Each team had just 24 hours to finalize their design proposal, covering engineering, cost estimates, and sustainability.
The moment the clock started, the entire room buzzed with activity as teams huddled together, brainstorming and sketching out ideas.
This phase was strictly team-based—no interaction between groups allowed. Everyone got to work with their own crew.
There were scheduled breaks, but no one was allowed to leave the venue during the competition.
Not that many considered taking a break, anyway. In moments like these, most participants chose to keep working, driven by adrenaline and ambition.
The spectators milling around weren’t there for the competition itself so much as to glance over the challenge, size up the contestants, and—perhaps most importantly—do a little networking.
But in the end, the real highlight was the presentation stage, where teams had to showcase their designs in a high-stakes round of presentations.
After submitting their proposals, teams faced a Q&A with the judges.
The top two teams would go on to represent Aurelia at the European championship.
The contest was in full swing, and a scheduled break finally arrived around lunchtime.
Millie stepped out of her team’s workspace, looking relaxed and confident.
“Doesn’t seem like this competition is much of a challenge for you,” someone commented.
Millie smiled. “Teamwork makes these projects go smoothly, especially when everyone’s on the same page. But to win top marks, you really have to fine-tune your design to meet all the organizers’ requirements.”
“I’ve done a lot of these competitions abroad,” she added, her confidence unmistakable.
It certainly helped that Alexander had paired her with a top-notch team.
Millie arched an eyebrow. Now that was a thought.
She was determined to win the finals—nothing less would do.
Before the competition, Millie had studied every team, analyzed their strengths and weaknesses. None of the other groups could match her own team’s comprehensive skills.
At this year’s ISSDS event, one of the Aurelia region’s judges was an academician—someone Alexander happened to know. He’d arranged a lunch, hoping to introduce Millie and secure her some expert guidance.
When they entered the private dining room, Academician Gresham was already there.
“Alex,” he greeted warmly, his face kind and open. Turning to Millie, he asked, “Is this the student you wanted to introduce?”
Millie greeted him promptly, “Good afternoon, Academician Gresham. I’m Millie.”
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