A Tyrant's Will

Volume 2: Chapter 4.2 - The Rush of Battle

June had started tumultuously, its first half marked by chaos. However, contrary to everyone's expectations, the following two weeks passed in relative tranquility.

But now, this fragile peace was about to end.

It was June 30th, the final day before the new month began. The school lay enveloped in silence. Most students had already retired to their dorms, except for a select few who lingered about.

A single set of footsteps echoed through the halls, thudding loudly with each step. They belonged to none other than Sudou Ken, making his way toward the school rooftop.

Mumbling to himself, Sudou finally arrived at his destination. As he opened the door, two students awaited him: Komiya Kyougo and Kondou Reo.

Both were students from Class A and, like him, members of the basketball club.

"There you are, Sudou. Glad you could make it." Komiya raised a hand in greeting.

"Yeah," Kondou said. "It's only fitting that we would be the first to congratulate you. You know, making the regular team as a first year is quite the feat."

Komiya and Kondou piled on the praise for Sudou, who had recently impressed at tryouts and was now a strong candidate for the regular team in the upcoming summer tournament.

"Heh, it's nothing," Sudou replied, puffing out his chest with pride. "My basketball skills are outta this planet. They'd have to be idiots not to pick me."

"Idiots tend to stick together, but I guess not in this case," Komiya said with a smirk.

"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Sudou asked, puzzled by Komiya's remark.

Kondou shook his head in exasperation. "Seriously, Sudou, it's honestly impressive how far standards have fallen. A worthless Class D student like you getting a spot over us? What an absolute joke."

Sudou abruptly turned. "What the hell does being in Class D gotta do with anything? It's sports. Individual skill is the only thing that matters."

"This isn't about skill. The truth is, people from Class D don't deserve to be on the team. Simple as that," Komiya replied.

"Yeah," Kondou added. "It's not fair at all. We can't stand seeing losers like you getting the spotlight."

Sudou's patience was wearing thin. "And what are you gonna do about it, huh? Complain and whine for all I care. I'd wipe the floor with you two on the court any day of the week."

"Sure, that might be true," Komiya said with a sneer, "but it's also about image. It makes the whole school look bad when someone like you is on the team. You've got the brawn, but no brains to match. And when things don't go your way? What then? Picking fights and getting yourself ejected from the game isn't exactly a winning strategy, Sudou."

"Like hell I'd do that!" Sudou retorted.

"Give it up. Someone like you has no business being a regular. Quit basketball and leave the spots for people who actually deserve them, like us."

"Oh yeah? And what if I don't, huh?" Sudou snarled.

"Then there's gonna be a lot of pain in your future, Sudou. You don't want that, do you?"

Sudou finally snapped.

He charged forward, rushing towards his opponent like a bull. His shoulder slammed into Komiya's chest like a battering ram, sending him stumbling backward.

"Gah!" Komiya, not expecting the sudden attack, struggled to maintain his balance.

Sudou didn't hesitate. He seized the opening and shoved Komiya hard, slamming him into the wall. The impact knocked the air from his lungs.