บท 51: Gridiron
The professor and his assistant patiently waited for a response from the Council, not knowing that their project was terribly scrapped. Literally.
They waited for about two weeks. During this period, Ronin went to classes just like any other normal student, observed Cermin and his friends at lunchtime, and conducted other tests with Vyrill at dismissal.
One sunny morning, he saw that the group was no longer on the Banquet Palace's second floor. Ronin peered to check at other tables, but they were nowhere to be found.
"They're at the Quadrangle right now." Kai explained as it set down its lunch tray. "There's a Gridiron try-out at the moment, one of the Main Six had an injury so they're finding someone that could substitute him for a while."
Ronin stood up and took his tray with him. "Time to watch some sports, then. You fond of sports?"
"Only by watching it on the sidelines, yeah." Kai also followed after him.
Ronin nodded. "Same thoughts. Is there a great chance of Cermin getting the temporary position?"
"Yes." Kai said as they have gone out of the building, and turned to the right to see the Quadrangle.
The Quadrangle is situated right outside the Spire of Warrior's building, and so, they would have to go exit on one of the gates before reaching it.
All Spires have their own areas situated outside of the main diamond-shaped structure. Everyone could go in these miscellaneous areas, however, but it's clear which of them is which Spire's domain.
The Scholars have their Exhibition room, where the yearly Science Exhibitions are held, and also served as a museum for the former winning inventions. The Artisan students also used this sometimes to store their crafts or dry them under the sun, and the Warriors and Monks sometimes visit to gawk at these thingamajigs.
The Amphitheater was for the performances of the Artisans, but sometimes, the Student Council and other groups will hold an assembly there and use the stage for their speech.
And finally, everyone was very much accepted in the Spire of Monks' Temple of Gods, where religious artifacts are stored and could be prayed to.
Many students from all the other Spires besides Warriors also watch sports games in the Quadrangle like Gridiron during their free time. Ronin was not surprised to see a hundred or so students watching even just the try-outs in different uniforms.
"Alright, boys! Listen up! We have just 13 days left before the competition with Ursa East Schola, and Rainer got his arm on a sling." Volken said gravely. "So one of you has to step up."
"Ursa East. That's Zeuxis' Schola." Ronin rubbed his chin.
Zeuxis did not attend Maellan's funeral even when he was sent a letter to. But Ronin felt during the burial that there was another presence among them and the other guests as the casket was lowered, hiding behind the trees.
Volken spoked loudly with his booming voice. "The competition will be different now. One to one. You'll be assigned to us five remaining Mains, and there is only one round to play."
"Your performance will be evaluated in this single round. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Captain!" The boys that stood up like soldiers all answered at the same time.
There were quite a lot of girls watching at the bleachers of the Quadrangle today. Ronin can hear them whispering to each other.
"Ah, he's so imposing and dreamy! I'd like for Volken to just order me around all day."
"His scar looks so scary, but it adds to his rough charm."
The upper year girls were even worse than the younger years. They're just straight up yelling.
"VOLKEN, MY LORD! MY SILVER PRINCE!"
"MARRY ME AND LET ME BE THE MOTHER OF YOUR CHILDREN!"
Ronin tried to ignore them and focus on the game.
They were all supposed to be noble women, but since they were released from their parent's prying eyes, they all become barbaric when faced with handsome men.
"Fangirls." He rolled his eyes and looked for which Main player Cermin would be assigned to.
"Cermin Drychspiel..." Volken looked up from his list, and grinned. "You'll be competing with me after 4th year's Hephaestion. Better be prepared, I won't take it easy on you just because we're friends."
Cermin grinned from ear to ear. "Of course, Captain! I will do my best!"
"You better. Who knows, you may be the one joining us as a Main player in the competition. Bring honor to your Academy." Volken ruffled his hair, and whistled loudly. "First batch, in position!!!!"
Ronin spotted where the other three insufferable friends were seated. They were also laughing and giggling to themselves, except for Zeriav who just stayed gloomy as always.
"Volken's going to eat him alive~" Rabuka said, still clinging to her boyfriend like a gecko. "Did you see the look on his face, darling?"
"Cermin may be talented, but Volken have years of experience. It would not be surprising at all if he becomes completely obliterated on their first game against each other." Pavone spoke with that snotty smart kid tone of his.
Zeriav seemed to have sensed something, and as he turned....
There was nothing to be seen. He still remained vigilant, however.
"His divine senses are truly something else." Ronin told Kai as they moved seats where they could not easily be seen. "Well, they would be proven wrong once its Cermin's turn. A protagonist's plot armor is too strong to be obliterated, nothing can defeat it."
"You're rooting for Cermin?" Kai asked.
"Knowing that he would win and rooting for him are two different things. I'm just stating the facts. " Ronin said indifferently. "Besides....."
"It would be more interesting if he won. We'll get to see if this fake 'buddy-ness' of his and Volken will hold up if he defeats him."
"Just imagine it." Ronin grinned. "He already hates Cermin for being a show-off, and if a 2nd year like him manage to defeat the Captain of the team itself... He's no longer just a show-off."
"He's a threat."
Kai nodded, as it turned to look at Volken who was currently obliterating some random NPC student, but his eyes never left the little golden boy sitting on the sidelines, waiting for his turn. Just like a hungry wolf eyeing its prey.
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Aries_Monx
Aries_Monx The next chapter would be and action focused chapter, since Gridiron is no simple game after all. Place your bets on either the team captain or this rising new star player.
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