Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism
Chapter 255 Crab Feast

The leader had to tally the numbers and arrange enough boats to accommodate everyone. They had to hand in the list before ten at night.

After supper, Violeta took the roster and went from door to door, canvassing each household about their interest in tomorrow's boating venture and needing a headcount by ten o'clock for the boat arrangements.

Few were keen, while most were apathetic.

Reasons varied; some cited exhaustion from the day's walking, craving rest, while others professed fear of the water....

The student council's mandate was clear and set by the school.

If their group couldn't muster enough for a boat, it spoke volumes about the leader's rapport. That meant no one was willing to pitch in.

"Our legs are knackered from all the walking today. We haven't an ounce of strength left for rowing."

"Yeah, there's no gain for us in boating. What if the boat capsizes? Accidents could happen."

"I'm still not going. Water terrifies me."

"I'm not going either. I just want to get some shut-eye."

More excuses were thrown about when asked if they wanted to go.

After inquiries, only four, including Violeta and Kaylee, agreed to participate.

Clearly, this was an anomaly. It seemed certain parties were undermining Violeta, the leader.

Those opting out of the group boating demanded Violeta refund their share of the class fees so they could buy their own food.

Perhaps they expected Violeta to plead with them to join, but instead, she promptly handed over their funds and left.

Returning to her quarters, she prepared for bed.

Kaylee, learning of this, fretted, "Violeta, what should we do now? They won't go."

Violeta rolled over. "Forget about it and get some sleep. If they don't want to go, then so be it.."

In the end, she wouldn't suffer for it.

They likely felt the outing wasn't worth their effort.

But Violeta had scoped out the endpoint of the boating trip.

That place...

It promised significant rewards!

The next morning came.

As anticipated, only Violeta, Kaylee, and another couple turned up for the boating venture.

This pair usually kept a low profile in class, likely joining to avoid any rifts with Violeta.

Typically, a boat could accommodate ten individuals.

Unlike other classes, which nearly filled two boats each, their group had only four participants, with just one lad taking the lead. It looked rather forlorn.

Eager to step up, Violeta positioned herself at the bow, taking charge as the navigator.

Nolan noticed their meagre numbers and dispatched two lads from the student council as reinforcements to bolster their crew.

Though still undermanned, it lessened their plight somewhat.

Before they commenced rowing, Nolan declared that their destination lay at Lake Skyward ahead, where locals awaited their arrival. The first to reach would be treated to a sumptuous crab banquet!

At the mention of a crab feast, everyone's excitement soared. Lake Skyward crabs were renowned far and wide!

Violeta smirked knowingly. She had suspected this treat since last night, when she scouted the nearby lakes and learned of Lake Skyward's fame for Hoiten crabs. Clearly, the school had orchestrated this boating activity to reward the students with a feast.

Kaylee beamed with delight. "Bet the guys who skipped out are going to beat themselves up when they replace out!"

Just before they commenced, Nolan, clad in a life jacket, joined Violeta's boat to assist with rowing.

They set off on their journey.

On Violeta's boat, comprising herself, Kaylee, and the two student council helpers, they totalled seven.

Though not at full capacity, their smaller group facilitated swifter manoeuvres. Consequently, despite their fewer numbers, their rowing speed proved surprisingly swift.

Violeta and Nolan positioned themselves at the bow, each managing a side of the vessel, asserting their leadership.

In the centre sat Kaylee and their classmate, accompanied by her boyfriend just behind her, while at the stern, the two stalwart student council aides prepared to support. With the first dip of the oars, they swiftly propelled forward.

Despite outnumbering Violeta's team, the other groups lacked coordination, their motions disjointed and sluggish.

Following the cues on the lake's surface, Violeta and Nolan's synchronised efforts effortlessly distanced themselves from the rest.

Meanwhile, those who opted out of the rowing expedition gathered back at the inn.

They had declined Violeta's invite owing to promises made the night before by Zelena and Hattie, who had pledged to treat them to a meal at a local restaurant the following day. This assurance had convinced them to stay behind.

Expecting to rise around noon and venture into the ancient town in search of food, they were taken aback.

Many of the bustling eateries from the previous day had shuttered their doors, and numerous shops were mysteriously absent.

After a prolonged search, they found no restaurant capable of accommodating their large group.

The inn had not prepared lunch,

anticipating that the school's

arranged crab feast would suffice.

Thus, not only were they deprived of

lunch, but dinner remained elusive as well.