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墨書 Inktalez
Compared to the previous two matches, especially this one, the battle was particularly captivating. The lineups on both sides could be described as a complete overhaul compared to last year, with a few seasoned veterans leading a group of fresh newcomers. This match was, in many ways, a time-consuming and labor-intensive battle.
The teams marched onto the green field with great momentum. After two consecutive matches, the grass had been expertly trimmed by the groundskeepers, returning it to its pristine state. The academy hoped they could deliver a perfect performance on such an immaculate field, sparing no expense in the process. The groundskeepers were more than happy to oblige, as they were paid per job, and the size of the field made no difference to them.
On one side, Star Team was fully prepared with Moyang. Freyr glanced at his teammates, who were all visibly tense. Even Adams no longer exuded his usual dominating aura. After witnessing two matches, their apprehension about the competition was evident; the only unchanging thought among them was their desire to win.
At that moment, someone suddenly moved from the three-point position of Star Team. The two rows of players parted to make way for a figure approaching them. Wearing glasses and appearing tall and slender, he seemed quite refined—someone who looked like he should be attending a literary club's reading session. As he drew closer to Freyr, he exclaimed, "Wow, I didn't expect it to be you, Freyr! It's been such a long time!"
"Uh? Who are you?" Freyr replied, surprised as he looked at the young man before him. He struggled to recall his face but found the voice familiar—almost as if they had worked together on a mission before. However, publicly calling out the name of an opposing team's key player raised eyebrows among those watching.
"Do I know you?" Freyr scratched his head in confusion. He usually remembered faces after just one glance, but some people seemed to lack presence entirely; no matter how many times he looked at them, he couldn't remember. This person clearly fell into that category.
"Ah." The boy sighed lightly and turned to signal the referee to wait a moment. Their conversation seemed far from over, and the referee appeared to be waiting for them to finish before starting the match. Meanwhile, some spectators were angrily throwing soda cans while others shouted for refunds.
"You really do forget easily! I'm Guo Yu! You really have forgotten me," he said.
When Freyr heard his name mentioned, he took a closer look at Guo Yu, noticing the black ribbon tied around his arm—a privilege reserved for team captains. It was evident that all eight teams had put effort into this aspect; some captains, like the leader of Storm Team, wore black headbands on their foreheads to assert authority and help identify their teammates during intense moments on the field.
The psychological tactics had already begun even before the match started; this was merely part of the game.
"Guo Yu, so you’re with Star Team now and even serving as captain! I always thought your intelligence would get you through anything. I didn’t expect you’d actually manage it; you must be quite popular among first-years," Freyr said with a smile as he nudged his shoulder playfully.
"Not quite like that. Although I’m captain and responsible for organizing both offense and defense, it’s quite stressful for me. If we don’t make it past the Reincarnation Tournament, I’ll be branded a failure. And then there’s Tingting—she’s now our team manager and has been tirelessly recruiting new members for months. A significant part of today’s strong Star Team is thanks to her efforts," replied Guo Yu.
Turning his gaze, Freyr spotted a girl dressed like a student sitting in the player area. Compared to before, she now exuded a sense of seriousness about her responsibilities; she had undergone perhaps the most significant transformation over these months. The last time they met, she was just someone who held them back—though ultimately it was her infusion of Mental Power that helped secure their victory.
But that was during military training; although they knew each other well then, everyone understood that progress over these past months had been inevitable for anyone joining teams composed of Gene-Enhanced Humans. Only those with exceptional abilities could qualify for such teams.
Their recent encounters were limited to that initial period during military training when feelings began to blossom. Now, after more than half a year apart and meeting again as rivals in competition—only two teams from each division could advance in the Reincarnation Tournament. This meant that if either side lost in their first match...
It would lead to an irreversible situation where they might lose early and only have next year's tournament to look forward to.
Zhao Tingting, dressed in a student uniform, observed every move on the field with a serious demeanor. She did not seem particularly excited to see her old friends; instead, she sat quietly in the player area with a tactical board in hand, focused on the unfolding situation.
Freyr glanced at the player area and smiled, "You two really are a pair. This match is a reunion of old comrades, but I have no obligation to let you win. That’s the difference between winning and losing."
Guo Yu chuckled, "Of course. I never intended to give up now. We still have to put in our best effort and not back down until the end."
"That's good to hear. After the match, let's get together again, friends. Thank you for your help last time," Freyr extended his hand with a smile.
"That’s nothing; let’s work hard together," Guo Yu replied, shaking Freyr's hand firmly before turning away, his expression suddenly becoming fierce and indifferent as he coldly added a remark.
As both teams returned to their positions, the referee noticed and activated the electronic Virtual Screen, which flickered violently before displaying the scoreboard for both teams. The current score was still 0-0, while the clock was set for the first half of the first round, second round, third round of the second half, and fourth round.
When Freyr put on his plastic cap, he heard the loud alarm signaling the start of the match. The referee tossed the ball to the opposing center forward; it was their offensive team's turn to attack. Guo Yu quickly organized his teammates for a pass, his gestures fluidly changing as he communicated with signs only understood by Star Team members. The opposing defense team struggled to comprehend what was happening. In that moment of hesitation, both defensive teams suddenly charged forward, with two defenders creating a significant gap in the center.
At that moment, a burly player surged forward with the ball, skillfully dodging as he displayed remarkable athleticism while evading several pursuing defenders.
The Ice Dust Team had only three veterans from last year: Long Xingchen was commanding from the Command Tower and undoubtedly served as their backbone; he could not be expected to charge ahead. Xiu was their fastest runner and another second-year player who could also shoot during critical moments like Freyr.
Xiu swiftly maneuvered around defenders with cross steps that made him resemble a fierce beast pouncing into enemy territory. From a distance, it looked as if he were playing with both offensive and defensive team members. If this probing action were interrupted midway, he would need to pass and re-strategize; however, Xiu charged forward with confidence—five yards… zero yards… fifteen yards—about to break through the defensive line and enter the scoring zone.
"Xiu, go! You must block him! Everyone else tighten up and surround him; form a box formation!" Long Xingchen commanded decisively before making reasonable defensive arrangements.
The two runners quickly converged from opposite directions, their eyes igniting with fierce determination. From afar, Xiu's short-range speed burst was impressive; dust kicked up behind him as they engaged in close combat. A moment of distraction allowed Xiu to be caught off guard by an opponent's cross step but he still managed to break through on the right side.
Xiu let out a fierce shout and reached back instinctively; his opponent did not anticipate an attack from behind. Such reflexes were rare in this game. Despite his opponent's speed, Xiu swiftly snatched the ball from his grasp and sent it tumbling to the ground.
A look of shock crossed his opponent's face before he fell hard onto the ground in an embarrassing manner.
Xiu struggled to contain his exhilaration as he caught his breath and pointed at his opponent's nose, saying, "Young man, as long as I'm here, you won't easily break through my defense."
"Oh?"
The man on the ground blinked as two people rushed over to help him up. One of the men scolded, "Focus on the game, Feng Ling! The offensive position has changed. Remember to pass to your teammates next time. You left a gap on both sides just now; I was right next to you on your right, and you didn’t pass to me..."
"I know..."
Feng Ling silently ran ahead, while the two behind him exchanged glances, as if to say, "He definitely didn't hear that, right?"
During the transition of offense, the defensive and offensive teams swapped positions. The offensive team organized their attack while the defensive team's leader, Adams, led his group to form a wall.
"That was amazing! Great job, Xiu!" Freyr congratulated.
Long Xingchen stood directly behind the offensive team and spoke softly enough for everyone to hear, "Not good enough, Xiu. You were just broken through by the opponent. Your speed is clearly faster than theirs. Stay focused; this is just the beginning of the match. This lower-grade kid's speed is no joke. Next time, you'll have to defend alone. Is that okay?"
"Sure, no problem. Leave it to me." Xiu licked his lips.
Long Xingchen raised a finger and pointed toward the opponent's end zone, his tone devoid of any emotion. "Show them your speed, Xiu. This time you lead the offensive run. Offensive team—1 formation for cover and support!"
"Just leave it all to me," Xiu said as he patted his legs. "Now let me show you how impressive I can be."
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