"OK, everyone, did you enjoy that?" Hajime called out to the crowd, his voice still carrying the energy from the spectacular exhibition match.
"YEAH!" the crowd roared back, their enthusiasm undiminished by the dramatic conclusion they'd just witnessed.
"Well, we have more where that came from. Let the games begin!" Hajime announced, his arms raised to acknowledge the crowd's excitement.
The cheers that followed were deafening, thousands of voices united in anticipation of what was to come.
"Now, will the guardians competing in the race follow me to the track, please?"
In the South section, Yoku stood up and stretched. "Well, we're up, Romaji. Guys, wish us luck."
"I don't need luck," Romaji replied with characteristic confidence.
"Make sure you guys win this! Show them we're the best school!" Kamira called out with fierce pride.
"You got it!" Yoku replied, heading toward the track with determined steps.
As they departed, Mashū turned to Anjero with curiosity. "Why is Yoku running it? I mean, he's a fast runner, but this is a Guardian event, meaning they'll be using their abilities."
"I guess Yoku never used it around you," Anjero replied.
"Used what?"
"Yoku can use his bullets to teleport."
"Teleport?!" Mashū's eyes widened with surprise.
"Yeah, he can only use it once, I believe, because it gives him a blistering headache."
"Hm, interesting ability. Is that how he got to Kamira and Romaji so quickly?"
"I guess it was."
"No wonder he was so high up," Kamira added, the pieces finally clicking together.
**At the Track**
The racing track was a marvel of engineering—a perfectly maintained oval that stretched for exactly five miles, with clearly marked checkpoints and viewing areas for spectators. Energy barriers ensured that no stray abilities would endanger the crowd.
"Ready, Romaji?" Yoku asked, bouncing on his feet as he prepared for competition.
"As I'll ever be, buddy. Let's win this for the school," Romaji replied, his usual self-centered attitude replaced by genuine team spirit.
"Wow, you're doing it for something other than yourself now?" Yoku observed with surprise.
"What are you talking about? I've never been selfish," Romaji protested, though his grin suggested he knew exactly what Yoku meant.
"OK, everyone, allow me to introduce this year's participants for the spirit race!" Hajime's voice carried clearly across the track. "In lane one, we have Romaji Jon-zu from Spirit South High School!"
"Woo! Romaji, win this, wild boy!" voices from the South section called out enthusiastically.
"In lane two, we have Osore Akumu from Spirit West High School."
"Hello, everyone," Osore said quietly, his voice barely carrying to the stands. He was unremarkable in appearance—average height, plain features, the kind of person who could disappear in a crowd without effort.
"Who is he?" one spectator asked.
"No idea," another replied.
"Ahem, OK, in lane three, we have Yokudan Baka from Spirit South High School."
"Wow, what a stupid last name! Hahaha!" a spectator called out mockingly.
"Grrr... Shut up! Whoever said that, come and taste these fists and see how stupid my last name is!" Yoku snarled, his hands automatically moving toward his weapons.
"Yokudan, behave yourself," Hajime warned. "Anyways, in lane four, we have Nanshi Furōresu from Spirit East... middle school."
"Why is there a little kid here?" a spectator wondered aloud.
"Not sure, but I hope she wins!" another replied supportively.
"I know this seems a little weird, but she is also a Guardian in training," Hajime explained.
"Do your best, little girl!" the crowd called out encouragingly.
"I really don't want to be here," Nanshi muttered, looking overwhelmed by the attention.
"Nanshi!" Shinkei called out from the stands.
"Oh, hey, Shinkei! Anjero!" she replied, her face brightening considerably.
"Good luck!" Anjero shouted back.
"Now I have to do my best," Nanshi said with renewed determination.
"And for our last contestant, in lane five, we have Tarik Arashi from Spirit North High School."
"Hello, losers," Tarik announced with casual disdain.
"Boo! Who is this guy?" the crowd responded negatively.
"Will you all shut up before I bury you all!" Tarik threatened, his arrogance undimmed by the hostile reception.
"Anyways, the rules are simple," Hajime continued, ignoring the dramatics. "You can't use your abilities until you hit the first checkpoint. After that, use your powers all you want. OK, in your positions, everyone. Ready! Get set! GO!"
**The Race**
All five contestants exploded from the starting line with the enhanced speed that came from spirit-guardian training. Even without using their abilities, they moved faster than any normal human athlete.
"Huh, huh, OK, I'm in first. Almost to the first checkpoint," Yoku panted, his natural speed carrying him ahead of the pack. "Yo, Romaji, catch up, will ya?"
"Shut up! I'm catching up! Once I hit this checkpoint, I'm winning this!" Romaji called back, his competitive spirit driving him forward.
"And Yoku reaches the checkpoint first, followed by Romaji in a close second, and Osore in third!" the first announcer called out.
"OK, here goes! VANTAGE POINT!" Yoku shouted, activating his teleportation ability.
"Yoku teleported to the finish line and crossed it! Yoku won first place!" the second announcer declared.
"That's so cheating! BEAST SPIRIT TAKEOVER: CHEETAH!" Romaji protested, his body transforming as he channeled his animal spirit for maximum speed.
"And Romaji finishes in second! South wins the first event!" the first announcer confirmed.
But something was wrong. In the stands, Anjero watched with growing confusion as Yoku stood motionless at the finish line, not acknowledging the cheers or celebrating his victory.
"Woah, what's happening? I can hear cheering, but no one's moving," Yoku said, his voice carrying a note of confusion that the crowd couldn't hear.
"That's because you're in an illusion, sawdust boy, and you should try to wake up before you end up in last place," Osore said calmly, walking steadily toward the actual finish line while the other contestants stood frozen in place.
"What's going on? Yoku is at the finish line, but he's not moving," the second announcer observed with growing concern.
"Neither is anyone else... Wait, Osore is walking toward the finish line!" the first announcer exclaimed.
"He's gonna cross it!"
"Osore Akumu is the winner of this race!" both announcers declared as the unremarkable boy from Spirit West crossed the finish line with casual confidence.
Suddenly, the other contestants began to stir, their awareness returning as the illusion dissolved.
"Wha... what happened? Why is there cheering going on and I'm not even across the finish line yet?" Romaji asked in confusion.
"Huh, wha... No, I... I lost by a step. You evil, conniving son of a bi—" Yoku started angrily.
"Yoku, calm down. He just used his ability, is all. Fair and square," Hajime intervened, though he looked concerned by the implications of Osore's power.
Leaning close to Yoku, he whispered, "Hopefully you or Romaji get him in the tournament and get your revenge there."
"Yeah... I hope it's me," Yoku replied grimly.
"Romaji finishes in third place, followed by Tarik in fourth and Nanshi in fifth," the first announcer concluded.
"Yoku, what happened?" Romaji asked, breathing hard from his sprint.
"Osore put all of us in an illusion and crossed the finish line while we were in stasis," Yoku explained, his frustration evident.
"Wow, don't look so down, man. You did your best, and we have two more games after this and then the tournament," Romaji said supportively.
"Thanks, Romaji. That's a lot coming from you. I appreciate it," Yoku replied, genuinely touched by his teammate's encouragement.
"You guys did amazing," Mīgan said as she approached, having watched from the sidelines.
"Yeah, good work out there," Anjero added as the team regrouped.
"Ms. Sutarion, you were watching?" Yoku asked with renewed energy.
"Yeah, and I was proud of you two for not giving up," she replied warmly.
"Does this mean I can take you on a date now?" Yoku asked hopefully.
"Don't push your luck, kid," Migan replied with amusement.
"Well, with that, let's continue today's events, yeah?" Hajime announced.
"YEAH!" the crowd responded enthusiastically.
"Bring on the next event!" a spectator shouted.
"That's what I like to hear! The next event will be the obstacle throw. The rules are simple: the guardians will put on these energy gauntlets and throw this giant spirit mineral across the field. The longer the distance, the better."
"This better be entertaining!" another spectator called out.
"Oh, it will," Hajime replied confidently. "Let me introduce the contestants! First contestant, we have Kamira Yusei from Spirit South High School!"
"Woah, she's muscular," one spectator observed.
"That's how I like my women... Mmm, strong," another said appreciatively.
"Bro... chill out," a third voice warned.
"OK... Our second contestant for this event is Space Jūryoku from Spirit West High School."
"Another one from the West, huh?" Kamira muttered, her earlier encounter with the Sanda twins clearly still on her mind.
"The third contestant is Mashū Mori from Spirit South High School!"
"Hello, everyone!" Mashū called out with his characteristic confidence.
"He's kinda cute... ouch! What was that?" a female spectator suddenly exclaimed.
"What happened?" her companion asked with concern.
"Felt like I was slapped, but I didn't see anything," she replied, looking around in confusion.
From the West section, quiet laughter could be heard. "That's what you get, bitch. He's ours," Ichiji whispered.
"You can say that again, sis," Tekai agreed.
"And the final contestant today is Suna Kessho from Spirit North," Hajime concluded.
"Hello, beautiful people! I expect a fair contest. Let's all have fun, shall we?" Suna announced with flamboyant enthusiasm.
"Well, this one is interesting," Mashū observed.
"OK, Kamira, if you would step up to the plate and put these on for me," Hajime instructed, gesturing to the energy gauntlets.
"OK... So I just throw the boulder?" Kamira asked, examining the massive spirit mineral that served as the throwing object.
"Yes, but there's a catch to it. You're clever—I'm pretty sure you can figure it out. You have one minute, and... GO!"
"OK, let's see if I can move it without my spirit... huuunah, it won't budge. HULKEN RAGE!" Kamira activated her transformation, her muscles swelling as her spirit took partial control.
"Forty seconds left!" the first commentator announced.
"It budged a little. I think I'm getting it now," Kamira said, her analytical mind working even in her enhanced state.
"What is this? Kamira went back to normal and closed her eyes. There's only twenty seconds left, folks!" the second commentator observed with growing excitement.
"Just like in practice," Kamira murmured to herself, centering her focus.
"Ten seconds! Nine... eight... seven... six... five... four..." the first commentator counted down.
"Just focus on channeling the aura in my arms. HAAAAAA!" Kamira shouted, her spirit energy concentrating in her upper body without the full transformation.
"WOW! And it's sent flying!" the second commentator exclaimed as the massive boulder soared through the air.
"Yes, good job figuring it out, Kamira," Hajime said with obvious pride.
"335 meters!" the judge announced.
"And Kamira sets the tone for this event!" both commentators declared.
"Let's go! Great job, Kam!" Anjero cheered from the stands.
"Thank you, Anjero!" Kamira called back, beaming with satisfaction.
"That was amazing, Kam!" Shinkei added.
"Thank you, thank you!" Kamira replied, basking in the praise.
"Look who's here," Romaji said, pointing toward the
spectator area.
"Not bad," came a familiar voice as Kalira approached in her wheelchair.
"Kalira, you showed up!" Kamira exclaimed with joy.
"I couldn't miss the first-ever Guardian Games, plus my little sister is in it, and I wouldn't miss it for the world," Kalira replied warmly.
"Hm, Guardian Games... I think I like that a little more," Hajime mused. "Well, now for our second contestant. Space, can you step up?"
"No need for the gauntlets... ZERO!" Space announced, flicking the boulder with seemingly minimal effort.
"And it was sent straight up!" the second commentator called out in confusion.
"Twenty meters!" the judge announced.
The crowd fell silent, unsure how to react to such an unexpected result.
"Can I get a redo?" Space asked hopefully.
"Nope, if you launched it, the count is final," Hajime replied firmly.
"Whatever, man. I'll remember this," Space muttered, walking away in obvious embarrassment.
"Now Mashū steps up to the plate, please," Hajime announced.
"OK, I think I get what's going on," Mashū said, having observed the previous attempts carefully.
"And... GO!"
"OK, just focus the aura in my arms," Mashū said, following Kamira's example.
"Woah, Mashū has two very interesting auras!" the second commentator observed as gold and silver energy swirled around him.
"Die, you stupid rock!" Mashū shouted, hurling the boulder with tremendous force.
"Um... die?" Anjero questioned from the stands.
"It looks like South got this game figured out!" the first commentator declared.
"400 meters!" the judge announced.
"New high score!" both commentators exclaimed.
"Nice job, Mashū!" Yoku called out.
"You know you only got higher than me because you went after me, right?" Kamira said with good-natured competitiveness.
"Yup, and thanks for the example, Teach!" Mashū replied with a grin.
"Shut up, fool," Kamira laughed.
"Hey, no getting all buddy-buddy with our boyfriend, you pig!" Ichiji called out from the stands.
"Yeah, go back to your gym, you swole freak!" Tekai added.
"When did you get two girlfriends?" Kamira asked Mashū with amusement.
"I didn't! I don't know what they're talking about," Mashū replied, laughing despite his discomfort.
"Mashū is the man! He got him a pair right there!" Yokudan called out teasingly.
"Chill out," Mashū protested.
"Next is Suna from North," Hajime announced.
"I got this in the glistening beautiful bag," Suna declared with confidence.
"GO!"
"What's he doing?" the first commentator asked as Suna knelt beside the boulder.
"Looks like he's having a conversation with it," the second commentator observed with bewilderment.
Fifty-five seconds passed with Suna apparently engaged in deep conversation with the inanimate object.
"Five... four... three... two... one... zero!" the commentators counted down.
"DNF," the judge announced—Did Not Finish.
"Sorry, we were having the most interesting conversation about colors," Suna explained cheerfully.
"The winner of the obstacle throw is... Mashū!" Hajime declared.
"Congratulations, Mashū, on winning!" Anjero called out from the stands.
"Congrats, Mashū. Here's your gold medal," Hajime said, presenting the award.
"Thank you all," Mashū replied, genuinely moved by the recognition.
"That's our boyfriend!" the twins chorused from the stands.
"Guys, I'm scared. I met those two, thirty minutes ago, and they're already both calling me their boyfriend," Mashū confided to his teammates.
"Cheer up, Mashū. At least you have admirers. Lucky bastard—I should punch you for having girls fight over you," Yokudan said with mock jealousy.
"You can have them, I don't want them," Mashū replied desperately.
"I tried. They instantly turned me down. They told me I 'look like a weak lame,'" Yokudan said dejectedly.
"Yoku... I'm sorry," Mashū said with genuine sympathy.
"It's just not fair... Anjero, you understand my frustration, right?" Yokudan asked.
"Uh... yeah," Anjero replied uncertainly.
"Hey, Anjero, I'll see you on the field for the next event," Ashuri called out, appearing beside them with her characteristic otherworldly grace.
"You freaking liar! I trusted you!" Yoku accused Anjero.
"I just met her also," Anjero protested.
"But she knows your name... It's OK, I'll just go sit in a corner somewhere till the tournament starts tomorrow," Yoku said dramatically.
"OK then," Anjero replied, still confused about why this attractive, powerful girl seemed to be targeting him specifically.
As the day's events continued, it was becoming clear that the competition was about more than just school pride. Personal relationships, hidden agendas, and individual rivalries were creating a complex web of motivations that would make the upcoming tournament far more dangerous than anyone had anticipated.
But for now, Seishin South was performing well, and their teamwork was proving to be their greatest asset.
Tomorrow's tournament would test not just their individual abilities, but their bonds as teammates and friends.
And with everything that had been building—the mysterious threats, the family connections, and the personal vendettas—the final competition promised to reveal truths that would change everything.