"It feels like the match barely even started before it was already over."
"When did Hank get this much stronger? Or was he hiding his real strength the whole time!?"
Iwaizumi and the others were just as shocked. To be honest, they had barely moved at all throughout the entire set. You could even say they had barely felt involved. Compared to Hank, the gap in ability was simply far too wide.
On offense, all they really had to do was get the ball to him. They had even started to think that as long as they could send the ball to Hank, they would win.
That was entirely thanks to Hank's own strength.
He was already far beyond the level of other players his age.
"So it's already over!? Even though we intentionally gave them a few extra points in the second set, this is still a pretty awkward outcome."
"I'm guessing that team called Johzenji is going to remember this for a very long time."
Coach Irihata's expression turned a little odd. As Aoba Johsai's coach, he could already feel the gaze coming from Johzenji's coach, and it was making him deeply uncomfortable. Hank's strength really had given Aoba Johsai hope of claiming a Spring High berth this year.
But honestly... it was precisely because he was so strong that the people around them were starting to feel ashamed of themselves.
Failing to even reach double digits was bad enough, but getting completely shut out in the first set... anyone could imagine how crushing that would be.
"Ding-dong! Detected that the host has already won the match against Johzenji and achieved an overwhelming victory on the scoreboard, earning the highest reward for this task!"
"Strength +5, Spiking +10, Passing +6, Digging +4, and obtained the front-row tip shot technique."
...
Right after Hank had completely secured victory in this match, the system notification rang in his ears again, informing him that he had successfully received the reward for this task and had easily claimed the highest reward available.
Honestly, the reward was excellent. His four main attributes had increased by a total of twenty points, and Spiking alone had gone up by ten.
He only needed fifteen more points to raise his spiking skill to All-Japan youth level.
Hank understood that very clearly.
Reaching that level in spiking would not just mean stronger hits. More importantly, it required refined technique, control over all kinds of angles, and even precise command over power...
Hank naturally understood all of that.
Right now, he had only made it this far by relying on his top-tier vertical jump and physical ability that had already reached an All-Japan youth level. If he wanted to become a truly elite spiker, then he had to master more techniques. Otherwise, sooner or later, he would be left behind.
"This front-row tip shot technique really is pretty good."
"It'll be just right for the upcoming match against Date Tech High."
Hank recalled the flood of information that had suddenly appeared in his mind. He was already thoroughly familiar with the front-row tip shot technique. Once the next match began, he would be able to use that skill perfectly.
That really was the beauty of having the system. With it, he could become the strongest ace.
"Nice work, Hank!"
"I knew your talent was amazing, but I didn't expect you to stay in such great form during matches too. The two of us are going to become the best duo."
After saying goodbye to Johzenji's captain, Oikawa immediately turned around and smiled at Hank. He was in an excellent mood, because based on what Hank had shown in the last match, the feeling he gave off was no less overwhelming than Wakatoshi Ushijima from Shiratorizawa.
If they ran into him in the final, Oikawa was going to give him a real surprise.
"Cut the crap and hurry up and thank the club members."
That absentminded remark from Iwaizumi instantly gave Oikawa something to latch onto. He practically slid over and started rambling beside him, making Iwaizumi's face darken at once. In the end, he stopped caring about the looks from the people around them.
The two of them started wrestling right there on the court.
Hank could only sigh helplessly at the sight. Oikawa and Iwaizumi really were a pair of bickering best friends. No matter when it was, they could always start arguing.
"But there still seems to be one more issue. Aoba Johsai doesn't only have the current starters on the court."
"There's still one more weapon that hasn't made an appearance yet."
"Mad Dog. There were signs a while back that he had secretly returned to the club, and apparently he even came to watch today's match."
Hank had actually already noticed a figure in the stands during the earlier match. That person's gaze had been fixed tightly on him the whole time, and based on his memory, that person was Kentaro Kyotani, the one Oikawa called "Mad Dog" in the original story.
He was an ultra power-type wing spiker. If they could keep him under control, he would be able to provide Hank with quite a bit of support as well.
(End of Chapter)
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