Cote: Elite in Action

Failures and Triumphs

—I'm sorry, Horikita-san. We apologize for the poor performance —said some students from Class C, bowing in apology to Horikita Suzune, the class leader.

—It's alright, it's no big deal—Horikita replied calmly. However, inside, she felt frustrated. Her class hadn't performed well, not because they lacked physical skills, but because there was one class that was dominating most of the events.

—At this rate, we'll end up in last place—Horikita commented, holding her head as she pondered what to do. She didn't have many options, as this exam was more about physical skills than strategies.

—It seems like our class is being crushed—said a student approaching Horikita. It was Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, a young man who was usually quite close to her.

—And not just ours—replied Horikita, as another event, the Tamaire, ended with Kayden Osawa from Class A winning.

—It looks like Osawa has taken first place again. How many is that now?—asked Ayanokouji.

—I don't know, maybe around six already. At this point, it's better to assume that as long as Osawa-kun participates, others don't have a chance to win—said Horikita as she watched Osawa.

—What do you think of Osawa, Horikita?—asked Ayanokouji.

—He's exceptional in every area. I've even come to think that his presence is quite unfair—Horikita admitted.

—Apparently, Osawa is good at everything he does—commented Ayanokouji. At that moment, an announcement interrupted them.

—Attention! The women's 200-meter sprint is about to begin. Participants, please head to the track—announced the professor over the loudspeakers.

—It seems like it's my turn—said Horikita as she got up.

—Good luck. I think you'll need it—said Ayanokouji, looking at Ibuki Mio from Class D, who was very outstanding in physical tests.

...

Horikita lined up on the track, her heart pounding and determination burning in her eyes. The starting signal sounded, and the runners surged forward in a burst of movement. Horikita struggled to maintain a steady pace, her breathing growing heavy, but her mind was focused on a single goal: improving her class's position.

Beside her, Ibuki Mio from Class D ran with impressive speed, a formidable rival who seemed to defy the laws of physics with each stride. The competition was fierce, and Horikita felt it in every fiber of her being. As they neared the finish line, both athletes were almost neck and neck, their breaths synchronized with the frenzied rhythm of their steps. The noise from the crowd mixed with the dull sound of their feet hitting the track, creating a cacophony of support and encouragement.

In the final stretch of the race, when the finish line was within reach, a student from Class D, visibly exhausted but with a fierce determination in her gaze, made an unexpected move. In a moment that seemed to slow down, the student lunged at Horikita with a rough collision, as if her sole intention was to destabilize her. The impact was brutal, shaking Horikita with unexpected violence. Both runners fell to the ground in a confusing tangle of arms and legs, the dust raised by the collision enveloping them in a cloud of chaos.

Horikita was stunned, her mind clouded by surprise and pain. Despite the confusing whirlwind around her, she managed to quickly compose herself. She felt a sharp pang in her ankle, a piercing sensation she tried to ignore with all her might. The lost time and pain became an unbearable weight, but she knew she couldn't afford to give up now.

With a titanic effort, Horikita got up, swaying slightly as the pain in her ankle intensified with each step. The track seemed to stretch endlessly before her, and each stride became a monumental challenge. However, the finish line was in sight, and with unyielding determination, Horikita fought to regain the lost pace. Each step was a battle against fatigue and frustration.