Chapter 40: The glow before chaos

  The third day of competition had arrived, and this time it was Luz's turn. The atmosphere was full of energy, but also of expectations.

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  The message of Talión

  In the dressing room, Luz looked in the mirror, adjusting her swimming cap. His expression, which normally radiated confidence, now showed nervousness.

  "Are you okay?" Talión asked, entering the dressing room.

  "I don't know..." Luz replied. Everyone expects me to do something incredible, but... what if I don't succeed?

  Talion put his hands on his shoulders.

  "Listen to me... no one in this competition has your energy, your style or your confidence. Not only are you fast... you're amazing because it's you. Do what you always do... and you've already won.

  Luz smiled, feeling a tingling in her chest.

  "Thank you, Talion...

  "And remember..." Talión added, with a mischievous smile. That ass is my lucky charm, so show them what you're made of.

  Luz let out a laugh, regaining her confidence.

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  Light, the show in the water

  The audience burst into screams when Luz climbed onto the exit platform.

  "Look at that!" The most charismatic swimmer with the most impressive physique of the tournament! -announced the commentator-. But be careful... this boy is more than a pretty face. His technique in the water is lethal.

  The commentator didn't stop praising him.

  —Without a doubt, this swimmer has attracted attention for his great ability... and his iconic physical attributes...

  The audience applauded and Luz, with her typical style, looked at the cameras, winked and gave a slight movement of her hips, leaving the audience euphoric.

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  Even Alexandre Duvier, from the tribune, commented in a dry tone:

  "I'm not going to lie... I'm jealous."

  Talión, from the stands, laughed proudly.

  "And who doesn't?"

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  The unexpected accident

  BEEP

  The race began. Luz jumped into the water, sliding smoothly. During the first 50 meters he went to the head, moving with agility and confidence.

  But then it happened.

  On the final lap, Luz made a bad turn and hit her arm hard against the wall.

  "What was that?!" the commentator shouted.

  Luz tried to continue, but her left arm was stiff and she could barely move it.

  "Come on, Luz!" Don't give up! - shouted Talión from the stands.

  With great effort, Luz tried to continue, but the pain was unbearable. He was forced to stop and get out of the water.

  Talion, Aurora and the rest of the team ran towards him.

  "What happened?" Aurora asked, worried.

  "My arm..." Luz said, with red eyes. I can't move it... I can't continue.

  The Blue Mountain team was shocked. It looked like they were about to lose the competition.

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  Aurora to the rescue

  "He's not lost!" shouted a voice.

  Everyone turned around and saw Aurora running towards the edge of the pool.

  "Aurora..." Bruno murmured. But you can't compete...

  "Yes, I can!" Aurora said, with a determined look.

  The judge approached, confused.

  "I'm sorry, but you're not registered...

  "Yes, I am." Aurora took a small paper out of her pants pocket. I signed up under the name of "Yessy".

  "Yessy?" Azrat repeated, incredulous. But why?

  "In case something went wrong... and I knew it could happen." Aurora looked at Luz. I promised you that I would always protect this team.

  The judge reviewed the document and nodded.

  "It's inside... but the competition starts in 3 minutes."

  "That's all I need."

  Aurora quickly took off her pants and T-shirt, revealing her swimsuit. His well-defined muscles surprised everyone.

  Talión approached.

  "Aurora... are you sure?"

  She looked at him for sure.

  "This coach was a swimmer before teaching them... now you'll see why."

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  Aurora, the water beast

  When the outgoing whistle sounded, Aurora threw herself into the water with an impressive speed.

  "Incredible!" Look at that start! - the commentator shouted.

  Aurora cut the water like a knife. His technique was so precise that he seemed to float on the surface.

  "Where did this woman come from?" It's a beast!

  Alexandre, who was watching from the stand, frowned.

  "Who the hell is that...?"

  Aurora accelerated in the last meters, surpassing the three swimmers who were in front of her.

  When he touched the wall...

  Aurora had won the race by more than a second of advantage!

  The audience exploded in applause.

  Luz, with tears in her eyes, limped to the shore and hugged Aurora.

  "You did it..." he murmured.

  "We did it..." Aurora replied, smiling.

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  The team celebrates... and the rival observes

  Back in the Olympic village, Aurora was received as a heroine. The Monta?a Azul team celebrated euphoric, but in the shadow of a corner, Alexandre Duvier watched in silence.

  "That team... they're not just swimmers..." he murmured.

  His eyes hardened.

  "They're going to be a real problem...

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  End of chapter 40