Cote: Elite in Action

Unity in Adversity

The euphoria of victory in the first event, football, filled the air in our class. It wasn't surprising—after all, Kayden had participated, and when he's on the field, victory is practically guaranteed. His skill with the ball not only led us to win but also left an indelible impression on all the spectators. If he ever decided to become a professional footballer, I'm certain he wouldn't just stand out; he'd become a legend. I remember he once mentioned being interested in the idea; perhaps one day, we'll see him shine in stadiums around the world.

On the other hand, Sakayanagi-san didn't seem fazed by our victory. Her calm smile didn't waver for even a second. Of course, this was only the first event, and she might have full confidence in her classmates' strategic and academic abilities. However, this victory was crucial for us. It didn't just give us a boost in points; it also raised our class's morale. Kayden's leadership and skill were the cornerstone of this great start.

Chabashira-sensei and Sakagami-sensei soon interrupted my thoughts. Both called for our attention with firm tones; the next event would appear on the screen in a few seconds. There was no time to waste, especially because the rules stated that those who had already participated in an event couldn't compete again, except under very specific conditions. Everyone was on edge.

A few moments later, the words "Literature Quiz" appeared on the screen, accompanied by the event's details. It would be a team competition requiring four participants per class. This event would depend entirely on the knowledge and mental agility of the selected members. Without hesitation, I started thinking about who could represent us. One name that immediately came to mind was Minamikata-san. His ability in this area was outstanding, and I was confident he would contribute a high score to the team.

I quickly selected the other three members, evaluating their strengths based on what I knew about them. As the names were submitted to the panel, I ensured they were the best suited for the task. Sakayanagi also took her time choosing her representatives. It was evident she didn't want to make any mistakes in this event, especially after losing the previous one.

The selected participants from both classes began moving toward the location where the quiz would take place. They had a 40-minute time limit to answer the questions. According to the rules, the winning team would be the one with the highest sum of individual scores. As I watched them walk away on the screen, I noticed that none of my classmates seemed nervous. Their posture and expressions radiated confidence and determination.

I smiled slightly, seeing them so composed. That calmness was contagious, and at that moment, I knew I had made the right choices. The wait would be long, but I had faith that the outcome would be positive. After all, victory isn't just about talent; it's also about preparation, and that's something we've been diligently working on as a class.

The atmosphere was filled with murmurs as the rest of the students prepared to watch the outcome. The screens showed the participants focused at their desks while we waited patiently. This second event would set the tone for the rest of the competition. Winning again wouldn't just solidify our position; it would also send a clear message: our class was ready to dominate.

...

After what felt like an eternity, the results finally appeared on the screen. The sum of the individual scores showed a clear difference between our classes, and once again, the winner was my class. A smile of pure satisfaction spread across my face. Two consecutive victories. I wasn't just proud of what we had achieved; I was overjoyed to see that my classmates' hard work was paying off. I looked at each of them; their faces reflected the same emotion. Their sincere smiles were a reminder that this victory was shared, a collective triumph.

Out of curiosity, I glanced at Sakayanagi-san, hoping to perhaps catch a glimpse of concern or frustration on her face. However, her expression hadn't changed. She still wore that slight smile she always had, as if the results didn't affect her in the slightest. I wondered if that calmness reflected her confidence in being able to turn things around or if she simply didn't care much about losing this quiz. Her intriguing attitude was hard to decipher, and it made me question her true thoughts.