EX-istential Crisis

Chapter 15: The Fest Begins

The Cyberton Fest was in full swing, and Nelly's class was in the midst of final preparations. The festival was one of the biggest events of the year, with each section of the school competing to earn Cybercard Points. Every team had to have one student participate in each game, and the prize would go toward their overall rank.

Nelly and his classmates had gathered for a meeting to decide who would take part in the different games. It was more a casual conversation than an actual meeting, filled with banter and plenty of jokes.

"Alright, so we need people for each event," said the class rep, standing at the front with a list. "Who's good at rhythm games?"

"I'll take that," Shin said, raising his hand confidently. "I've been stomping on those arcade games for years. Arcade Stomp is my thing."

Dan smirked from his seat. "I'll handle Shoot the Target then. You all know I've got the best aim."

The class rep nodded. "Great. How about Hole in the Wall?"

Ryan's hand shot up. "I'll do it," he said with a grin. "I don't know why, but I've got this weird feeling I was born for this meme-level game."

Everyone chuckled at that, knowing full well that Ryan would turn the game into a spectacle. They hadn't even started, and it was already bound to be a highlight.

Finally, the class rep looked at Nelly. "We need someone for the Scavenger Hunt. You're fast, Nelly, so this seems like your game. Think you can handle it?"

Nelly shrugged, his usual laid-back grin on his face. "Yeah, I got this. Running around looking for stuff? No problem."

With everyone assigned their games, the atmosphere lightened, and they started discussing strategies. Shin leaned back in his chair, looking smug. "I've got this rhythm game in the bag. I'll be breaking high scores while you guys are still figuring out how to hold a controller."

Dan shook his head. "Keep talking, Shin. Just wait until you see me at the Shoot the Target game. Perfect aim, no misses."

Ryan laughed, nudging Dan. "Yeah, yeah, we get it. Mr. Sharpshooter over here. Meanwhile, I'll be making some of the weirdest poses to get through those walls. Watch me turn it into performance art."

The whole group burst into laughter. Nelly chuckled, feeling the familiar warmth of camaraderie. "You guys are all talk. I'm the only one with a real challenge. Scavenger Hunts can get crazy. You never know what object they'll make you find."

"Well, you better hope it's not something embarrassing," Ryan teased. "Like finding a pair of your own shoes or something."

Shin chimed in, smirking. "Bet they make you hunt down Mira. That'd be hilarious."

Nelly rolled his eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Oh, please. That's not gonna happen."

Lunchtime in the Cafeteria

Later that day, the group found themselves at their usual spot in the cafeteria, shoveling down food as they discussed the upcoming events. The buzz of excitement was in the air as students from all sections talked about their game assignments.

While they were mid-bite, Nelly spotted Mira and her friends entering the cafeteria, scanning for a place to sit. Without missing a beat, Shin waved them over with a loud, "Heyyy! Mira! Over here!"

Mira, along with Mash, Ran, and Annika, made their way over to Nelly's table. The group welcomed them warmly, making space and shifting trays to accommodate the newcomers.