The morning sun bathed the school grounds in golden light. Banners fluttered in the wind, booths lined up on every corner, and students wearing their team colors crowded the field. Today was no ordinary day—it was the start of the Intramurals, the most anticipated event of the year.
The atmosphere was like a festival. Stalls sold food, cheer squads rehearsed, and announcers tested their microphones. Everywhere, the buzz of excitement echoed.
Jed walked through the crowd, his bag slung over one shoulder. His eyes scanned the grounds calmly. Unlike most students who laughed and cheered, his steps were quiet, calculated. For him, this wasn't just a game. It was a chance—a chance to prove something to himself, and maybe even change the way others saw him.
A loud cheer erupted near the entrance. David Ahn had arrived, towering over most students, his gym-trained physique impossible to miss. He was surrounded by his usual circle of lackeys, all hyping him up like he was already the champion. David smirked when his eyes caught Jed in the distance, a silent challenge flickering in his gaze.
On the other side of the grounds, Marcus Perez cracked his knuckles, his local gym friends rallying around him. Though he lacked David's wealth or Jed's quiet determination, Marcus carried raw, natural strength—and the pride of everyone at his gym who believed he could shock the school.
Then came the elegant presence of Reina Salvador. She walked gracefully across the grounds, drawing stares as usual. But her attention wasn't on the crowd—it lingered briefly on Jed, then shifted toward David. The reigning chess champion had her own battles to fight, but she couldn't deny the tension brewing between the two boys.
The principal finally took the stage, microphone in hand.
"Today, we begin not just games, but battles of will, spirit, and determination. Each of you will prove yourselves—not only to your schoolmates, but to yourselves."
The crowd roared, flags raised high.
One by one, the announcer called out the names of highlighted competitors:
"Reina Salvador, defending champion of Chess!" Cheers erupted.
"David Ahn, representing in Powerlifting and Arm Wrestling!" The crowd screamed even louder.
"Marcus Perez, our dark horse competitor in Arm Wrestling!" His gym buddies whistled and clapped proudly.
"And lastly Jed the representative of Section C, highlighted and requested by no other than our rising champion in kick boxing of the Philippines, DAVID AHN."
A pause. Silence. Most of the students didn't even know him. Whispers spread—"Who's Jed?" "Never seen him before."
But Reina's eyes sharpened. David smirked wider. And Marcus cracked his neck with anticipation.
The torch was lit, the banners raised, and the crowd's energy reached its peak. The opening ceremony ended with fireworks bursting even in the daylight sky.
Jed clenched his fist, his mind replaying the grueling training he had pushed himself through.
"I don't know if I can beat them… but I'm not walking away without giving everything I have."
With that, the festival of strength had begun.