The place Lisa indicated was filled with colorful tents, arranged in an organized fashion in a makeshift camp. Each tent represented a different group, not identified by flags or anything. People moved back and forth, chatting, preparing outdoor meals, and engaging in various activities.
Emily, Cloe, Andrew and Klaus watched in amazement as the dynamic unfolded in front of them. The place looked like more than just a temporary activity camp.
As they explored the camp, they felt a warm and friendly atmosphere. Suddenly, Andrew and Klaus spotted one of their roommates: David.
"Hey guys, are you here too?" David asked as he approached them with open arms.
Andrew was still surprised, so he immediately asked the question he had in mind. "David, what is this place?"
"Ah! Many people found golden tickets on the very first day, so some decided to join together instead of staying separated by the forest because it wouldn't be safe." David replied, leaning forward a little to mutter something. "Apparently the teachers weren't very creative in hiding the maps, so every group found at least one so easily. Hollow logs, tall branches and small rocks are the main places where everyone finds them."
The members of Klaus' group looked at each other in confusion. They had to go through much more difficult situations than they should have, especially Klaus.
At that moment, they began to laugh among themselves, thinking how idiotic they were for overestimating such a simple activity just because of its weight.
"What about these tents? The teachers didn't give them to our group." Emily said, pointing to the camping tents that were in the campground.
"Everything you see here was found in the forest. There are tents, pots, lighters, and other things. It's an outing from the program, but since we had no survival training, there was no way they were going to leave us with just one item each like they did on Bare & Naked."
David animatedly explained the origin of all the equipment found in the makeshift camp. The members of Klaus' group were relieved to hear all this, as it meant they would not have to spend another night in a makeshift hut that made their bodies itch. Emily, Cloe, Andrew and Klaus looked around, admiring the tents and equipment available. It was reassuring to know that they would have adequate shelter and access to at least the basics to cook and care for themselves during their stay in the program.
Cloe smiled as she saw the tents, imagining the comfort they would provide after several grueling days of exploration and uncertainty. Andrew, for his part, approached one of the tents and examined it closely.
Klaus reflected on the benefits of the camp. The ability to share resources with other groups would facilitate his mission to help Lisa and her group fish. In addition, having a fixed base of operations provided stability and the opportunity to develop a more consistent strategy to protect their golden ticket.
As they explored the camp and settled into two separate tents, the group of friends felt comfortable. The friendly and welcoming atmosphere, along with the presence of other program participants, made them feel like this was truly a trip, not a challenge.
"Hey, is Klaus here too?" A slender girl inquired, surprised to see Klaus and his group gathered with David.
"Things just got more interesting around here." Her friend replied, thinking that Klaus had not been listening.
Emily, Cloe, Andrew, Klaus, and David quickly took advantage of the friendly atmosphere to blend in and make friends with the other participants. Fortunately, Emily was someone who was very communicative with strangers, which made everything easier for the group, including Klaus, who was not the center of attention because she was pretty enough to attract the attention of some girls. The place became a refuge where they could feel calm, surrounded by people who shared the same goals.
Since the camp was like a community, Klaus decided that he would help with the food by fishing in the river. Andrew decided to help David and the other boys find golden tickets for groups that didn't have any and other supplies for the camp, and Emily joined him. Finally, Cloe said she would help cook whatever fish and herbs they could find.
As the flames danced under the starry sky, Klaus' group gathered around the campfire. They shared laughter, stories, and plans for the next day, feeling motivated to face the challenges ahead.
Over the next few days, Klaus' group dove head first into camp life. Each member played a vital role in the daily tasks, contributing their unique skills to the well-being of the group.
As the remaining days unfolded, the activity drew to a close. Of the one hundred groups that began their journey into the forest, eighty managed to find at least one of the coveted Golden Tickets, which gave them a 50% bonus in their grades. Those who did not were disappointed, but at least they still had a chance to get a good grade.
On the last day, all the groups gathered in front of the teachers' building for a big celebration to mark the end of the activity. An even bigger bonfire was lit and the teachers prepared a surprise for the students: a big barbecue. This created a great explosion of celebration.
With the official end of the activity, everyone boarded buses back to campus the next day. On the long ride back, Klaus' group reminisced about the challenges they had overcome and felt that they were now truly friends. Despite the fatigue and sore muscles, there was a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in each of them. They were also happy to have the next day off to rest their muscles.
...
If you want to see original illustrations of Rise Online characters, consider helping me on pa treon: Pa treon.com/NandoFalske
More character images in:
https://discord.gg/bpqq9u4gS8
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