24. THE PIRANHAS SCOUT TROOP

Filip has been in a bad mood since morning. Is it just a regular teenage phase, or is he still dwelling on the last party?

It’s the first day of summer and Kids' Day, so the whole family decided to grab some ice cream, as is tradition, before Filip leaves for camp.

Akito: This doesn’t seem like the right time to talk about woohoo, does it?

Filip: Dad...

Piotr: Oh, for Maxis’ sake! Maybe let’s not have this conversation in front of the kids, huh?

Klara: Just don’t do anything foolish.

Filip: ...

Time to say goodbye.

Klara: Just take care of yourself, okay?

Filip: Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.

Akito: And take lots of pictures—it’s important for keeping the Legacy alive.

Filip: See you, little bro! And seriously, sign up for that theater camp mod. Your comedy talent will shine there.

Welcome to “The Middle of Nowhere” Summer Camp.

Kazik: We’re here!

Filip: I can’t believe the Watcher went all out with this!

Camp Leader: Hey, you two, why aren’t you in uniform yet?

Camp Leader: Welcome officially to the Piranhas swimming camp. I’ll be your leader for the next week, and I promise you that by the end of this camp, every one of you will reach Level 5 Swimming—whether you like it or not.

Filip: A jump of two skill levels in one week?

Kazik: Guess these aren’t exactly going to be “vacation” vibes.

Filip: Camp stew... yum...

On the first evening, the group gets to know each other around the campfire.

Monika (1): Great, mosquitoes.

Janek: Hmm, maybe I should play something?

Agnieszka: OMW, Janek, don’t—your guitar skill is at zero.

Kazik: ...And that’s when EA locked everyone’s accounts. Thousands of Simoleons spent on expansions lost forever because the hotline stopped picking up calls from outraged Simmers.

Kazik: What a day. Goodnight.

Filip: So far, so good. Goodnight.

About 5 Sim minutes later...

Camp Leader: Wake up! In 30 Sim minutes, meet downstairs for a morning jog!

Kazik: It’s 5 a.m.! I just went to bed!

Filip: So much for “so far, so good”...

Despite the early wake-up call, everyone gathers, and they’re off. Filip is enjoying the company.

After breakfast, it’s swimming lessons.

Filip: At least we have some free time, too.

Kazik: I don’t know about you, but I think I’ll take a nap.

In the evening, the group organizes a juice pong tournament.

The next day begins with another early wake-up and morning run. Filip falls behind, clearly not in top form after last night’s juice pong. (Supposedly, it was just juice...)

Filip: Kazik, why are you running through the water? Your shoes and pants will be soaked.

Kazik: Dude, in this heat, it’s perfect. It’s barely dawn, and it’s already sweltering.

It’s Filip’s turn to make breakfast today.

Monika (2): Hmm, this scrambled eggs are pretty good.

Filip: Thanks. I’m shocked I didn’t cause a fire with my zero cooking skill.

Another swimming lesson. Today, it’s diving practice.

Camp Leader: Great job, Filip. Now your turn, Agnieszka.

Monika (2): Hey, maybe you could show me how to improve my dive later?

In the evening, the group relaxes and has fun dancing or playing by the campfire.

The boys decide to have a mini photo session, helped along by a certain amount of juice...

Kazik: Okay, dude, I’m off to bed. My energy bar is perpetually yellow or red here.

Filip: I think I’ll stay up a little longer.

Another photo session takes place, also fueled by juice. Suddenly, rain interrupts the fun.

Or maybe the rain doesn’t ruin the fun after all...

The morning is rainy and even stormy. Filip gets a text from Anna. How did she know he and Monika even know each other?? Suddenly, last night’s magic fades.

The storm cancels the usual training, so the group improvises their day. Luckily, the camp is full of activities for such occasions.

Kazik also decides to try his luck in love.

Kazik: You must be really tired because you’ve been running through my mind all day.

Monika (1): Save it, Kazik. I prefer girls.

The next day, the weather improves. The group starts their day with a run, followed by the usual swimming lessons. Kazik and Filip finally reach Level 5!

Afterward, they enjoy some free time, which Filip spends expanding his insect collection.

While catching bugs, Filip notices a strange passage, like the entrance to a cave. Could it be the gateway to the amazing place from his dream??

Unfortunately, on the other side is just a plain meadow. But at least he finds treasure! He’ll check later to see what’s inside the capsule.

Camp Leader: Piranhas! You did it! You survived our swimming camp to the end. Congratulations on your perseverance. Most of you reached Level 4 Swimming, and some even hit Level 5. A few of you picked up new fears, but don’t worry—they’re easy to cure with the “Fear Be Gone” potion.

Farewell photo of the Piranhas Scout Troop :)

Monika (2): You know, maybe we could hang out sometime, if you’d like? Here’s my number.

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