“Actually, Andrew secured it for me,” Madisyn replied with a resigned smile.


    Andrew had been concerned she might find the assigned room ufortable, so he had passed her the keycard.


    Initially, Madisyn hadn’t intended to use it, but the encounter with the arrogant Mafelen contestants changed her ns.


    “Alright, you start unpacking,” Lynda instructed, her expression turning serious.novelbin


    “I’ll go over thepetition details with youter.


    ”


    With thepetition on the line, they quickly unpacked their luggage.


    Gathering on the sofa, they listened intently to Lynda’s analysis.


    This time, the fiercestpetitors came from Mafelen.


    The internationalpetition had consistently taken ce in Mafelen over thest few years due to the strength of their contestants.


    Most judges were also from Mafelen, inherently tilting the scales against Lorpond contestants.


    “Given that many judges are from Mafelen, they might favor their own.


    We’ll have to excel to really stand out and secure our spot,” Lynda said gravely.


    “Among the Mafelen contestants, the two we’ve just met are exceptionally formidable.


    The blonde woman is Julie Hopkins.


    She ced tenthst year and is likely to be in the top three this time.


    The silent woman beside her is a mixed-race dancer named Anna Murray.


    She’s our biggest threat.


    Though she didn’tpete Last year due to health reasons, she’s a dance prodigy who gained fame early.


    She’s a likely candidate for this year’s champion.


    ”


    Lynda then showed a video of Anna dancing.


    Everyone watched, their concern deepening.


    Anna was obviously a leadingpetitor.


    She excelled in both improvisational and traditional dance styles, moving with a distinctive presence.


    Her slightly disdainful gaze, as though nothing much mattered to her, enhanced her mysterious appeal.


    Rosaline and the male contestant began to sweat nervously.


    In their home country, they were considered prodigies, chosen to represent their nation on this global tform.


    Yet, now confronted with such skilled rivals, they felt a sense of their own insignificance.


    Their extensive preparation had merely secured them a ce in thepetition.


    Seeing their unease, Lynda offered reassurance.


    “Regardless of the oue, this experience is priceless.


    Don’t let nerves hold you back.


    Just concentrate on delivering your best performance.


    ”


    “Okay!” they responded, though still visibly worried.


    Lynda encouraged everyone to rest well that night to be at their peak for thepetition the next day.


    Gradually, everyone withdrew to their rooms.


    After a shower, Madisyn rxed on her bed, admiring the stars through the window.


    The night sky here was serene and mesmerizing, a quiet sce before theing challenge.


    She watched the stars for a long while until her phone rang.