Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 96

Chapter 96 – Historical Roleplay: The Silver Mermaid Legend
Wayne Academy Silver Island Field Trip – Day 4

After the Performances 

At the edge of the stage, Teacher Velasquez stood like a general about to declare war.

She clicked her pen once and raised her clipboard as if it carried the fate of nations.

"After evaluating acting, storytelling, vocals, creativity, and emotional impact..." she announced,

"...the results are in."

Silence fell over the theater.

Even the loudest sections held their breath.

Near the curtain, Zatariel leaned casually against the wall—but his attention wasn't on the stage.

It was on Miexha.

She caught his glance.

And for a brief second—everything else faded.

Across the room, Jayson was trapped in a different kind of battle.

"Jayson, do the elder voice!"
"Say 'prophecy!' please!"
"Sir, one line—just one!"

Jayson stared at them, exhausted.

"I. Am. Not. A. Meme."

"In third place... with 90 points—Section 2!"

Polite applause. A few groans.

"In second place... with 93 points—Section 6!"

That one hit harder.

Gasps. Cheers. Even a few stomps from impressed students.

"And our GRAND WINNER... with 95 points..."

A pause.

"SECTION 3!"

The theater exploded.

Screams. Cheers. Confetti cannons went off somewhere in the chaos—no one knew who brought them, and no one was asking.

Section 3 rushed the stage as they'd just won a global award.

"LIVE from Silvery Park Theater!"
"Your Mermaid Queens are officially undefeated!"
"Catch us later at the VIP villa—room tour, sunset vlog, maybe a mermaid mukbang!"

Phones went up. Selfie sticks waved like flags.

Backstage, Asha collapsed dramatically into a shell-shaped beanbag.

"Of course it's the influencers," she groaned into the cushion. "Of course it is."

Zatariel patted her head.

"We still got Best Soundtrack," he said. "Three teachers and... I think a janitor approved."

"That janitor has taste," Asha muttered.

A hush spread, slow and uncertain.

Heads turned.

From the back of the theater...

Section 8 was walking forward.

At the front— Clarise.

Her hair was neatly styled. Her posture was controlled. Her expression... softer than usual.

In her hands, she held a small bouquet of pale lilies.

Behind her, the rest of Section 8 followed—quiet, awkward, some unable to meet anyone's eyes.

A banner unfolded between them:

"We're Sorry, Miexha 💔 Please Forgive Us."

Asha shot up instantly.