Chapter XV: Go Get Them!
The morning sun casts its warm glow over the university oval as students are gathering for the day's sports activities. Excitement buzzes in the air as competitors from different classes, department, colleges, and districts are preparing to showcase their abilities in various tournaments.
As the participants assemble on the badminton court, the rules of the tournament are reiterated:
Competitors are allowed to use their abilities depending on the sport they choose. Any competitor who uses their ability against the rules of the sport will be disqualified. Special Rule: No Discrimination of Powers
Haruto and Ryujin, representing their class, step onto the court, ready to face off against the formidable second-year opponents. The tension is palpable as the match began.
"Let's show them what we're made of, Ryujin!" Haruto encourages Ryujin.
"You got it, Haruto!" Ryujin replies with a determined smile.
The first round commences, with Haruto serving the shuttlecock. With precision and skill, he sent it flying over the net. As the opponents return the hit, Ryujin unleashes his ability, sending a powerful splash that catches the shuttlecock mid-air, earning them their first point.
"What was that?!" exclaims one of the opponents in surprise.
"I don't know, I think someone squirted", the other one exclaims.
"AYO! What the f-" (Ryujin)
"Flambe the eyes can see! Look there!" (Haruto)
From the audience front row, someone is indeed squirting water out of his/her mouth due to a laugh.
As the second round unfolds, the opponents serve with determination, but Haruto's keen senses allows him to anticipate the shuttlecock's trajectory.
"Going north of east then to an angle of 44.5 degrees per player from the point of Ryujin going south of west, then neither a tangent to the upper net, and if once hit by the other approximately to the cosine of that angle, it will go below the net. I should hit there!", Haruto calculates the shuttlecock's trajectory.
"Parabolic displacement perpendicular to the net, curving to an asymptote, the point of range is here!", (Haruto)
With a swift strike, he returns the hit, securing another point for their team. Ryujin on the other hand, positions and reads Haruto's signals and move in order to sync their attack.
"Nice one, Ryujin! Keep it up!" Haruto cheers.
The opponents, growing frustrated by their inability to gain the upper hand, huddle together, devising a new strategy for the next round.
As the third round commences, Haruto and Ryujin prepare themselves for the challenge ahead. The opponents serve the shuttlecock with increased intensity and velocity, but this time, something is different. Haruto can't sense its direction, a perplexing development that catches him off guard.
"What's going on? I can't sense the shuttlecock!" Haruto mutters in confusion.
Ryujin, ever observant, analyzes the situation quickly.
"Haruto, wait! It's the server. He's a Virgo, using his power to manipulate the shuttlecock's movement. It's spinning erratically, making it impossible to predict its trajectory." (Ryujin)
"Oh, so that means, if the Area of Pi tangential to the number of vortices and loops there are, the opening thread would be a mere 1/900 chances of hitting within my bound man! It would be an acceleration in order to pull-off a wide open range!", Haruto exclaims.
With the shuttlecock almost out of bounds, Ryujin's ring activates, enhancing his speed. With a burst of agility, he reaches the shuttlecock just in time, unleashing a powerful gust of wind that sends it soaring into the air.
"Now, Haruto!" Ryujin calls out.
Haruto, seizing the opportunity, strikes the shuttlecock with precision, sending it hurtling towards their opponents. With a final hit, they secure the point, winning the third round and advancing to the semi-finals.
"That was incredible, Ryujin! Your quick thinking saved us!" Haruto exclaims.
"It was a team effort, Haru. We make a great duo!" Ryujin responds, grinning.
As they celebrate their victory, Haruto couldn't help but marvel at Ryujin's analytical skills and quick reflexes.
"I'm glad to have you as my partner, Ryujin. Together, we'll conquer the oval!" Haruto declares.
"Absolutely, Haruto. This is just the beginning of our journey," Ryujin agrees, feeling a sense of camaraderie.
With newfound confidence and determination, Haruto and Ryujin prepare to face the challenges that lay ahead in the semi-finals. Little did they know, their partnership would be tested in ways they never imagined as they navigated the trials of the oval and the mysteries of their own abilities.
After their victory, Haruto and Ryujin meander toward their classroom. The air hums with the lively chatter of students, but Haruto's attention veers elsewhere—toward the intriguing sounds emanating from JHS 1-A, where Inoshiro and Okaki are deeply engrossed in a virtual reality video game.
"Ryujin, wait, let's see what these dudes are up to" (Haruto)
"Alright, let's see" (Ryujin)
Haruto opens the door.
"Hey, what game are you guys playing?" Haruto asks curiously.
"Oh, it's the new virtual reality game, 'Chronicles of Destiny.' It's pretty awesome!" Inoshiro replies.
Haruto's eyes light up with interest as he pulls out his phone.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Sure thing! The more, the merrier!" Okaki says, welcoming him into the game.
Meanwhile, Ryujin settles into his seat, pulling out his own phone to check messages. Unbeknownst to him, Hajime is patrolling the halls, his keen senses picking up on the noise emanating from JHS 1-A. With a stern expression, he approaches the door and swings it open, revealing the four students immersed in their game.
"Guys, what is the meaning of this?!" Hajime barks.
The students jump in surprise, guilty expressions crossing their faces as Hajime berates them for their lack of focus on the festival.
"Guys, you need to watch the games and enjoy, and not playing video games trapped inside the classroom. Glad it's me who saw you inside here, if other teachers would have seen y'all, then your phones could have been confiscated.", Hajime explains.
With a stern warning, he ushers them outside, ensuring they understand the enjoyment of the festival and intramurals.
As Hajime remains in the classroom, ensuring no other students are engaging in similar distractions, he finds himself drawn to the allure of the game. We checks left and right.
"Ok, coast is clear.", he whispers to himself.
With a reluctant sigh, he pulls out his own phone and joins in, unable to resist the temptation.
Outside the High School Building, Ryujin suggests they take a break and watch Hageshi and Kuebiko practice. But first, they need some snacks. Making their way to the cafeteria, they indulge in some treats while pondering the whereabouts of their classmates.
"I wonder what everyone else is up to," Ryujin muses.
"Let's check it out," Haruto suggests.
They venture to the sports fields, where Aoto is engaged in an intense game of table tennis, his competitive spirit on full display. Nearby, Miran sits engrossed in a game of chess, his strategic mind at work as he plots his next move.
Further along, Samero and the others are locked in a spirited game of volleyball, their laughter ringing out across the field as they enjoy the camaraderie of friendly competition.