The Sinister's Web

Chpater 9

I let out a deep sigh bago pumasok sa auditorium. As I got inside, my eyes began to search for Ivan and Gray. I smiled as I saw them in front. Nasa podium sila at mukhang handa na sila sa Quiz bowl.

They were chosen as the representatives of the Arcanians for the quiz bowl. They are on the right side so umupo ako sa right side katabi si Clark at iba pang arcanians at sa left side naman ay Nexies, pambato nila si Oliver at Gazan na mukhang handa na rin at parehong seryoso at halos magsalubong ang kilay nila.

Celina will be assisting the students while Melize is suspended. Nasa principal's office siya ngayon, nililinis ang pangalan niya. I didn't noticed that Kate is not around. Akala ko no'ng una ay siya ang pambato nila dito.

The atmosphere in the auditorium crackled with anticipation as others students from both sides filled the seats, their cheers echoing through the hall.

As the quiz bowl began, it became evident that Gray and Ivan's reputation for intelligence and quick thinking was well-deserved.

"Category, General Knowledge," the quiz master said. "The palace at Versailles is an example of what architectural sty-"

Hindi pa natapos ang question ay tumunog na ang buzzer nina Oliver. "Yes, Nexies?"

Si Oliver ang sumagot, "Baroque."

"That is correct!"

Nagpalakpakan naman ang Nexies. May mga bida bida ring nagsisigaw pa na para bang nanalo sa lotto.

"Next, Which 1980s movie was remade in 2016 with an all female cast?" The quiz master asked.

Naunang pumindot ng buzzer si Gray kaya siya ang sumagot. "Ghostbusters."

"Ghostbusters is correct!"

Nagpalakpan kami nay may halong sigawan dahil do'n. Hindi ata aware ang Nexies na kaya namin tapatan ang kanilang hiyawan at palakpakan.

"A vine disease caused by a fungus that attacks the green part of the vine is called?"

Nauna ulit pumindot ng buzzer sina Gray kaya si Ivan naman ang sumagot. "Black rot."

Nagpalakpakan ulit kami dahil tama ang kaniyang naging sagot.

"EYYYYY!" Parang nang aasar at proud na sigaw ni Clark.

Gray and Ivan answered question after question with precision and finesse, leaving the opposing team in their wake. The cheers from the Arcanian supporters grew louder with each correct answer, amplifying the thrill of the competition.

Lamang na sina Gray kaya hindi na maipinta ang mukha nina Oliver at Gazan. Masyado kasing confident, eh ni hindi nga nila mata ang ilang questions kahit sila ang nauuna sa pagpindot ng buzzer eh.

"Category, Philippine History" the quiz master said. "What is the oldest city in the Philippines?"

Nauna sina Oliver sa pagpindot ng buzzer. "Cebu City."

Their answer became the reason for the Nexies to cheer even more. I know, if Kate is here, she will roll her eyes and give us "Ano kayo ngayon?" Look.

"That is correct!"

"Go Arcanians!" Sigaw ni Clark kaya sinabayan ko na siya para mas ma encourage pa sina Ivan na galingan. Mabilis sana pumindot ang Nexies kaso hindi nila nasasagot ang ibang questions kaya kina Gray napupunta ang points.

"Next, name the person who is known as the first editor of La Solidaridad."

This time, naunang pumindot sina Gray kaya sila ang sumagot. "Graciano Lopez Jaena."