This chapter is specially dedicated to

Stardust_Wendy

Omg! The last fun time gave me vibes. First time we topped over 1k comments. Love you guys! Also thank you to everyone of us who participated. I noticed majority of my ghost readers did show face.

Dont forget to vote, and spam my comment section babies.

Note, read this chapter attentively, so you could judge whatever would be said in this next chapter

thereal_bharrie maidoluv JoyAdeoye JoannaAvalorie HalimahSanni8 rieme_me don_chizzy swil_swil Adejoan christoyin04 tessaphoebe Adun_ni_ola_mi dynma662 steph_ani06 AdekunleAjoke Lydia662

I couldn't mention everyone who participated in the fun time, but just know you all are just the best. I am so lucky to have you all.
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

Immediately they settled on the podium, Jayden tries to adjust on the seat, thereby making himself more uncomfortable.

How he had managed to convince Mr John that Leo hadn't been able to leave the restroom due to food poisoning, he couldn't believe how he did it so easy, he had come to terms with himself, being a little devious. Because these days, even his lies had turned into the truth. Funny enough he didn't only just tell a lie, he also believed the lie as the truth. In his words.

If you don't believe it, how do you expect someone else to.

They had managed to revive Leo, he couldn't understand how Favour managed to handle the situation. Turned out he was overdosed by whatever he took. None of them had said a word to each other, since they spoke to Mr John. Jayden sure knew those boys had things and questions going on in their mind. But as usual, everyone had to mind their business.

He was currently still trying to understand, how he didn't see that Leo had gone this far. He thought it was only his smoking habit. Leo sure did need serious help. And he had made up his mind to bring up the topic of his smoking and drug habit, instead of letting him while away.
He wasn't supposed to be participating but was taking Leo's place. By his side sat Munachi, whom he had no idea of what she was doing because he wasn't looking her way, but ahead.

Taking his head up, his gaze falls on one of the girl's in the opposing team. In a split second, he had weirdly analysed her. She wasn't very dark. She also looked extremely reserved.

"We welcome you all to the long-awaited and anticipated final quiz competition, between senior secondary school's. We all know it's no longer an Inter-school competition, as initials, per rules and traditions. The final competition is been regarded as an inter-state competition. We are glad to have every one of you here, "

Jayden listens attentively, at the same time, analyzing the whole scenario and crowd with his eyes. He took note of the fact, there was just four of five extra students from his school apart from his team members, who weren't participating in the finals. He understood why, it wasn't an interstate thing, most parents won't give their consent, besides learning was going on with full force, since it was just a few weeks to exam time.

"This competition is between Hilton College, a round of applause to them!" The moderator says and pauses, looking around. At the same time, you could hear people applauding.

The moderator, looked so full of life, he looked like he was in his early thirties, there was something about the way he spoke, he did intrigue Jayden.

The auditorium or bouquet hall, depending on what you would choose to call it, was decorated lavishly. This competition was currently the most talked about event happening in the country currently, no doubt. Everyone looked forward to FGIQC in the county.

This is the time when you just had to avoid your parents and the sitting room. Because this is the opportunity they would grab to make comments like.

Oh, that boy is smart!

Oh, his parents must be proud of him!

Too brilliant for her age!

Is that not your mate talking there!

The last statement, trust Nigerian mothers to ask you that.

"And Royal Gem Academy! A round and applause for the opposing school."

This statement, made Jayden come to terms he was still on the podium, also the fact, different pairs of eyes were looking towards his direction. Now it seemed more like they were all just staring at him, he wasn't comfortable.

This applaud heard was greater than the one giving before. More like Royal Crest Academy came with full force, because their cheer team was by far higher than there's, competing in numbers was an insult to the opposing school because Hilton just came with five or so.

He could also hear some cheer voices, from the background.

"Welcome you all once again. I am ready whenever you are." The moderator says looking at each of the participants, one after the other. " My name is John Nwachukwu, and I will be moderating this final quiz competition! I think it's important to get to know who you are, so will start with you!" The moderator says directly to Hilton College's students.

"Calm down!" Jayden heard Munachi whisper. He knew whom she was referring to, even though he wasn't looking her way. Geraldine was the next person after her. So it was obvious they were both talking.

"Representatives of Hilton College, Jayden Jordan Adenuga, Munachi Ameachi, Geraldine Oghenefejiro Johnson's, Favour Paius, Rianat Adebayo. By my right-hand side, we have, Grace Matthew, Shalewa Adesina, Malik Gadzama, Ehi Ogenyi, Ene Ogenyi, representing Royal Crest Academy."

Jayden takes a deep breath, at the same time keeps his eyes on the moderator.

Geraldine stares ahead, while she fiddles with both fingers. You could tell she was anxious by just looking at her. She felt some sort of pressure, as well as duty.

She had been feeling this way since she got it, and it wasn't funny anymore. Feeling restless, anxious, wanting the competition to be over and done with, at the same time know what the result would be.

The faces of the opposing team weren't looking so friendly. They also seemed serious like anyone would be. She didn't know their capability, and just couldn't tell by just looking at them. But, just the fact they were student's of Royal Crest Academy, made her very anxious. They had a history with always winning FGIQC, like it was there legacy or something.

Having Munachi on the team gave her some sort of satisfaction, deep down she knew Ekanem being part, would have made it stronger. Because if there was something she had come to learn about Ekanem. It was her hatred for failure and the fact. She was going to do everything within her power to stop such.

The other boys were good, having them on the team too was a plus. Also the art class, Rianat and Favour, were perfect. More like the best in their set.

"This competition is going to be on four rounds. This first round would be scored by two points, and you only answer once." The moderator says, bringing Geraldine out of her reveries, at the same time, her eyes locks with one of the girls in the opposing team. There were only two boys in the team, the others were girls. Geraldine eyes meet with the girl's name. Grace Matthew, she was dark-skinned. More like their eyes lock for a moment, before the girl breaks it, now looking elsewhere. Someone else catches her attention. The beauty was stricken. She looked darker than the other girl, Geraldine attempts trying to get a view of her name, although the girl seemed engrossed in whatever the moderator was saying.

That was when it dawned on Geraldine, she had totally blanked out.

"Round 1, it will be scored by two points."

This caught Geraldine's interest. She wasn't listening, and might not have missed the instructions. She bites her lips, slowly staring at the moderator.

"I am going to start up, with the school at my imidate left, In ten minutes, you are to answer following question, this would consist of current affairs and English language. A wrong answer at this point, no penalty."

Geraldine could almost hear her heartbeat. She bites her lips, in a bid to control how anxious she seemed, while they got ready to answer the question. Obviously, they were going first.

"What is a 70th anniversary called?" The moderator asks.

"Platinum!" Munachi answer almost immediately, alerting Geraldine, who sat very close to her.

"Correct!" The moderator says. You could hear some claps and whistles from the background.

"What does the acronym ICAO stand for?"

"International Civil Aviation Organisation," Geraldine responds in a split second without thinking.

"Correct!" Geraldine couldn't help but let out a small smile.

"Who was Nigeria's first Inspector General of Police?"

"Mr. C. W. Duncan, 1930 - 1935 " Rianat responds immediately, adding the date, this brought a smile to Geraldine's face. Although the tension was high, especially with the way their opponents eyes were transfixed on them.

"Correct!"

"When did Nigeria break diplomatic relations with Israel?"

"1962," Favour rushes his words. "I mean " 1972!" You could hear the tension in his voice.

The hall is suddenly quiet, it was obvious they were all waiting for the moderators opinion.

"The right answer is 1972, and that's your second answers, don't forget the rules, you can't answer twice."

Immediately he says this, Geraldine uses both hands to touch her face. It was shaky already. She also heard Munachi utter a word, although she couldn't make meaning to it, but it was aggressive.

One look at Royal Crest student, Geraldine suddenly saw some rays of excitement on their faces, more like them failing a question brought this. Especially the girl Ene, her smiles were just too much, and it did bite her, that was something she couldn't deny.

"Who created the Nigerian Council?"

"Frederick Lugard!" Munachi responds immediately.

"Correct!" The moderator says.

"What country does Nigeria share borders within the West?"

"Republic of Benin!" Rianat responds.

"Correct!"

"The first woman to become a governor in Nigeria is? "

"Mrs. Virginia Etiaba, Anambra State" Favour responds. Hearing his voice brought chills into Geraldine's system, but she knew he was correct. The other mistake was due to tension.

"Correct!"

"When was the Federal Capital Territory created?"

" February 3rd, 1976" Munachi responds.

"Correct!"

"The word that best completes the sentence. He left the town early this morning _____ he arrived very late. (A.)although (B.) but (C.) despite (D.) even (E.) than."

"The correct answer is B" Rianat says.

"Correct!"

" When was the Federal Capital Territory created?"

" February 4th, 1976!" Rianat responds almost immediately.

"Noooo!" Geraldine heard Munachi exclaim from her side.

"Incorrect! The answer is February 3rd, 1976." The moderator says.

Immediately he made this statement, Hilton college's representatives, faces changes, although Jayden's facial expression remained neutral. You could tell Geraldine was worried by the look on her face. Rianat seemed disappointed. Favour tried to look normal as possible, while Munachi kept a straight face, you couldn't tell what she was feeling at that moment.

"A round of applause for the representatives of Hilton College as well as River's State. We have come to the end of their questions."

While everyone cheered, Geraldine used the medium to search for Mr John in the crowd, he looked so serious. Taking her eyes back to their opponents. They looked more cheerful than before. Seemed more like their failure was bringing some smile's to their faces. Funny enough they weren't hiding how happy they looked, especially the girl Ene, although Malik looked rather too serious.

"Now we are moving to Royal Crest Academy!" The moderator introduces. "Still following the rules. This round will be scored by two points, and you only answer once. Don't forget once your time gets exhausted. Your points will be calculated, even though you don't exhaust your questions." The moderator says.

At the same time, Geraldine uses the means, to take a good look at every one of them. The girl whose table glass, was boldly displaying Shelewa Adesina seemed pretty calm. More like every one of them were looking more serious than ever. Especially Grace, although she looked more scared than serious. It was more like she was scared, plus the tension. Her face displayed it perfectly. Geraldine gradually turns to the boy with glasses. The only one who looked very calm, though had a serious look on his face.

"What agency is the Economic Commission for Africa part of?" The moderator asks.

"UNO, United Nations Organisation!" Malik responds immediately.

Geraldine didn't miss how serious he suddenly looked.

"Correct."

"Who what set of people does political sovereignty belongs to?"

"The Government!" Malik responds again.

"Correct!"

"What region was created by the facilitation of the NCNC?"

"Mid-West Region!" Malik responds in a second.

"Correct!"

"Wetin?" Geraldine heard Munachi asks, with all seriousness, she said it directly into her ears. That moment she wanted to burst into laughter.

"For what reason was Nigeria suspended from the Commonwealth in 1995?"

"Political Reasons!" Shalewa responds, looking very calm, yet anxious.

"Correct!" The moderator says.

"People who live by selling labour in the Marxist theory are called?"

"Proletariats" Ehi says, looking rather unsure.

"Correct!"

You could see the relief on his face that moment.

"Who formed the first political party in Nigeria?"

"Herbert Macaulay" Malik responds.

"What was the first political party in Nigeria?"

"Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP)" Grace responds. Her voice shaky, more like she had answered without thinking it through. You could see the fear evident in her eyes.

There is a sudden silence.

"Correct!"

Geraldine who found watching her an interest, didn't miss the relief on her face.

"Who is the longest-serving Prime Minister of Israel?"

"Benjamin Netanyahu!" Malik says.

"Correct!"

"This boy is going to be our problem," Munachi whispers into Geraldine's ears. Although the only thing Geraldine had in her mind, was them failing already. "They should answer a question wrong already." You could hear the frustration in Munachi's voice.

"Which state in Nigeria has the smallest number of LGAs?"

"Abuja, with only seven LGAs," Shalewa responds calmly.

"Correct."

"When was the United Nations Organisation formed?"

"25th March 1945!" Ehi respond.

Geraldine couldn't hide the smile, which was evident on her face. The answer was wrong, it was 25th April 1945, not March, she was sure of it.

She had Munachi chuckle a little bit.

"Incorrect! The write answer is 25th April 1945!"

The disappointment on their faces was very obvious, especially that on Ehi's. Malik still looked very much confident. It was clear that was because they were still leading.

"Which of the following sentences is in the passive voice?" (A.) He preached a good sermon last Sunday.
(B.) The students are being taught by the teacher. (C.) The student comes late every day. (D.) She made a promise to her son. (E.) We will go to the cinema in the evening.

"The correct answer is B." Malik responds immediately.

"Correct!"

"When was the Federal Capital Territory created?"

"February 4th, 1976!" Shalewa responds. "Sorry! 3rd!" She says unsure.

"Jesus is Lord," Munachi says.

If they weren't in a serious situation, nothing was holding Geraldine from bursting into laughter.

"Incorrect, it's February 3rd, 1976."

Geraldine couldn't hide the smile from displaying on her face, any longer. It was a selfish act. But there was only going to be one winner. And she would give anything for it to be their school.

"A round of applause to Royal Crest Academy, also representing The Federal Capital Territory, as we move into the next round. " Hilton College total point is 20, around of applause to them." The cheers were short but loud. "Royal Crest Academy, got 20 points too."

The cheers seemed greater than that of Hilton college, if you wanted to put it on the scale of five. It didn't seem like they scored the same point.

In some time, it dies down.

"So moving to the second round. Listen attentively, " The moderator suddenly says looking around. Now you couldn't miss the look of anxiousness on Geraldine's face.

"Rules and Regulations, questions are going to be about chemistry and literature. Each school will be asked a question, in the sense that, it would be like a switch, from one school to the other. The answer is a maximum of ten points. If the answer is wrong or you decide not to attempt it, you attract a penalty of 5 points. And it would be passed to the next school as a bonus question, for which if they are ready to provide the right answer, they would get the maximum of 5points, and it's wrong, they equally get a deduction of 5 points."

All these while, every participant listens attentively to the moderator.

"The moment of heightened tension in a play is called?" The moderator asks.

"Climax!" Rianat responds almost immediately. That was her field. Geraldine knew at this point, they had to let the Art students show themselves.

"Correct!" The commentator says, turning to Royal Crest Academy.

"A serious play with sad ending is
called."

"Tragedy!" Ene responds immediately.

"Correct!"

"In poetry, also known as rhyme refers to matching, initial consonant sounds in words."

"Head!" Favour responds.

"Correct!"

"Going back to Hilton College. "The man had the strength of a thousand elephants" The device used in the above statement is?"

"hyperbole!" Rianat responds.

"Something while apparently saying is a technique for saying something else!"

"Innuendo!" Shalewa responds.

Geraldine stays focused listening to everyone without uttering a word, she noticed Malik and Shalwa did most of the answering, just like Rianat and Favour. A question gets her attention.

"Zinc easily displaces copper from copper [II] salt solution but lead will not displace copper from copper [II] salt. Which options best explains the statement? (A.) Zinc is placed far below copper in the activity series.
(B.) Lead is placed far above copper in the activity series. (C.) Zinc is placed far above copper in the activity series.
(D.) Copper is placed far above zinc in the activity series." The moderator asks.

"C!" Geraldine answers. There is a small silence, which brings doubts into her minds.

"Correct." This statement brings a smile to her face, immediately the moderator utters it.

"3. 0.05 Faraday of electricity is passed through acidulated water using platinum electrodes. What volume of each gas is evolved? (A.) 0.56 dm3 of H2 and 0.28 dm3 of O2. (B.) 112 dm3 of H2 and 0.56 dm of O2. (C.) 0.224 dm3 of H2 and 0.112 dm3 of 02. (D.) 2.24 dm3 of H2 and 4.48 dm3 of 02."

"The correct answer is B" Malik responds. Meanwhile, Geraldine drops her pen, taking her face up. She didn't miss the confused and anxious look on his face too.

"Incorrect." The moderator says. Geraldine didn't miss them miss them muttering to themselves, both boys In the team. "Hilton College, your bonus question, don't forget if you fail you lose five marks too. Are you taking it or not?" The moderator says, looking very serious.

"We are..., "

"The correct answer is A!" Jayden cuts Munachi off before she could complete her statement.

"Correct" The moderator says, you could hear some applaud from the background.

Looking at the representatives of Royal Crest Academy, they were now looking more serious than ever. Geraldine wouldn't deny the fact, it sent chills into her body.

"Why is a damp blue litmus paper placed at the mouth of a jar during the preparation of hydrogen chloride?" The moderator asks

"To determine the effect of the gas on the litmus paper," Jayden responds before Geraldine could.

"Correct."
"Which of the products of these mixtures is acidic? (A.) HCl(g) + chloroform. (B.) HCl(g) + water.
(C.) HCl(g) + Zn. (D.) HCl(g) + Mg."

"The correct answer is B!" Ehi responds.

"Correct!"

" To test for chlorine is used."

"Damp litmus paper and starch-iodide paper!" Munachi responds.

The question and answer section goes on for a while, with Munachi and Jayden answering the majority of the question from their side and Ehi and Malik answering the majority of the questions, also from their side.

It continues for a while before the whole round becomes over.

"We have come to the end of this round. Hallel College scored 85 points. A round of applause to them." The moderator says. You could hear the cheers from the background and "Royal Crest Academy, with 75 points. Appreciate them." Although the cheers weren't as loud as the previous one, it was still louder than that of Hilton College, also with more vibes.

Geraldine couldn't help but breathe fine, although she knew it wasn't over yet. They where getting to the most critical part. Also, their opponent faces wasn't bright at all. They weren't smiling at all.

"Okay, moving on to the 3rd stage. Two students will be representing each school. And we would be using the same method we used, during the first stage. Each school will be given ten minutes to answer several questions. You can't attempt twice, so think carefully and also hasten up, in other to beat the time and finish up the set number of questions."

Geraldine turns to Munachi immediately, it had been planned beforehand. Munachi and Jayden were representing the school at this stage. They where better in this field. She had always had issues with Physics. Stepping in could be a big risk.

"To those who aren't participating, you are to the other side for a while." The moderator says.

In less than a minute, they are all settled. The students representing their various schools includes, Jayden Jordan Adenuga and Munachi Ameachi representing Hilton College. Ehi Ogenyi and Malik Gadzama, representing Royal Crest Academy."

"This round will be focused on Mathematics and Physics, hope we are good to go?"

Geraldine watches her classmates and their opponents from a corner.
They where all clearly waiting for the moderator to begin.

"Hilton College, your time starts now." Immediately he says this, Geraldine swallows hard. More like she was the one answering the questions.

"If kerosene of density 0.8g/cm3 is mixed with water of 8g, what is the density of the resulting mixture? [Take mass of kerosene = 32g]." The moderator asks.

There is absolute silence, while they watch Munachi and Jaydey start solving.

"0.83g/cm3," Jayden responds, looking up to the moderator.

There is some silence for a while before the moderator suddenly breaks it.

"Correct."

" The mass of a stone is 15g when completely immersed in water and 10g when completely in a liquid of relative density 2.0. What is the mass of the stone in the air?"

"20g," Jayden responds almost immediately surprising Geraldine.

"Correct!"

"The force that tends to influence the motion of a vibrating body to bring it to an equilibrium state as in a simple
harmonic motion is termed."

" Restoring force!" Jayden responds. This time around Geraldine is forced to look at him directly.

"Correct."

"If a body of O.5kg is whirled in a horizontal circle at the rate of 1OOO revolution per minute at constant speed and the radius of the horizontal circle described is 40cm, what is the tension in the string?" The moderator asks.

"55.8N" Munachi answers for the first time.

"Incorrect." The moderator says.

Geraldine could swear she saw Munachi swear, also the sudden panic in her face was evident. She also watched Jayden mutter something to Munachi. Although she couldn't make out what he was saying from a distance. He looked very serious. She was damn sure, he was referring to what just happened.

That moment, she saw Royal Crest students suddenly smiling.

"If a body of O.5kg is whirled in a horizontal circle at the rate of 1OOO revolution per minute at constant speed and the radius of the horizontal circle described is 40cm, what is the tension in the string?" The moderator asks.

"55.8N!" Munachi responds after solving. Her voice slow and calm. It was clear, she didn't want to make a mistake again.

"Correct."

"The radius of an atom is 10-10m. If an electron of mass 9 x 10-31kg has an angular velocity of 8ttrad/secs. What is the force acting on the electron?"

"5.76p2 x 10-49N!" Jayden responds.

"Correct!"

"If the 8th term of an AP. is twice the Ath term and the sum of the first 5 terms is 47, find the common difference." The moderator asks.

"3.13!" Jayden responds almost immediately.

"Correct."

" A rectangle has length x cm and width (x - 1) cm. If the perimeter is 16cm, find the value of x."

"3 1/2cm," Jayden responds.

"Correct." The moderator says. Meanwhile, Geraldine found herself unconsciously watching him intensely. She hadn't seen this energy in the other competition.

"A student travelled for x hours at 5km/hr and for y hours at 1Okm/hr. The journey was 35km altogether, which of the following equations represent the given information if the average speed for the journey was 7km/hr? "

"x + y = 5; 5x + 10y = 36" Munachi responds, after scribbling quickly.

"Incorrect. The right answer is x + y = 5; 5x + 10y = 35." Munachi looked like she was about to cry that moment. Meanwhile, Jayden pauses.

Also, RCA students looked more cheerful than ever. More like the sudden development, was more to their advantage.

"If A Copper Wire Is Increased To Double Its Length Its Resistance Will Become."

"Double!" Jayden responds, although his face wasn't bright at all.

"Correct."

Geraldine who knew it was tension, only folds her both hands. Munachi could answer those questions correctly. Tension contributed big time too his failure.

"Royal Crest Academy. Hope you are ready?"

"Yes sir!" Ehi responds.

"A Person Standing On A Railway Platform Listens To The Whistles Of
Arriving And Departing Trains. The Whistle Heard Is?"

"Of Higher Pitch When Train Arrives," Ehi responds, looking confused, at the same time anxious.

"After Long Periods Of Use A Grey Spot Develops On The Inside Of A Bulb. This Is Because?"

"Dust Inside The Bulb Condenses On The Top," Ehi responds.

"Correct!"

"Which Of The Following Are Used For Accurately Measuring Very Small Time Intervals? (a)White Dwarfs (b) Atomic Clocks (c) Pulsars (d) Quartz Clocks." The moderator asks

"Atomic Clocks," Ehi responds.

"Correct!"

All this while, Geraldine stare at both boys consciously. Both were fair-skinned, one had glasses on, while the other had none.

"An erected pole is 7cm high from the ground. It casts a shadow on the horizontal ground when the altitude of the sun is 6Oo. Calculate the length of the shadow."

"7V¥ m" Ehi responds.

"Correct!"

"A ladder of length 5m rests against a vertical wall and makes an angle of 600 with the ground. How far is the foot of the ladder from the wall?"

"2 1/2m" Ehi responds after some seconds and scribbling with his book.

"Correct!"

"The bearing of a point A from a point B is 0420. Calculate the bearing of B from A."

"2220" Ehi responds.

"Correct!"

"The 4th term of an A. P. is 13 while the 10th term is 31. Find the 21st term." The moderator asks.

"64," Malik responds slowly. More like he was unsure of something.

"Correct." The moderator says.

Deep down, Geraldine prayed they failed at least one question.

"If the 8th term of an AP. is twice the Ath term and the sum of the first 5 terms is 47, find the common difference."

"3.13," Ehi responds.

"Correct."

"A rectangle has length x cm and width (x - 1) cm. If the perimeter is 16cm, find the value of x."

" 3 1/2cm" Malik responds.

"Correct."

"A student travelled for x hours at 5km/hr and for y hours at 1Okm/hr. The journey was 35km altogether, which of the following equations represent the given information if the average speed for the journey was 7km/hr? "

"x + y = 5; 5x + 10y = 35" Malik responds.

"Correct."

Geraldine's heart broke that moment.
Now there were back to being on the same point. She wanted a situation where they would have still been ahead of RCA, till the fourth stage.

"A round of applause to Hilton College, with 85 points. And also to Royal Crest Academy, with a total of 90 points." The moderator says with a cheerful smile. Meanwhile, you could hear some cheers from the background.

Neither of Hallel's College's participants had a smile on their faces. Although RCA students face were brighter.

"Moving on to the very last stage. We can see that both schools are being so tough on each other. This last stage would determine the winner of this competition. Good luck to you all." The moderator says.

"We will be handing this last round the same way we handled the previous. The only difference is we would be using the rules of the second round, thereby interchanging with both schools, giving bonus questions and reducing marks. At this point, the bonus questions must be answered, unlike the other. Good luck ahead." He pauses looking around. "We just need two representatives of each school. If you want to interchange now. You are free to."

Geraldine suddenly tense up, immediately Munachi got up, that wasn't the plan. Jayden was the one who she was supposed to take his place since she was good in biology. Mr John knew that and Munachi had more experience. She didn't miss the other school interchange too.

"Step up," Munachi says looking moody. Meanwhile, Geraldine stares back at her. Mr John signalled." Munachi concludes.

"You did your best. Don't blame yourself, besides we haven't lost yet." Geraldine assures her, hesitating a while, before stepping up.

Suddenly feeling so conscious of her environment. Also making direct eye contact with Jayden for the first time today. He didn't blink, neither did he look away, she breaks it instead, settling now closer to him. Feeling very uncomfortable in the process.

Taking her eyes up it meets Grace and Shalewa who were also settling in.

"For this round. We will be starting from the school at my right. Don't forget. Will interchange. This comprises only of biology-related topics."

"Your time starts now."
"Viruses have? (a) DNA enclosed in a protein coat (b) Prokaryotic nucleus (c) Single chromosome (d) Both DNA and RNA,"

There is a little silence from the RCA side. Both girl looking so serious, more like they were thinking.

"A." Shalewa responds quickly. You could see the hope and seriousness in her eyes.

"Correct." The moderator says, bringing a smile to both girls face.

"Fruits are not produced in gymnosperms. Why?" The moderator asks, turning to H.C participants.

"Because they are without any ovary," Jayden responds as quickly as possible.

The moderator pauses a while, clearly creating some suspense in the air, before saying it was correct.

"What two special characteristics are found in human beings which have made them masters?" He asks.

"Highly evolved brain, skilled hand," Shalewa responds calmly.

"Correct." The moderator says almost immediately.

"Which one constitutes the dominant vegetation in colder regions?"

"Gymnosperms," Jayden responds quickly, shutting Geraldine who was about to respond up, making her give him a look.

"Archaebacteria differ from eubacteria in? (a) Cell membrane (b) Mode of nutrition (c) Cell shape (d) Mode of reproduction."

"B." Grace responds for the first time.

"Incorrect!" The moderator says. That instant the mood of the competition changed. Grace couldn't hide the disappointment on her face, while Shalewa took her eyes downcast, staring directly at the table.

"Hilton College, give us an answer. I repeat, Archaebacteria differ from eubacteria in? (a) Cell membrane (b) Mode of nutrition (c) Cell shape (d) Mode of reproduction." The moderator says.

"A." Jayden responds almost immediately.

The moderator keeps quiet for a while, creating tension in the air.

"Correct."

Immediately he said this, you could hear tiny cheers from the audience. Meanwhile, Geraldine used the medium to turn to Jayden, who had a complex look on his face, which she considered proud. To her, he was intentionally not giving her the opportunity to answer any questions.

"Who is the most recent and most highly evolved amongst organisms?"

There is a sudden silence, Geraldine turns to Jayden's direction, with a mock smile, seeing he wasn't uttering a word. Fully aware she knew the answer. She lets out a proud smile, before turning to the moderator.

"Human species, Homo sapiens." She responds proudly, at the same time using the corner of her eyes to look at Jayden, who still looked indifferent.

"Correct!" The smile on Geraldine's face wasn't hidden.

"What is the peculiarity of Gymnosperms?"

"They have naked ovules," Shalewa responds slowly.

"Correct."

"In which plants the annuals are
absent?"

"Gymnosperm," Jayden responds immediately before Geraldine could respond.

"Correct."

"Which one of the following fungi contains hallucinogens?(a) Morchella esculenta (b) Amanita muscaria (c) Neurospora sp. (d) Ustilago" The moderator asks.

"B." Shalewa responds.

"Correct."

"Five kingdom system of classification suggested by R.H. Whittaker is not based on? (a) Presence or absence of a well-defined nucleus. (b) Mode of reproduction. (c) Mode of nutrition. (d) The complexity of body organisation."

"B." Geraldine responds quickly.

"Incorrect!" The moderator says. Her face changed that instant. She could also feel Jayden's eyes on the side of her face, but couldn't tell his reaction. She slowly takes her eyes downcast.

"Royal Crest Academy, bonus.., "

"A!" Shalewa responds almost immediately responds.

"Correct." Geraldine uses both hands to clean an imaginary sweat, tension coming with full force.

"What is Sporophyll?"

"Leaves with associated sporangia," Shalewa responds.

"Correct!"

" What is translocation?"

"The transfer of manufactured food substances to the parts where they are required," Geraldine responds, her voice shaky, she didnt take any time to breathe.

"Correct."

"Give an example of seedless vascular plants?"

"Sporangia!" Shalewa says.

"Incorrect!" You could hear some groans.

"Hilton College, bonus...,"

"Ferns," Jayden responds immediately.

"Correct." Geraldine could now breathe fine.

"This is becoming very tough. More like both school's dont want to let go, but we can only have one winner. The moderator says. We have come to the end of this round. But both school are still at the same point. Just like the previous ones. These last four questions would determine the winner, but if but passes, we will continue asking till we get the winner. Brace yourselves."

You could feel the tension in the air, immediately made this statement.

Geraldine whose hands were suddenly shaky, tries to control herself.

"To RCA!"
"The process of cutting trees to increase the land area for agriculture. What is it called?" The moderator asks.

"Deforestation," Grace responds, her eyes staring ahead, she looked certain.

"Correct."

"State the factors that cause increase in the rate of transpiration from leaves."

"The increased light intensity in the low relative humidity e temperature," Jayden responds.

"Name the tissue which is responsible for translocation of manufactured food in flowering plants."

"Phloem tissue," Shalewa responds.

"Correct."

"It is much easier for a small animal
to run uphill than for a large animal, because? (a) it is easier to carry small body weight. (b) smaller animals have a higher metabolic rate. (c) small animals have lower 02 requirement. (d) the oticienc."

"A" Geraldine responds immediately.

"B!" Jayden says, but it seemed too late. He slumps his shoulder in the process.

There is absolute silence. Everyone waiting for the moderators feedback.

"You know the rules, we are taking the first answer, which is incorrect."

That moment, Geraldine uses both hands to cover her face, Jayden lets out a small hiss, which she was opportune to hear because she was closer. She knew they were on the verge of losing, all because of her.

"This is one hell of a competition." The moderator, lets out a small smile." Looking at both sides. " RCA, bonus question,t is much easier for a small animal
to run uphill than for a large animal, because? (a) it is easier to carry small body weight. (b) smaller animals have a higher metabolic rate. (c) small animals have lower 02 requirement. (d) the oticienc."

There is a sudden silence. That moment, Grace turns to Shalewa clearly expecting her to respond, on to see her staring at her with a courageous look on her face. She watches her for a while, when she noticed, she wasn't saying anything, and everyone was staring, she turns to the moderator.

"B" Grace says, keeping a straight face, although if she went closer, you could see her hands shaky.

"Correct." The gravity in which the moderator said this, followed by the very loud noise and cheers, obviously coming from R.C.A students, made her heartbeat. It was obvious she couldn't believe what just happened. She looked very calm, although unsure, but you wouldnt tell, by just looking at her face, she turns to Shalewa, only to meet a small encouraging smile.

The moment, the moderator said correct. Geraldine knew it was over.

"This is one hell of a competition." The moderator echoes while the cheers die down. "At this point, you dont need Barack Obama to tell you that the winner of this competition." He pauses and laughs. "Is Royal Crest Academy, scoring 275 points." The loud cheers cuts him off.

That moment, Geraldine uses both hands to cover her face. "Also congratulation to Hallel College, for coming second place with 265 points. We say congrats for travelling this far, we wish you the best, and hope to see you all next year." He smiles. "Where you get to take revenge against schools like RCA."

Most person's burst into laughter including the moderator, it was ought to be a joke. But in this situation Geraldine face, was dull.

6,144 Words🌹

Highest number i have typed in conflicted😂😂😂😂

So what are your thoughts on this chapter.

Was Geraldine to blame for there loss or nah?

What do you have to say about there particpation?

Munachi

Jayden

Geraldine

Rianat

Favour.

Also, congratulations to Royal Crest Academy students. You guys nailed it babies😁

THE BETRAYAL SER🌹ES