as Eric approached.

Eric clapped a hand on Adam’s shoulder, grinning. "Your turn’s next. You remember the plan, right?"

Adam smirked and gave him a thumbs-up. "Don’t worry. I’ll do exactly what we discussed. Robin’s not winning this one."

Eric laughed, his confidence in Adam unwavering. "I’m counting on you, man. Show them what you’ve got."

The Chapter ends here, leaving the stage set for Adam’s upcoming race.

This Chapter ends here.