Solaris Umiversity

### **SCENE 36: BASKETBALL COURT LOCKER ROOM – AFTERNOON

_The muffled sound of a basketball bouncing on the floor echoes through the locker room hallway. Jordan, with his always confident and relaxed posture, is standing in front of his locker, but instead of preparing for the game, he has his hands extended in front of him, performing repetitive and curious movements. He moves and moves objects, adjusts his shirt several times, and then seems to put something in his pockets, takes it out and repeats. His normally carefree expression is now tense, a rare display of nervousness that is not typical of Jordan.**

Ema, who is walking down the hallway, catches the scene. She frowns, hesitating for a moment, but curiosity takes over. She approaches silently, watching him carefully. When she's close enough, her voice cuts through the silence.

Ema (shy, but direct):

— "Jordan... what are you doing?"

Jordan freezes for a second, his shoulders tensing. He slowly turns his body to face her, trying to regain his usual carefree facade. A quick, forced smile passes his lips.

Jordan (trying to be casual):

— "Ah, nothing much... just getting ready for the game, you know? Athlete stuff."

Ema crosses her arms, arching an eyebrow with a clearly skeptical expression. She moves a little closer, now just a few steps away from him.

Ema (sarcastic but kind):

— "Oh yeah? Athlete preparation involves going through your locker as if there was a secret code in there?"

Jordan laughs nervously, looking away. He goes back to playing with the shirt, obsessively folding and unfolding the collar. The silence between the two begins to weigh down, but Ema doesn't give in. She knows something is wrong and decides to insist.

Ema (more serious, but with a soft tone):

— "Jordan... you look weird. I know we're not exactly the best of friends in life, but we've known each other for a while, big guy...What's going on? Why are you like that?"

Jordan lets out a deep sigh, his shoulders relaxing a little. He realizes he won't be able to escape this. Ema may be shy, but she is persistent when she wants to be. He rubs the back of his neck and finally turns fully towards her, eyes avoiding hers.

Jordan (in a low but tense voice):

— "It's a stupid thing, actually. Something I do... I can't help it."

Ema watches him, her curiosity growing even more. Her persistence doesn't lessen, but the tone of her voice softens.

Emma:

— "Hey... it doesn't sound stupid. Tell me. I won't judge."

Jordan hesitates, bites his lower lip, and runs his hands through his hair, as if trying to muster up his courage. He finally looks at her, his brown eyes filled with a vulnerability that Ema has never seen before.

Jordan (calm but somber):

— "Have you ever heard about how people deal with trauma in strange ways? Well... that's my way. It's not something I like to tell everyone, but I think you deserve to know. You know... When I was younger, like ten years old, I was... different."

Ema stays silent, listening carefully, feeling like she's finally touching a part of Jordan that he keeps hidden. He continues, his voice becoming more serious and slow.

Jordan (with a slight sadness):

— "I was always the strong guy, the most handsome....The heartthrob on duty, the guy that people saw as the protector and inspiration. But at home... things were complicated. My father... he was tough with me. Not the kind that yelled or hit, but... the kind that made you feel like you were never good enough, you know? Every time I did something wrong, he would just look at me like that... a look that made me feel like I was failing. So, I started to develop these little... quirks."

Ema listens carefully, her expression softening even more. She moves a little closer, arms uncrossed now.

Emma:

— "Quirks?"

Jordan (shaking his head):

— "Yeah... I started going through my things, arranging and clumsy, putting everything in its place. It was my way of having control over something... when everything around me seemed out of control. I still do that, before of anything important. Like, today, before the game. It helps me to focus, not to lose my mind."

Silence takes over for a moment. Ema processes what she just heard. The always carefree and fun Jordan, the one who was always the center of attention, carried a weight that no one ever noticed. She feels connected to him in a way she didn't expect.

Emma (calmly):

— "And that's why you're like this? Always so... cheerful? To make up for what you've been through?"

Jordan smiles sideways, a half-sad, half-sincere smile.

Jordan (with a hint of irony):

— "Yeah. I think it's my way of surviving. If I keep holding on to what happened, I'll end up stuck there. So... I force myself to be the guy who brings levity, the fun guy, the guy who The world likes it. But sometimes... sometimes I just... get a little stuck in these old habits. It's not easy for me...to get over this."

Ema comes even closer, now next to Jordan, placing her hand gently on his shoulder. She smiles, a small but genuine smile.

Emma:

— "You don't always have to be the fun guy, Jordan. Like... I understand you. And if it helps you, then it's okay."

Jordan looks at her, surprised by her unexpected sincerity and support. He smiles back, this time a lighter smile.

Jordan (jokingly, but with sincerity behind it):

— "Look, who knew that the plant girl would be so good with words?"

Ema laughs, giving his arm a light push.

Ema (with trickery):

— "And who knew that the strong guy, heartthrob on duty had a sensitive side?"

They both laugh, the tension finally dissipating. Jordan takes a deep breath and finally closes the locker, turning to Ema with a more relaxed look.

Jordan (jokingly):

— "Thanks for that. Now, if I miss a basket, I'll say it was because of the serious conversation, huh."

Emma (laughing):

— "No excuses, big guy. I'll be watching."

Jordan smiles and walks toward the court, feeling a little lighter after finally opening up that part of himself to someone. As he walks away, Ema watches him, thinking about how many layers there are behind every person — even the guy who always seems to have control of everything.

### **SCENE 37: UNIVERSITY GARDEN – AFTERNOON

The sky was all cloudy, while the gentle breeze makes the leaves on the trees sway lazily. Alexys, hands in her pockets, walks carefree through the garden. The usual expression of mischief on her face, her hair being softly messed up by the wind that she manipulates effortlessly. She stops next to an ancient statue, scanning the horizon when she notices a figure approaching.

It's Sinclair, his presence is imposing, his gaze is sharp and full of calculated malice. He walks towards Alexys leisurely, hands crossed behind his back, footsteps echoing on the stone path.

Sinclair (in a soft voice, but full of ulterior motives):

— "Miss Alexys, it seems like you like quiet places... What brings you here, so far from the usual hustle and bustle?"

Alexys doesn't turn around immediately. She just smiles, her eyes half closed in a playful look. She lets out a light, provocative laugh, but filled with a known malice.

Alexys (carefree, with malice):

— "Ah, you know how it is, director. A girl doesn't just live at parties, sometimes I need a moment to... reflect, you understand, right?"

Sinclair comes closer, standing next to her, his eyes taking in every detail, especially her eyes, which seem to cause him some kind of familiar discomfort.

Sinclair (in a curious tone):

— "Reflect? From a girl like you, I expected another word... maybe 'provoke', or 'cause'. But reflect? That's interesting."

Alexys finally turns to face him, smiling sideways. She doesn't back down from Sinclair's intimidating presence. On the contrary, he seems to have fun with the situation.

Alexys (smiling, with a touch of defiance):

— "Ah, director, you'd be surprised at what I can do besides 'tease'. But, who knows, one day I'll show you."

The sarcasm and trickery in Alexys's voice are unmistakable, but Sinclair just lets out a light, almost appreciative laugh, without letting the provocation get to her. He watches her for a moment longer, his piercing, calculating eyes fixed on hers.

Sinclair (with a raised eyebrow):

— "You know, your eyes remind me of someone. An... old acquaintance I worked with. Intriguing how time has its own ways of bringing buried memories to the surface."

Alexys narrows her eyes, becoming a little more serious. But not enough to put aside his usual provocation. She knew he was trying to get something out of her, and she liked playing that game.

Alexys (smiling, ironically):

— "Oh, yeah? And who could this poor unfortunate person be? Because, honestly, I don't know if I should take that as a compliment or a warning."

Sinclair smirks, enjoying the verbal duel. He walks around her slowly, his eyes never leaving her. He's playing with what he knows, and Alexys, even though she's provocative, seems hesitant about how much to reveal.

Sinclair (in a soft, sarcastic tone):

— "Your father, perhaps? He had... a similar look. Always mysterious. Always full of secrets. He was a man who stood out. Ah, we had our differences, of course, but he was... memorable."

Alexys feels her blood run cold for a moment at the mention of her father. She keeps her smile, but her mind is racing. She didn't want to reveal anything, but curiosity gnawed at her.

Alexys (jokingly, trying to hide the tension):

— "It's hard to imagine someone who could work with a guy like you without having 'differences'. But... continue. Tell us more about this acquaintance of yours. What kind of guy was he?"

Sinclair stops walking, now facing her, leaning slightly forward, as if he is confiding an important secret. His eyes shine with that same sarcastic mischief, but there's something deeper behind it, a genuine interest.

Sinclair (bass, with a touch of nostalgia):

— "He was... bold. A man who knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it. Defiant, even when the odds were against him. A man of many talents. And... dangerous. Something that, I imagine , you inherited."

Alexys arches an eyebrow, maintaining her carefree girl pose, but what he said about her father bothers her. Still, she doesn't let it show.

Alexys (jokingly, but with a hint of real curiosity):

— "Me? Dangerous? Ah, director, you're making me blush. But seriously, what kind of 'talents' do you think I inherited?"

Sinclair smiles, noticing the hesitation, even if it's disguised as a joke. He takes a step back, now adopting a slightly more serious tone, but still with his characteristic sarcastic touch.

Sinclair (lowering his voice):

— "You know exactly what I'm talking about, Alexys. That boldness. The ability to control the chaos around you, as if the wind wasn't just your power, but an extension of your own will. Just like your father. He too I liked to play with forces that many would avoid. seems to have inherited the same taste for risk."

Alexys crosses her arms, now completely interested, but without letting her guard down.

Alexys (smiling, defiant):

— "Maybe I inherited it. Or maybe it's just who I am. But one thing is for sure... I'm not him. And I don't have to follow anyone's path, do you understand director?"

Sinclair laughs, pleased with the answer. He likes this game, how Alexys refuses to be easily categorized. But he feels like he planted the seed of doubt in her, and that's enough for now.

Sinclair (softly, yet maliciously):

— "Of course not, Alexys. You're unique... just like him. But just keep in mind, sometimes the past has a funny way of catching up with us, even when we don't want it to."

Alexys shrugs, feigning disinterest, but her eyes shine with curiosity and challenge.

Alexys (with a mischievous wink):

— "Well, if the past catches up with me, I'll make sure it has a tough run with the wind at my side."

Sinclair smiles, pleased. He tilts his head, as if approving her response, before slowly walking away, leaving Alexys alone in the garden, now deep in thought.

### **SCENE 38: SOLARIS UNIVERSITY GYMNASIUM – SECOND DAY OF ACTIVITIES

The university gym is completely packed. Students from all sides piled into the stands, looking forward to the second round of ranking activities. The energy in the air is palpable, with mixed voices, laughter and whispers. In the center of the court, the four friends — Alexys, Ethan, Ema, and Jordan — observe the scene, commenting among themselves. Professor Michael is standing next to Director Sinclair, who is smiling mischievously, always with that sarcastic touch on his lips.

And at the center of it all, there is Andrew Star, the blond boy with a striking presence, with an air of mystery that few can decipher. Or rather, the metamorphosis of Annie, his daughter, who now embodies the powerful young blonde.

Professor Michael approaches the center of the court, clapping loudly to silence the murmurs and get everyone's attention. He has a serious air, leaving no room for distractions.

Professor Michael (authority):

— "Very well, students. We have reached the second day of activities, and today we will increase the intensity. The ranking is a way to test your skills to the limit, and I hope to see all of you giving your best. But before that, let's have a special demonstration."

Everyone's eyes turn to Andrew Star, who is standing in the center of the court, calm but with an overwhelming presence. He doesn't need to say anything to command everyone's attention. The murmurs increase when they see him, the aura of mystery around him only increases their curiosity.

Sinclair (with a mischievous smile):

— "Ah, yes. Andrew Star, our prodigy. Someone you should watch very carefully, because he demonstrates the true essence of what we want here at Solaris University. Power, control... and a certain taste for... spectacle ."

Andrew Star (Annie) takes a few steps forward, the ground beneath his feet trembles slightly, not from a lack of control, but as if the power itself is eager to manifest. He stops in the center, slowly raising a hand. Suddenly, a burst of thermonuclear blue light erupts around him, creating a glowing energy shield.

The crowd falls silent for a moment, fascinated by the power emanating from him. Soon, two other students approach. One of them, Lucas, has the power to manipulate electricity, while the other, Maya, controls water in its liquid and gaseous state.

Professor Michael (addressing students):

— "Today's activity is simple, but it will require a lot of control and strategy. Each of you must use your skills to destabilize Andrew's shield and neutralize him. Work together or alone, the choice is yours. But remember , brute force isn't everything."

The two students, Lucas and Maya, prepare themselves, exchanging determined looks. Andrew Star just smiles, confident and impassive, as the energy around his body oscillates between defensive blue and purple, indicating his readiness to attack.

Lucas (screaming, while releasing a wave of electricity into the air):

— "Let's do it!"

Lucas's electricity rips through the air, shooting directly at Andrew's blue shield. The clash of energies makes the entire gym shake, and sparks of blue and yellow light spread across the floor. But Andrew's shield remains firm, only wavering slightly.

Maya, in turn, raises a mass of water that surrounds her hands. With a quick movement, she turns the liquid into vapor, directing it like a dense fog around the shield, trying to penetrate through the tiny cracks created by Lucas' electricity.

Maya (with a determined smile):

— "I'm going to finish you off at the edges, Andrew."

Andrew Star just lets out a calm laugh. Then, his hand glows with an intense purple light, and he fires an energetic beam at Maya's vapor, which instantly evaporates, leaving only the purple light to fill the air.

Lucas tries another attack, this time increasing the electrical charge, but Andrew teleports to the side, easily avoiding it. He then leaps into the air with superhuman strength, creating an impact wave upon landing, forcing the two to retreat.

Andrew Star (with a calm smile):

— "You guys are good... But not good enough."

The final attack comes when Andrew concentrates a ball of purple energy in his hands and throws it at the ground. The explosion throws them both backwards, their bodies being thrown as they try to protect themselves. The gym lights up with brilliant light, and the crowd holds its breath.

When the light dissipates, Lucas and Maya are on the ground, panting and defeated. Andrew Star stands, his blue shield still untouched.

THE CROWD IS SILENT

There is a silence of complete admiration and surprise. No one expected to see so much power in action. Alexys and her friends exchange glances, all surprised and perhaps a little suspicious. Jordan shakes his head, impressed.

Jordan (whispering to others):

— "Holy shit....This guy... is on another level."

Ethan (his eyes shining with curiosity):

— "This energy... It's different. It's not just strength, it's something deeper."

Ema quietly stares at Andrew, but seems more intrigued than impressed.

Sinclair takes the lead, smiling at the crowd, the mischievous glint in his eyes evident. He knows he made an impact, and he loves it.

Sinclair (ironic, almost condescending tone):

— "And so, my dear students, we see what true potential can do. Talent is good, but control... control is what defines greatness."

The crowd begins to murmur again, questions and theories about who Andrew Star is begin to circulate among the students.

Sinclair (continuing, now addressing Andrew directly):

— "Mr. Star, once again, you have shown that you are above the rest. Let's see if the others can at least keep up with your pace in the next activities. Or will you continue to reign supreme?"

Andrew Star just smiles in response, maintaining the mystery. His figure transforms into an almost mythological presence for the students, especially after this demonstration.

Alexys whispers to Ethan, as she watches Andrew walk off the court.

Alexys (with a mischievous smile):

— "This guy is hiding something... And I don't know about you, but I love a good mystery."

Andrew Star (Annie) has just left the center of the gym, leaving the crowd perplexed and astonished by his display of power. The murmurs continue, and in the middle of the stands, the group of friends begins to comment on what they just witnessed.

Alexys, as always, is the first to break the silence with her carefree and depraved style.

Alexys (looking at her friends, with a sarcastic smile):

— "I don't know about you, but this guy Andrew Star... He has the kind of 'energy' that would make anyone tremble, he's a really diabolical machine. And I'm not just talking about his power, if that understand me."

Jordan laughs, crossing his arms as he stares at where Andrew was.

Jordan (with a playful wink):

— "Look, if I could take flight and release purple explosions, I would do a show like that too. But... this guy is a wall. If he were prettier than me, I'd be jealous." He shrugs and smiles.

Ema watches everything in silence, her eyes focused on the floor. Still shy, but there's something else about the way she's processing everything.

Ema (in a low but firm tone):

— "It's not just that... He... he's more than just raw power. There's something about the way he controls everything. As if... As if he's more than any of us can achieve."

Ethan, always analytical, frowns, thinking about Ema's words. He makes an effort to read the intentions in the auras, but finds an enigma in what he sees.

Ethan (stroking his chin, with a tone of curiosity):

— "What bothers me is that his aura... seems distorted. Like there's something hidden. It's not just strength... it's like there's a second layer behind it all. And part of it doesn't belong to him ."

Alexys, always inclined to the more provocative side of things, doesn't miss the chance to add another dose of mischief to the conversation. She crosses her legs, leaning forward and giving Ethan an amused look.

Alexys (laughing in a suggestive tone):

— "Two layers, huh? I bet it would be fun to find out what's underneath all that... But seriously, what do you think this guy is hiding? Maybe some dirty secret, like... something in the family?" "

Jordan shakes his head, laughing at Alexys' exaggerated style, but even he can't help but feel a tinge of doubt. He looks at Ethan, noticing how much his friend is focused on Andrew's aura.

Jordan (with a more serious but still light tone):

— "I don't know. But what I do know is that the guy beat me up with just one look. And if that's his way of playing, I'm glad I'm not on the wrong side of this game." He laughs at himself. "I just hope that if we have to fight him someday... that he doesn't take things personally."

Alexys throws her hair back, with a mischievous smile.

Alexys (provocative):

— "Ah, Jordan, I'm sure you'd make him sweat... in a good way, of course." She winks at him.

Ema, always the shyest one, blushes a little when she hears the comment, but soon recovers her posture.

Ema (trying to speak more confidently):

— "I... I think there's something we're all ignoring. If he's so powerful... why does he appear so little? What is he waiting for?"

Ethan nods, silently agreeing with Ema. He knew there was something there, something hidden that no one was noticing, but he also didn't know how to put the pieces together yet.

Ethan (with a calculated tone):

— "That's the question, isn't it? He's not here to gain the ranking... but he's also not here just to show power. It's as if... he's watching. Testing us. I just don't know why ."

Alexys raises her eyebrows, now interested in a bolder direction of the conversation.

Alexys (with a mischievous smile):

— "Maybe he's keeping an eye on me... after all, who wouldn't be?" She laughs.

Jordan lets out a laugh, and even Ethan smiles slightly.

Jordan (jokingly):

— "Yes, of course, because everyone here is thinking about 'other' skills of yours, right, Alexys?" He laughs more.

Ema laughs softly, but soon goes back to thinking seriously.

Emma (thoughtfully):

— "Maybe there's something more about him. Something about the past. I think... we need to know more about who he really is. Or rather, who he once was."

The gym is buzzing with student reactions, all still shaken by Andrew Star's performance. Director Sinclair watches from above, his eyes attentive to every detail. He smiles mischievously when he sees the effect the demonstration had on the students. He knew what he was doing.

Sinclair turns to Professor Michael.

Sinclair (smiling, whispering):

— "They're on the right track, professor. But they've barely scratched the surface. Let's see how long it takes them to realize the truth."

Michael nods, but his eyes don't show any emotion.

Professor Michael:

- "Yes sir."

Meanwhile, Alexys, Ethan, Ema, and Jordan continue to argue, now more intrigued than ever about the enigma that is Andrew Star.

Alexys (in a challenging tone):

— "If he really is that mysterious, then I guess our mission now is simple, guys... Let's find out who the hell this guy really is."

Ryan, Janie, and Emily are sitting on one of the gym's bleachers, surrounded by other students who are still discussing Andrew Star's demonstration. Ryan is relaxed, with his feet up and a disinterested look in his eyes, while Janie and Emily are deeply engaged in conversation.

Janie (with a disdainful look and a short laugh):

— "I don't know about you, but Andrew's performance was as impressive as the little shows I see in the videos. And here we are, applauding like it was the greatest show in the world." She gives Ryan a wink. "Even you, Ryan, had to give in a little to the spectacle, didn't you?"

Ryan gives a subtle smile and raises an eyebrow.

Ryan (sneering with a malicious tone):

— "Oh, Janie, don't worry. Just because the guy is an amalgam of doom and misfortune doesn't mean he's the University's new messiah. It's all a stage trick, something anyone with a little power and makeup could do."

Emily, with an intense look and absorbed by the details, cannot hold back her theories and puts her ideas on the table.

Emily (opening her laptop, typing furiously):

— "What I'm thinking is that Andrew must be hiding something. I looked into him, and found almost nothing. If he's so powerful, there should be more records, right? And how does he appear so sporadically? That's not just a coincidence."

Janie leans forward, interested in Emily's idea. She crosses her arms and looks at Emily with a mix of admiration and skepticism.

Janie (with a disdainful but curious tone):

— "So you're saying he's a walking mystery. That he just shows up to make our jaws drop and then disappears. And you, Ryan, what do you think of that? Any punk theories about what's behind that facade?"

Ryan (with a puzzled look and an expression of calculated indifference):

— "Well, if he's really hiding something, it's more likely that he's a major player in the university's dirty game. Maybe he's one of the pawns on a bigger board. Or maybe he's simply waiting for the right moment to show his true colors. face. Who knows, maybe he's just here to watch us destroy each other." He chuckles softly, but that warrants our investigation.

Emily stands up and starts pacing, her enthusiasm for the theory growing.

Emily (with fervor and excitement):

— "It seems like he's here to stay in shape and keep us in check. It could be a more complex plan, something that involves more than just displays of power. There's something between the lines. And how often he shows up... .it's not just a coincidence."

Janie (laughing with a hint of derision):

— "I admit, Emily, you're starting to sound like a real mystery detective. But what if the real question isn't what he's hiding, but rather why he's here? What does this guy really want?" "

Ryan (with a distant, thoughtful look):

— "It could be that he's an agent for something bigger, a rehearsal for something to come. Sometimes big plans are like cogs in a machine... and he could be the key to understanding what's behind of this university."

Emily stops walking and looks at Ryan and Janie, her enthusiasm waning but her determination remaining.

Emily (with a satisfied smile):

— "So we have a deal. He's a mystery and an enigma, and we have to find out what he's really doing here. With what we learn and observe, we can be closer to discovering the truth."

Janie and Ryan look at each other, a smile forming on their faces. They realize that everyone shares the same curiosity and determination.

Janie (with a satisfied smile):

— "Looks like we have a case on our hands, then. Let's see how far we can get. The fun has just begun."

Ryan nods, agreeing, with a puzzled look.

Ryan (with a carefree tone):

— "Yes, let's go. And who knows what else we'll discover along the way."

As the conversation continues, Emily, Janie, and Ryan prepare to delve even deeper into the mystery surrounding Andrew Star, with new questions and theories fueling their search for answers. The tension and mystery continue to unfold as they prepare for what's to come.

### **SCENE 39: WOMEN'S BEACHROOM – ANNIE GOES BACK TO ORIGINAL SHAPE

The bathhouse is empty except for Annie, who stands in front of the mirror, undoing Andrew Star's form and returning to her original form. The metamorphosis is smooth and almost imperceptible, as if reality itself is adjusting to accommodate its true appearance.

Xavier, in his mischievous way and without asking permission, is already leaning against one of the locker room's columns, watching the transformation with a sarcastic smile on his face. He crosses his arms in amusement as Annie turns and, for a brief moment, looks surprised to see him there.

Annie (raising her eyebrow, without really bothering):

— "You shouldn't be here, you know? This is the women's locker room."

Xavier shrugs nonchalantly, his cheeky smile growing even wider.

Xavier (sarcastic):

— "Hey, the signs never stopped me from doing anything. Besides, it's not every day that you see a metamorphosis like that. I couldn't resist taking a peek." He tilts his head. "You look good as Andrew, but I prefer you like this."

Annie rolls her eyes, not letting herself be put off by Xavier's naughty attitude.

Annie (with a sharp tone):

— "If you spent a minute longer spying on me, you might not be so charming for long." She crosses her arms but gives a small smile. "But since you're here... what did you think of the performance?"

Xavier lets go of the column and begins to walk slowly towards Annie, his eyes playing with the environment, clearly teasing, as if the women's locker room were a common place for him.

Xavier (with a sarcastic smile):

— "Ah, impressive. Andrew Star, the star boy, the myth. He shines just like Daddy Sinclair wants, of course. I bet it was enough to make everyone drool. You know... except those who pay attention to the details."

Annie approaches, crossing Xavier's path, her eyes now more serious. She understands what he means. Andrew's facade is part of something bigger, something Xavier is curious to uncover.

Annie (more serious, but maintaining her posture):

— "You know Dad loves a show. The question is... what exactly is he planning with this? And where do you fit into that, Xavier? You don't seem like the type to watch the show without having a role to play ."

Xavier laughs softly, his expression still relaxed, but his eyes show that he's more involved than he seems.

Xavier (with malice and a twinkle in his eyes):

— "Oh, me? I just like to see the cards on the table. I'm not one to play when I don't know the game. But knowing Sinclair, he always has a hidden trump card. And you, my dear metamorphosis, are his ace ." He looks at her more closely. "So what's the real plan, Annie?"

Annie gives an enigmatic smile, turning to the mirror as she fixes a lock of her hair. She knows that Xavier is playing a dangerous game, but she is also aware that he is one of the few people who can follow her between the lines.

Annie (playing with words):

— "The plan? You know how my father is, Xavier. He likes to control the pieces, to make sure that every move leads to the outcome he already predicted. I'm part of that, of course. But... the end of this story? Still It's not written."

Xavier stops walking and leans against one of the lockers, analyzing her every word. He knows there's more to what she's saying, but he doesn't press. Instead, he gives her a more relaxed smile.

Xavier (with a suggestive tone):

— "You've always had a good play with words, Annie. But I think you and I both know that Sinclair has more than just a magic trick in mind with this whole show. What if he's trying to use you for something bigger?" "

Annie looks at him, serious now. She knows her father's game better than anyone. But something about Xavier makes her think he has an idea of ​​what's coming.

Annie (reflecting for a moment):

— "If he is, I'll find out before he can use it against me. Because unlike the other pieces on the board, I may be the ace... but I'm also the one who decides when it's time to turn the tables."

Xavier smiles, admired by her confidence and cunning. He approaches once again, this time with a lower, more serious tone.

Xavier (softly):

— "Always the smartest player. But don't forget... an ace is worthless without a king to knock him down. And as smart as Sinclair is, even he has his weaknesses."

Annie stares at him, and for a moment, the tension in the air is palpable. They share a silent understanding: they are players in the same game, but on different sides. Or maybe not that different.

Annie (finally, with a confident smile):

— "Well, I'm great at finding weaknesses. And by the way... what exactly were you doing in the women's locker room, huh?"

Xavier laughs, raising his hands as if in surrender.

Xavier (jokingly):

— "Ah, they caught me. I was just... curious. But if you want me to leave..." He takes a step back. "I'm not one to insist."

Annie shakes her head, still smiling.

Annie (laughing):

— "Go before I regret not teleporting you to the middle of campus without clothes."

Xavier laughs as he heads for the door, waving nonchalantly.

Xavier (with one last roguish look):

— "See you later, princess. I'll be waiting for you next time at the gym to watch my performance in the ranking activity."

Annie watches him leave, her thoughts now returning to her father's plan. She knows what comes next will be a challenge. But she's ready for whatever.

### **SCENE 40: SECOND ACTIVITY OF THE DAY – UNIVERSITY GYM

The gym is crowded. The lights are bright, illuminating every corner of the space. The students are excited, looking forward to the next activity. The characters who participated before are sitting in a stand, watching the next round. This time, it's Xavier's turn. He is in the center of the gym, stretching his arms and rotating his neck, with a casual expression, as if this were just another normal day.

The audience is tense, but Xavier seems indifferent, as if he is about to face the smallest of challenges.

In front of him, three other competitors are positioned:

Max, a strong boy with messy hair and a tribal tattoo on his arm, whose power is to transform into any animal.

Lily, a girl with short hair and sharp eyes, who has the power to control the wind.

Zane, a young man with dark glasses, thin but mysterious, capable of creating illusions on a small scale.

Annie is sitting further back, watching intently with a slight smile on her lips, admiring Xavier's roguish confidence.

Professor Michael approaches and raises his hand, announcing the start of the fight.

Professor Michael (in a firm voice):

— "Get ready... let the second activity of the day begin. Remember, everyone for themselves. Let's see who will be the winner."

Xavier shakes his head slowly and lets out an exaggerated sigh.

Xavier (to himself, sarcastic):

— "Oh, really? That's it? I thought it would be difficult."

The timer goes off. Max immediately transforms into a huge tiger and charges at Xavier, his paws making a thunderous noise on the gym floor. But Xavier remains motionless, until the last second.

When the tiger is just inches away from its claws hitting him, Xavier simply dodges to the side, with a fluid, almost carefree movement, as if he were stepping off a bicycle path.

Xavier (laughing):

— "Tigers? This is so... children's zoo."

Lily springs into action, blowing a gale towards Xavier, trying to knock him down with a powerful blast of air. The wind whips through the gym, causing some students in the stands to cover their eyes, but Xavier doesn't move.

It simply leans slightly to the side, the wind passes straight through it with no effect.

Xavier (with a mischievous smile):

— "It's going to have to be better than that, darling."

Zane, seeing the opportunity, uses his illusion power, distorting the gym around Xavier. The walls begin to feel like they are closing in on him, and images of multiple tigers appear, surrounding him on all sides.

Xavier looks around, his expression changing from amusement to mild irritation. He knows that it is just an illusion, but he still decides to play the game.

Xavier (disdainfully):

— "Cool, but this looks like a B movie." He looks at the illusory tigers. "And you don't scare anyone either."

With one swift movement, Xavier launches himself toward Zane, his body dodging every tiger, every illusory wall, as if it were all part of a carefully rehearsed dance. He advances directly on the creator of the illusion, Zane tries to attack him with punches but he dodges with his eyes closed, Xavier hits him with three punches in the face, and with a precise Kung Fu strike, he hits Zane in the chest, deactivating the illusion immediately. .

Zane falls to the ground, panting, as his surroundings return to normal. Xavier smiles sideways.

Xavier (with an ironic tone):

— "Magic tricks are cool, but sometimes a punch in the face is more effective."

Max, still in tiger form, tries once again to catch Xavier by surprise. He leaps into the air, trying to take down the boy with his sharp claws. However, Xavier, with one elegant move, teleports to the opposite side of the gym, letting the tiger fall heavily to the ground.

Lily, angered, tries to channel the wind to create a miniature tornado, trying to trap Xavier. The air spins violently, but Xavier approaches her with a mischievous smile.

When he is close enough, he makes an exaggerated gesture of bending down and tightening the laces on his sneakers, dodging the tornado effortlessly. Then, with a sudden movement, he jumps in front of her.

Xavier (in a joking tone):

— "You know, you could do a lot more than just blow a cool wind. How about impressing me next time?"

Lily tries to react, but Xavier, using his speed and dexterity, dodges each blow of wind, until, in a precise movement, he delivers a spinning kick to her abdomen, taking her off the battlefield.

The crowd begins to stir, admiring Xavier's ability to dodge and take down his opponents with almost theatrical movements.

Annie (watching, smiling slightly):

— "He makes it look easy... impressive, but predictable."

Xavier, now standing in the center of the gym, faces Max transformed again, but this time, into a huge gorilla. The gorilla charges forward, beating its chest and grunting. But before he can touch Xavier, he disappears in the blink of an eye and reappears behind the gorilla.

Xavier hits him with three kicks, and with a precise blow to the neck, Xavier knocks Max down, who returns to his human form, disoriented and lying on the ground.

Xavier looks around, seeing the three fallen. He lets out a dramatic sigh.

Xavier (with a sarcastic tone):

— "Is it over yet? I barely broke a sweat, I'm disappointed guys."

Sinclair watches from afar, a smirk of approval on his face, as the crowd cheers. Xavier's friends watch with a mixture of amazement and amusement.

Jordan (laughing):

— "The guy is a sight to behold... even when he wins, he doesn't seem to give a damn."

Ema (with a shy but admired smile):

— "He makes everything seem so... easy."

Alexys crosses her arms, smiling mischievously.

Alexys (teasing):

— "Or maybe this chino just likes to make everyone drool. Not that I'm complaining."

Ethan, always calculating, watches with interest, his hands folded as he stares at Xavier.

Ethan (thoughtfully):

— "He's more than he seems. He can read every movement, dodge as if it were natural. But I'm curious... how far can he go?"

Meanwhile, Xavier walks to the center of the gym, raising his arms to the crowd with a mischievous smile.

Xavier (shouting to the audience):

— "Come on, is this what you expected? I thought we would have something more exciting today. Did you like it girls?!"

Annie, watching, just smiles, knowing that Xavier is more than just a skilled fighter. He is a born player, someone who knows how to manipulate the environment and the people around him to always come out on top.

Sinclair, high in the stands, watches everything with discerning eyes. He knows Xavier has potential, but he also realizes there's something deeper he needs to explore.