Cote: Elite in Action

Final Lap Triumph: The Relay Race Decider

Time was passing quickly, and with it had come the final event of the sports festival: the 1200-meter relay race, where students from all years would compete. Each class had to select four students—two girls and two boys—to participate. The order of the runners would be decided by themselves.

For Kayden's class, the chosen runners were Kayden, Honami, Shibata, and Minamikata, all of whom had shown the best athletic performance. As the teams lined up, Kayden took his place as the anchor, the final position. With his almost superhuman speed, it was obvious he would close the race. Shibata would start the relay to gain the initial advantage, followed by Minamikata and then Honami. Finally, Kayden would close the relay. That was the order for Class A.

As the students stretched and prepared for the start of the event, Kayden noticed some familiar faces who would also be in the anchor position.

"Look who it is," Kayden said, looking towards Horikita Manabu. "The student council president."

"Osawa," Horikita replied, addressing Kayden. "I see you'll also be the anchor. It was to be expected."

"Just like you," Kayden responded with a smile. "It seems you've also led your class well. Your victory seems assured."

The third-year Class A had shown overwhelming superiority over the other classes, thanks to Horikita's impeccable leadership.

"I could say the same about you," Horikita replied calmly. "Your class probably has the victory secured, and I'm not just referring to the sports festival."

Kayden understood Horikita's reference, alluding to the class point difference between them.

"In this world, nothing is set in stone," Kayden shrugged. "Who knows? My class might fall due to some surprise."

"I don't see that as possible," Horikita said, her tone as serious as always. "Overcoming a point difference of more than a thousand is unrealistic. But you're right about one thing: surprises can always occur."

Horikita's gaze briefly shifted to a student from Kayden's year, another anchor in the race. That subtle look did not escape Kayden, who watched with interest.

But that interest was abruptly interrupted as the race was about to begin. Kayden diverted his gaze, focusing once again on the start of the event. The initial runners lined up in their positions, tense and focused.

The first leg of the relay race was about to start, and the tension in the air was palpable. The teams were formed by four runners each, and the first to run were Shibata from Class A, Sudo from Class C, Hashimoto from Class B, and Ibuki from Class D.

Shibata, with a firm and concentrated posture, aligned at the starting line. Sudo, with an energetic attitude, was ready to make the initial push. Hashimoto, with calm focus, watched attentively, while Ibuki, with a determined stance, prepared for the challenge.

At the sound of the whistle, the runners burst off the start. Sudo shot out with a great burst of speed, quickly taking the lead. Shibata, more methodical in his approach, kept pace and worked to close the gap.

Ibuki, with rapid strides, followed closely, while Hashimoto stayed in the rear but maintained his rhythm. The first lap unfolded with Sudo in the lead, followed by Shibata, who was closing in.

As they reached the exchange point, Sudo completed his leg and handed the baton to his teammate. Shibata handed the baton to Minamikata, who was ready to continue the effort. In Class B, Hashimoto passed the baton to his teammate, accelerating to close the distances. Ibuki from Class D was also in action, moving with determination as she passed the baton to her teammate.