Monday morning arrived faster than Benny expected.
The events of Saturday still lingered in his mind.
Every time he closed his eyes, he could still hear the deafening gunshots, the terrified screams, and the image of Nathan calmly walking into the battlefield with a pistol in his hand.
Fortunately, Xavier was doing much better.
After two peaceful days at home, the little boy had regained his cheerful smile.
"Brother Benny!"
"I packed your lunch!"
Benny looked toward the dining table.
Inside a small lunch box were two sandwiches that Xavier had proudly helped prepare.
One slice of bread was slightly crooked, and the vegetables weren't perfectly arranged.
Still...
Benny smiled warmly.
"It looks delicious."
Xavier puffed out his little chest proudly.
"I made half of it!"
"I can tell."
"Hey!"
The two laughed together.
After finishing breakfast, Benny grabbed his backpack.
"I'm leaving."
Xavier hurried to the door.
"I'll be good!"
"And I'll wait for you!"
Benny gently rubbed his head.
"I know you will."
"I'll be home after work."
The apartment door closed softly behind him.
Half an hour later...
Crescent University was overflowing with excitement.
Students crowded every walkway.
Posters had been placed across the campus.
Some students stopped just to read them before pulling out their phones to take pictures.
Others excitedly discussed the upcoming event.
"The National Cyber Security Championship starts this week!"
"I heard over a hundred universities registered."
"This year's champion gets recruited by major companies."
"I even heard government agencies will be watching."
"The prize money is huge."
Benny looked around in surprise.
The atmosphere felt completely different from the previous weeks.
It wasn't just another university activity.
Everyone treated the competition as one of the biggest events of the academic year.
Just then—
"Benny!"
He turned around.
Daisy jogged toward him carrying two cups of coffee.
"Morning!"
"Morning."
She handed one cup to him.
"You look better."
"I was worried after you disappeared early on Saturday."
Benny accepted the coffee with a smile.
"Something unexpected happened."
Daisy tilted her head.
"I saw the news."
"The shooting."
"Were you anywhere near there?"
For a split second...
Benny hesitated.
Then he smiled faintly.
"...A little."
Daisy's eyes widened.
"What?!"
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine."
She sighed in relief before lightly hitting his shoulder.
"Don't scare me like that."
Before Benny could reply—
A loud announcement echoed across the university.
"Attention, students."
"All members participating in the National Cyber Security Championship are requested to report to the Advanced Technology Auditorium at ten o'clock."
"Repeat..."
"All participants should report to the Advanced Technology Auditorium."
Students immediately became excited.
"It's starting!"
"Come on!"
"Let's go!"
Daisy smiled.
"I guess this is it."
Benny nodded.
"Looks like it."
Ten o'clock.
The Advanced Technology Auditorium was packed.
More than three hundred students filled the seats.
Faculty members stood near the stage.
Several television cameras had even arrived to record the opening ceremony.
Benny quickly found Ethan, Mia, and Ryan seated together.
Ethan waved.
"Over here."
Benny sat beside them.
Ryan adjusted his glasses and quietly observed the crowded auditorium.
"So..."
"It finally begins."
Mia stretched her arms.
"I've been waiting all week."
Benny smiled.
"So have I."
A few moments later...
Professor Lewis walked onto the stage.
The room immediately became silent.
He looked around before speaking into the microphone.
"Good morning."
"As all of you know..."
"This week marks the beginning of the National Cyber Security Championship."
"The competition will determine which university represents our region in the national finals."
A large screen behind him lit up.
The tournament bracket appeared.
More than sixty university teams were listed.
The auditorium erupted in whispers.
Professor Lewis continued.
"The competition will last throughout this week."
"Every match will eliminate another team."
"Only one university will advance as regional champion."
He paused.
His sharp eyes swept across the audience.
"This year's competition..."
"...is expected to be the most difficult in the event's history."
Several students swallowed nervously.
Professor Thompson stepped onto the stage beside him.
"For the first time..."
"Representatives from leading technology companies, cybersecurity firms, and national security organizations will observe the tournament."
"If your performance is exceptional..."
"You may receive internship offers..."
"...or even employment opportunities before graduation."
The entire auditorium exploded into excited chatter.
Even Ryan, who rarely showed emotion, slightly raised an eyebrow.
Mia whispered,
"So the rumors were true."
Ethan smiled.
"This is our chance."
Benny looked at the tournament bracket displayed on the giant screen.
His heart began beating faster.
This wasn't just about winning anymore.
It was a chance to build a future.
A chance to prove that all his struggles had been worth something.
Professor Lewis raised his voice once more.
"The first round begins tomorrow morning."
"I hope every one of you is prepared."
"Because once the competition starts..."
"There are no second chances."
Silence filled the auditorium.
Every participant stared at the screen.
Tomorrow...
The battle for the National Cyber Security Championship would finally begin.
And for Team Ethan...
Everything they had worked toward was about to be put to the test.