novelraw Chapter 117 : Sports Day (1)
Chapter 117 : Sports Day (1)
Before taking the final exams.
There was one truly student-like event assigned in the academy's academic curriculum.
Sports day, or athletic meet.
It was a competition where they competed against each other with pure physical abilities, without characteristics or mana.
"Attention."
The classroom was filled with tension.
"The sports day is now just three days away."
Kim Cheol-han, placing the attendance book firmly on the podium, looked at the cadets and said.
"Yes, that's right!"
The disciplined cadets answered.
"As you know, I hate losing very much."
"That's right!"
"The mission given to you on that day is very simple."
Kim Cheol-han's eyes gleamed coldly.
"Win every single event without losing even one."
"Sir, Yes sir!"
"If you lose even one event..."
"That won't happen!"
"Good. Make sure you don't forget that commitment."
"Yes, sir!"
Class competition.
For youths with hot blood, it was an event that could never be taken lightly.
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The sports day is largely divided into ball game events and track events.
Ball game events included soccer, baseball, basketball, volleyball, and dodgeball.
Track events included team tug-of-war, three-person four-legged race, 100m dash, 1600m run, and five-person relay.
Of course, the principle was to compete solely with pure physical abilities, without using any characteristics or mana.
"Well then."
"Shall we decide?"
Instructor Kim Cheol-han of Class 1, Instructor Choi Seung-wook of Class 2, and Instructor Park Jong-woon, who had taken over as the homeroom Instructor of Class 3 in place of the deceased Bang Woo-gil, gathered in one place.
"Let's go quickly."
Unlike the 100m, 1600m, and relay where selected players from each class compete at once to determine the winner.
In a total of six events, including five ball game events and tug-of-war, one class out of the three receives a seed in advance and advances to the finals.
'If possible, we should get seeds in soccer and baseball.'
Two seeds per class.
The three Instructors decided to play rock-paper-scissors to determine which events they would get seeds for.
"Well, honestly, we don't even need seeds, but since that's the system, we have no choice."
Instructor Choi Seung-wook provoked first.
"I guess I'll reluctantly accept seeds? Haha. Feel free to tell me if there are any events you're not confident in."
"Hmm. It would be good to get seeds for the events with the longest game times if possible."
Instructor Kim Cheol-han answered without much interest in Choi Seung-wook's words.
"Since the result will be the same anyway, wouldn't it be better to end it quickly?"
"Ho."
Pzzzt!
The gazes of the two Instructors collided in mid-air.
"Well, among our cadets, there are some who frequently participated in baseball and volleyball competitions before admission. I recommend you get seeds in those areas if possible. It's good to at least reach the finals, right?"
"I appreciate the consideration, but that won't be necessary."
"......"
Between them, Instructor Park Jong-woon sat quietly.
Class 3 had historically shown the weakest performance because they had ten more people but many of them were supporters.
'But this time is different. As long as those kids are there...!'
"Alright. Then without further ado, let's begin."
The three Instructors' eyes gleamed solemnly.
"Rock."
"Paper."
"Scissors!"
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"Now let's plan the lineup."
Su-hyeon and Lee Yu-jin, standing in front of the blackboard, presided over the meeting.
"First, the events we got seeds for are soccer and baseball."
Yu-jin said.
"For those two events, we can concentrate our best members and decide the match in one go, and for the rest, I think it would be good to select both first-string and backup players widely."
"That seems reasonable."
Seo Jun-seong also agreed with her opinion.
"We need to be tactical! Energy and time are limited!"
Hong In-hyeon, who showed the most enthusiasm, said.
"In dodgeball, 15 people participate and the rules are simple, right? Since we're divided into infield and outfield and everyone rotates, it would be easy to divide by athletic ability. Tug-of-war involves everyone, so there's no need to worry about that."
"That's right."
Su-hyeon nodded.
"But for the other events, we need to assign positions accurately. Especially for basketball and volleyball since there are fewer players."
"In-hyeon is right."
Yu-jin wrote each event name—soccer, baseball, basketball, and dodgeball—on the blackboard.
"I'll take volunteers and recommendations. First, let's freely sort out the best members."
"Let's start with soccer first!"
Kim Ho-su raised his hand high.
"I've watched a lot of soccer games. I'd like to be a player-coach."
"Then you're welcome to."
'That guy is such a soccer enthusiast, he'll do well if we leave it to him.'
Su-hyeon handed the chalk to Kim Ho-su.
"Go ahead. Is that okay?"
"Yes."
Yu-jin also nodded.
"Hehe, as expected, our Vice President is open-minded."
Kim Ho-su first drew a 4-3-3 formation on the blackboard.
"I've actually been observing on weekends while playing soccer?"
"I don't know much about soccer, but In-hyeon seems really good just by looking at him."
"The Class 2 guys aren't much. We're 3 wins and 1 loss against them."
"That's exactly it. They'll have tailored tactics prepared for revenge."
Kim Ho-su first wrote Kang Geon-woo's name in the goalkeeper position.
"Geon-woo is big, good with his hands, and not afraid of diving. He'll be perfect as a goalkeeper."
Kang Geon-woo also showed confidence.
"No problem."
"Okay."
Kim Ho-su wrote Kong Yeongjin and Go Do-il's names in the two center-back positions.
"We'll place Yeongjin, who has the best strength in our class, as a fighter-type center-back, and Do-il, who is solid with good athletic ability and sense, will take the commander-type center-back role."
The two had often played as center-backs before, so they nodded without objection.
"And for the fullbacks, hmm."
Kim Ho-su turned his gaze to Nam Tae-hoon.
"Tae-hoon! Do you want to be right-back?"
"Huh? Me?"
"Yes. You run well, but your feet are triangular. Just run diligently. Don't even attempt crosses, just participate in the attack work."
"What is this, a compliment or an insult?"
"It's a compliment."
'Hmm. Surprisingly accurate instruction.'
Only Su-hyeon, who knew Nam Tae-hoon's entertainment ability, nodded secretly.
"And I'll take left-back. I'm confident in build-up from the back and cross support."
Kim Ho-su wrote his own name in the left-back position.
"Ho-su is the fastest among us anyway."
"I saw last time, he has a good combination with In-hyeon."
"With In-hyeon penetrating as an inside winger and Ho-su providing cutbacks from the side, it's an easy goal."
"But like this, aren't we lacking in fullback weight compared to Class 2? Ho-su is relatively weak in physical battles, and Tae-hoon has bad footwork."
To Seo Jun-seong's point, Kim Ho-su asserted.
"That can't be helped. We may give up a bit on the sides, but we need to make the center thick."
"...Everyone seems to completely disregard Class 3."
"Now, midfielders are important."
Kim Ho-su wrote Kwak Dong-ho's name in the defensive midfielder position, and on the left and right, he wrote Su-hyeon and Han Soyul's names respectively.
"Su-hyeon, I'd like you to take the Mezzala role and help open up the attack. Also help with ball distribution and carrying."
"Hmm."
Although he had only played one game on the weekend out of boredom, he nodded at Kim Ho-su's words, which immediately identified his strengths.
"Alright."
"Soyul also has good stamina, strong kicks, and is a good supporting player, so move in a box-to-box style."
"I'm confident in that."
Han Soyul showed enthusiasm.
"And for right wing..."
Hwang Ji-su, who had been listening quietly, raised her hand.
"Give that to Seung-yeon. She made it to the semifinals in a tournament during middle school."
"Oh really?"
"Wow!"
"No, that's an old story, just an old story."
Kwon Seung-yeon waved her hands.
"Hmm. If it's Ji-su's recommendation, it should be reliable."
Then Su-hyeon, who was well aware of Kwon Seung-yeon's soccer skills, chimed in slightly.
"Let's trust her with it."
"Shall we? No objections from anyone?"
Kim Ho-su wrote Hong In-hyeon's name in the left wing position on the opposite side.
"In-hyeon is a must."
"Who's the striker?"
"It's Me!"
Jeremy McGarr raised his hand enthusiastically.
"Oh, if it's Jeremy, I approve."
Thus, the best eleven was swiftly confirmed.
"Let's set this for soccer for now and adjust later if needed."
"Good job."
As Kim Ho-su returned to his seat, Yu-jin took the chalk again.
"Then let's decide on volleyball too."
"For volleyball, can't we select from the members who played beach volleyball that time?"
Oh Min-sun said.
"That's true, but the times might overlap with basketball."
"Ah, I see."
"If I had to prioritize, I'd rather play basketball than volleyball."
Hong In-hyeon raised his hand.
"For volleyball, Jeong Su-hyeon is the best, so we should organize around you."
"Let's do that."
Su-hyeon nodded.
"Let's put Kang Geon-woo, Kong Yeongjin, Yoon Garam, Nam Tae-hoon, and Hong In-hyeon in basketball first..."
Su-hyeon wrote his own name along with Kwon Seung-yeon, Hwang Ji-su, Seong Do-kyung, Jeremy McGarr, Seo Jun-seong, and others for volleyball.
"Baseball is the problem. First, we need to decide on a pitcher to make the game work. Is there anyone good at catch ball?"
Then Nam Tae-hoon raised his hand.
"Me, me!"
'Nam Tae-hoon should be fine.'
Su-hyeon thought.
"That's okay for now. It would be good to have one more. Although it's played over 7 innings, we need substitution resources. It's fortunate we got a seed."
"Then I'll volunteer too."
Jeremy McGarr raised his hand.
"I can throw sliders and curves as breaking balls, and my velocity is decent."
"Wow, this is moving along so smoothly?"
Kwon Seung-yeon admired the scene.
"It's fortunate we have so many good athletes."
Kim A-yun also said.
"Running is important too. For the 100m, someone with good acceleration should go in, and for the 1600m, someone with good endurance."
"First of all, Kim Ho-su, Han Soyul, and Jeong Su-hyeon definitely need to be in!"
"Hong In-hyeon should be in too!"
The cadets quickly filled the lineup, each recommending names.
Finally, the agenda moved on to the track part.
"Now we need to decide on the pairs for the three-person four-legged race."
Doo-doong!
At Yu-jin's words, tension filled the air among the cadets.
'What is this strange tension?'
Su-hyeon flinched, feeling the gazes directed at him.
'This is a chance!'
'To run with our arms around each other's shoulders and matching our steps!'
'It can't be helped if our legs get tangled and we fall, right?'
'We'll definitely fall. Then I'll have to put bandages on.'
Fwoosh!
The personal interests of many cadets blazed up.
"...Why is everyone suddenly so enthusiastic?"
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"Hehe."
Kim A-yun, who became Su-hyeon's partner for the three-person four-legged race, breaking through slim odds, smiled broadly.
'I was lucky.'
It's a bit concerning that Hwang Ji-su also became a partner.
But in any case, she can now run with her arm around Su-hyeon's shoulder.
'It would have been nice to participate in other events together too, but my athletic abilities are poor.'
Kim A-yun, who had put away her regrets, fiddled with her pillow.
'But it's okay.'
But isn't strategy about hiding my disadvantages and highlighting my advantages?
It's not like I have to compete together.
'I can cheer, support, and take care of him from the side.'
Therefore, Kim A-yun had finished preparing by reverently putting away a towel that she had washed with plenty of her favorite fabric softener.
'The weather will be hot, and Su-hyeon will participate in many events, so he'll sweat a lot.'
Preparing towels and drinks.
Classic, but as basic a strategy as it gets, right?
'I saw it in manga, so it must work!'
Plus,
'We can also snack around campus during lunch that day.'
Kim A-yun was aiming for a bigger harvest, using the towel as a stepping stone.
"Hehehe."
Kim A-yun's happiness circuit was quietly operating.
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"...Hmm."
Su-hyeon, who was examining the order details of the "business" while sitting with Nam Tae-hoon and Kwon Seung-yeon at Paul Baguette, tilted his head.
"Why has the demand for these items suddenly increased?"
Pretty handkerchiefs, cute band-aids, water bottles, premium chocolates...
Orders for items that were a bit different from usual stood out.
"Ah, that? I think I know what it is."
Nam Tae-hoon chuckled.
"I don't understand. They sell all of this on campus too, don't they?"
"That's why they want to buy something special from outside to score points."
"With whom?"
"Who knows. Doesn't it mean everyone is looking forward to their youth that much?"
"...?"
"You're only dense in these areas."
Kwon Seung-yeon grumbled.
"Are you pretending not to know?"
"I really don't know what you're talking about."
"You'll probably find out in three days."
Meanwhile,
"Hmm."
Nam Tae-hoon's expression became serious as he examined Choi Mina's order.
"Mina ordered chocolate."
"Really?"
"...Who is she going to give it to?"
"Isn't she going to eat it herself?"
"No. Mina doesn't really like chocolate."
At Nam Tae-hoon's serious words, Su-hyeon and Kwon Seung-yeon also put on serious faces.
"You know you just sounded like a stalker, right?"
"It sounds a bit creepy when a guy who has barely even talked to her says things like that."
"It's not like that!"
'...How many iterations have there been where Nam Tae-hoon and Choi Mina were connected?'
Su-hyeon silently wished Nam Tae-hoon good luck with his romance path, which didn't seem likely to be smooth sailing from here on out.
Of course.
The person himself was showing a remarkably obtuse attitude about the situation surrounding him.
It was the sorrow of a stagnant old player whose attention was focused solely on the goal of clearing the scenario.