Chapter 30: An unexpected advice and a hidden secret

  The Blue Mountain team was in the dressing room when Aurora came in with a red envelope in her hand.

  "What is that?" Bruno asked, curious.

  Aurora opened the envelope and read aloud:

  "The Red Dragon swimming club cordially invites you to a training session at our facilities. It will be an honor to receive you and share improvement techniques in preparation for the Olympics. Sincerely, Drago.”

  "What... Drago?" Talion arched an eyebrow.

  "Does he invite us... after everything he said in the last competition?" Luz said, with her arms crossed.

  "What are you planning?" Jocelyn added, suspiciously.

  "Does it matter?" Azrat interrupted, with an excited smile. Let's go! What better than training with our rivals to see how good we really are?

  Aurora smiled.

  "He's right." If we accept, it's to learn... not to fight.

  ?

  Arrival at the Red Dragon Club

  The Blue Mountain team arrived at the Red Dragon complex. The facilities were impressive: an indoor Olympic pool with wide stands and a modern training system.

  Drago appeared at the entrance, with that same confident smile that everyone remembered.

  "Wow, wow... if it's not the star boy," he said, looking at Talión.

  "Star?" Don't make me laugh. -Talion replied, with a slight smile.

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  They both looked at each other for a moment... until Drago let out a laugh and patted him on the back.

  "Don't worry... I just wanted to see if you still have fire inside you."

  "So... there's no fight today?" Azrat joked, causing laughter in the group.

  "Today there is only training... but if you trust, I'll make you swallow water," Drago said, winking.

  ?

  Training... and a key tip

  During the session, the Blue Mountain team mixed with the Red Dragon swimmers. Although some were arrogant and competitive, most turned out to be friendly.

  Drago, for his part, swam with Talión for several laps. They both stood on par, as if each one was measuring the other's strength.

  When they finally finished, Drago approached Talion.

  "You're fast... but you make a mistake."

  "Oh, really?" Talion arched an eyebrow.

  "Your exit... you push yourself too fast, without measuring your resistance." You're losing twice as much energy in the first few meters.

  "And what do you suggest?"

  Drago smiled.

  "When you swim, try to imagine that you are only "keating on the water" for the first ten seconds. Your body will adapt by itself and your energy will be preserved for the final sprint.

  Talion frowned.

  "And why are you telling me this?"

  Drago patted him on the shoulder.

  "Because if we are going to face each other in the Olympics, I want you to be in your best shape... so that when I beat you, there are no excuses.

  Talion smiled.

  "We'll see about that...

  ?

  Azrat and his mysterious secret

  After training, the team met in the locker rooms. While everyone commented on the experience, Azrat remained silent, with a suspiciously calm expression.

  "What's wrong with you?" Luz asked.

  "Huh?" Oh... nothing... nothing.

  "You lie worse than Bruno on a date," Jocelyn said, laughing.

  "Hey!" Bruno protested.

  Aurora crossed her arms.

  "Azrat... what are you planning?"

  Azrat smiled broadly.

  "Don't worry... I can only say that it will be something big."

  "How big?" Talion asked, between intrigued and worried.

  Azrat shrugged his shoulders.

  "Enough for no one to expect it... but they will have to trust me.

  The team looked at him with skepticism, but Azrat simply kept that mysterious smile.

  "Just trust... it's going to be worth it."

  ?

  The end... and the unknown

  That night, Talión couldn't stop thinking about Drago's advice or Azrat's mysterious plan.

  "What does this crazy man bring in his hands..." he murmured, looking at the ceiling of his room.

  Luz, who was sleeping next to him, murmured half asleep:

  "Don't worry... surely it's something silly like a surprise party or...

  "Or what?"

  Luz opened one eye and smiled.

  "Or maybe he's going to get the name of the girl in the cafe tattoo...

  Talion let out a laugh, but he couldn't help but wonder...

  What will Azrat really be planning?

  ?

  End of chapter 30