"There are two types of competitions: those you enter to win—and those you enter because something inside you refuses to be ordinary."
—Zayne Adedayo
7:42 AM — Day of the Debate
The sun hadn't even settled into its full blaze, yet my shirt was already damp with sweat—part heat, part anxiety.
Today was the debate tryout final round, and the school's Academic Board was watching.
The prize?
₦100,000 scholarship
Campus recognition
And a slot in the Interdepartmental Debate representing Computer Science
But me?
I was just trying not to embarrass myself in front of Amaka.
8:02 AM — The Assembly Room
The seminar hall was set up like a battlefield.
A long table lined the front of the room, where three judges were seated with bottles of water and stern expressions. Student spectators—mostly fresher hopefuls—filled every available chair and corner.
Some whispered predictions. Others had printed out points from ChatGPT.
Ugo, of course, had no points.
He just brought chewing gum and confidence.
"You nervous?" he asked, blowing a bubble.
"Yes."
"Same. But I won't show it. That's the trick."
He adjusted his collar and winked at a girl in the crowd.
"Ugo," I said, "this is serious."
"I know," he replied. "That's why I'm flirting early. So they'll pity me when I flop."
8:20 AM — Roll Call
The facilitator, a slim man with an I-too-know smile and a bowtie so tight it might've been choking his last brain cell, called out names for the first round.
"Amaka Eze."
She walked forward.
Gasps echoed. Phones came out. Snap mode activated.
She wore a dark-blue blazer over a white shirt tucked neatly into black pants. Hair braided back, glasses shining like armor.
She looked like a lawyer from a Netflix series—and she walked like she already won.
Next name—
"Zayne Adedayo."
My legs forgot how to work.
I stood slowly, walked to the podium beside her, and nodded.
She didn't smile.
She smirked.
"Ready to lose?" she whispered.
I swallowed hard. "After you."
8:28 AM — The Prompt
The moderator cleared his throat.
"Topic: Artificial Intelligence: A Threat or Tool to Humanity?
Amaka Eze will speak in favor of it being a threat.
Zayne Adedayo will speak against.
You each have 3 minutes."
My heart punched my ribs like a boxer in training.
I was going up against the queen—and the topic required logic, emotional appeal, and killer delivery.
Amaka went first.
8:30 AM — Amaka's Speech
"Ladies and Gentlemen, the very concept of 'Artificial Intelligence' began as a tool—yes. But like every great invention, it now walks dangerously close to becoming our master.
AI does not sleep. AI does not blink. AI does not forget.
Today, machines can compose music, write stories, diagnose illnesses, and replace factory workers. But what happens tomorrow, when they replace YOU?
AI does not feel guilt. It does not know mercy. Once we give it power, it will not return it willingly.
The question is no longer if AI will harm us—it's when."
"Do we wait for the storm to reach our doors, or do we pull the plug now?"
She stepped back.
Thunderous applause.
Even I clapped. Reluctantly.
8:33 AM — Zayne's Turn
I stepped up, palms damp.
Took a deep breath.
And began.
"My opponent speaks of fear.
But fear has never stopped human progress.
Fire was once a threat. Now it powers our homes.
Cars were once deadly. Now they connect our lives.
AI, like every tool, reflects its user.
If we train it with bias, it becomes biased. If we train it with empathy, it can diagnose diseases, translate languages, and assist disabled students.
AI is not our enemy.
Ignorance is."
"If we fear what we don't understand, we'll never rise. But if we learn, guide, and build with wisdom—we don't create monsters.
We create miracles."
I ended with a short nod.
Silence.
Then applause.
It wasn't thunderous like Amaka's… but it was loud enough.
9:01 AM — Judges' Verdict
The moderator returned with a sheet.
"Two contestants will move to the departmental finals."
A beat of tension.
"The judges' pick—"
Everyone leaned forward.
"—Amaka Eze."
No surprise.
She barely blinked.
"And second slot goes to…"
Pause.
"Zayne Adedayo."
I almost passed out.
Ugo screamed, "THAT'S MY GUY!!!"
Even Amaka turned and—finally—smiled.
A real smile.
"Not bad, fresher," she said.
I smiled back. "Told you—after you."
9:30 AM — Campus Buzz
By midday, word had spread like wildfire.
"That Computer Science fresher went toe-to-toe with Amaka!"
"The guy no dey fear!"
"He might win the school-wide one!"
My WhatsApp started pinging like mad.
Group DMs. Classmates. Even strangers.
Then I got a message from an unknown number:
"Nice speech today. Your metaphor slapped. — Durojaiye, CST Lecturer."
I nearly screamed.
Ugo was already planning how to use my fame to get girls.
"Let me be your manager, abeg. 30% cut."
1:00 PM — Drama in the Department
While walking back to the ICT lab, I bumped into a loud argument outside the CST block.
Two guys were yelling.
"You think you're special? Because you beat Amaka ONCE?!"
It was Tosin Bello, a 200-level Computer Science student. Debater. Known to be bitter since Amaka beat him last year.
I frowned. "What's your problem?"
"You. Acting like you're the new golden boy. This isn't secondary school, fresher."
"Relax," I replied. "There's room for everyone."
"Oh? Then bring that same confidence to the departmental finals. Let's see who actually deserves the stage."
I walked away.
But I could feel his eyes burning a hole in my back.
A new rival.
Great.
2:10 PM — Unexpected Support
Later that day, I found myself in the school garden, trying to read the Data Structures and You book Amaka gave me.
Speak of the devil.
She arrived again. Sitting beside me like she owned the bench.
"You handled Tosin well."
"I didn't know I needed a fan club… or enemies."
"That's Crestmont for you," she said. "Once you stand out, people either cheer… or plot."
I looked at her. "So which one are you doing?"
She chuckled. "Still deciding."
We sat in silence for a bit.
Then she looked at me, serious now.
"You're good, Zayne. But this place eats soft people. Don't get distracted by the applause—or the hate. Stay sharp."
I nodded.
And for once, there was no smirk.
Just respect.