Academy days (Book 2 of IA)

[35] Group stage

"The team you will be facing for your first battle is Blue Rose." Dr. Cherrylove said. "They are a team made up of 4 D level threat and 1 U level threat elemental. Their group consists of: Harumi Kujo U level grass elemental, Ceza Ag D level metal elemental, James Tobin D level water elemental, Ken Inomi D level electric elemental and Amber Dell D level fire elemental." Dr. Cherrylove continued:

"The first battle shouldn't be much of a problem, but we still can't afford to let out guard down." Dr. Cherrylove said. "I will leave the remainder of the time to you all. Good luck to you all in the games." she said before getting up and leaving the room.

"We will." I grinned with certainty. I stood in the center of the locker room, looking at each member of the team, all fully geared in their respective MS. I took a deep breath and began to speak, my voice steady and full of conviction.

"Guys, this is it. Our first match in the summer games. I know we've trained hard, and we've faced a lot of challenges together. But today, we have the opportunity to show everyone what we're made of. It's not just about winning; it's about proving to ourselves and the world that we can stand together as a team and face whatever comes our way."

I paused, making eye contact with each of his teammates. "I believe in each and every one of you. I know we have the skills and the determination to succeed. But we can't do this alone. We have to work together, support one another, and communicate. We're a family, and together, we can overcome anything."

I saw the determination in the eyes of his teammates, as they nodded in agreement. "Now, let's get out there and give it our all. Let's show everyone what we can do when we work together. Let's make ourselves proud. Are you with me?"

My teammates responded with enthusiasm, their voices unified in a resounding, "Yes!" They put their hands together in the center of the circle, their team spirit stronger than ever. With a final cheer, we filed out of the locker room and into the arena, ready for their first match in the summer games.

***

The sun beamed its spotlight on us as we entered into the arena. On the other side of the arena was the enemy team.

This is it...

I clenched my fists, ready to join the fight, that's when Isa pulled me aside.

"Kard, listen to me," she said firmly, her eyes locked on mine. "I want you to stay back during this match. You're our trump card, and we can't afford to reveal your abilities too early in the competition."

I felt a mixture of surprise and frustration. "But, Isa... I want to help. I want to fight with you guys."

"I know you do," she replied, placing a hand on my shoulder. "And you will, when the time is right. But for now, trust us. We've got this."

I reluctantly nodded, understanding that she had a point.

The announcer was a girl with long flowy pink hair, she stood on a floating platform and hovered around the arena at mid height.

"This is the first game of the summer games! Give it a shout if you are excited for it!" she said with a sweet passionate voice.

The crowd let out a deafening roar.

"I am your host Haruka Monomi! And I will be your host for the summer games! Now! In one corner we have the Blue Rose! Lead by Harumi Kujo! Her teammates are Ceza Ag, James Tobin, Ken Inomi D level electric elemental and Amber Dell!"

The crowd gave a series of applause.

"On the other corner we have our only human team, Iron Angel division, lead by Kardusenn Romello! His teammates are Isa Seifi, Kuro, Rumble Ajkin and Biggy the pingu!"

The human side of the crowd made an aww sound upon seeing Biggy, but there was only applause from the human side of the crowd, with the elemental side being silent except for a few aww sounds for Biggy.

"Now let's start the countdown shall we?" Monomi said, a countdown appeared on a giant monitor on the coliseum side.

The crowd began to countdown with the monitor. "10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! GO!"

The battle began, I remained on the sidelines, my fists clenched and my heart pounding. I desperately wanted to join the fray, but I knew that I had to hold back.

As the battle unfolded, I watched in awe as my teammates worked together with incredible skill and precision. Isa's mastery of close combat with her spear was a sight to behold. She darted in and out, landing powerful blows on the enemy elementals, taking advantage of their momentary disorientation.

Kuro, perched high on a ledge, used her sniper to pick off the enemy from a distance. Her shots were precise and calculated, each one striking a critical weak point and disrupting the enemy's flow of power.

Rumble, with his shield and gun, took on a more defensive role, deflecting the enemy's elemental attacks and providing cover for the rest of the team. He would also unleash a barrage of gunfire whenever he saw an opening, keeping the enemy on their toes and unable to properly focus their attacks.

Biggy, despite his pingu form, was a force to be reckoned with. He would transform into a giant rolling ball, barreling through the enemy ranks and causing chaos in their formation. His unexpected agility and power caught the enemy off guard, giving our team the advantage.

One by one, the enemy elementals fell, overwhelmed by the sheer skill and synergy of our team. Their powers weakened as they struggled to keep up with the onslaught, and eventually, they were all knocked out.

"All team Blue Rose members have lost consciousness, I announce team Iron Angel is the winner!" Monomi shouted.

Cheers from the human audience filled half the arena, but the elemental side remained quiet. The whole place was like a half filled bowl of milk, if cheers were milk now.

At the same time, I felt pride and disappointed. I am prideful that my team won, but disappointed at the same time, I didn't get to use my abilities.

"Cheer up Kard! There's still several rounds to go." Rin said with a cheerful voice.

"I suppose your right." I forced myself a smile.

***

Amare: "Hmph, they're not as weak as I thought. But they're just a bunch of underlings and a pingu."

Wyndham: "They do have a good teamwork dynamic. It's quite impressive."

Veritas: "I agree with Wyndham. It's not just about individual power, it's about how they work together. We shouldn't underestimate them."

Illyria: "That human, Kard, didn't even participate. I wonder what he can do."

Zeloto: "Heh, maybe he's just there for moral support. Or perhaps he's hiding something."

Wyndham: "We'll find out soon enough. We should prepare for our own matches and not let our guard down."

Q: Was there a time you just got carried by your team in a video game?