And of course, the boys' team, Class 1-2, won every single match-up we had. Now, it's time for the final girls' match.
The first girl matchup was 1-4 versus 1-1.
1-4 never stood a chance due to Akane. Then after that was 1-3 vs 1-2.
We lost almost in an instant. Anastasia and Kuro on the same team is brutal.
Then, it was 1-4 vs 1-2 and our team won barely. A girl in 1-4 fell and let go of the rope which threw the others off balance.
1-1 vs 1-3 was almost a tie.
It was looking even for the first minute or so but then Kuro looked to be trying more and Akane couldn't handle the added strength of both Anastasia and Kuro.
1-1 vs 1-2 came next.
In that match, Akane's team won.
The final match was 1-3 vs 1-4 and it seemed like Kuro and Anastasia rested for the first few seconds and then pulled like crazy, causing 1-4 to lose.
Overall, for the girls, Class 1-3 dominated just like how the 1-2 boys dominated.
Due to these two overwhelming results, it was Class 1-2 and Class 1-3 in the finals.
Though it was class versus class, I felt like it was simply me against Kuro and Anastasia.
I could sense Akane's bitter stare from a distance.
I knew that I couldn't win. I mean, sheesh, the deadly glare that Kuro is giving me is intense.
For this tug of war, each side has 8 boys and 8 girls to make it fair.
"Ready..."
The referee stood in the middle. He sliced his hand downwards like a guillotine.
"Begin!"
Everyone began pulling. This time, I was really feeling the pressure. The rope slipped toward Kuro's side.
"No way..."
I muttered under my breath.
Why?
Because they were using mana to secure their hands into the rope.
If that's how it is then... I'll do the same!
Not only did I use mana to secure my grip, but I also used it to anchor my feet to the ground.
Anastasia saw this.
It went back to a tie.
"That's... cheating!"
She uttered.
I smirked.
Hey, you guys started it. Don't complain about something that you started yourself!
"You... Idiot!"
Kuro shouted.
"!"
Suddenly, her strength seemed to spike. The change in strength may have only occurred for a second but it changed the flow of the whole match. The rope was pulled over the line and the referee stopped the match with a whistle.
The referee then pointed at Class 1-3.
"Class 1-3 win the first-years' tug-of-war tournament!"
Screams of victory filled the air and our class simply groaned in vexation.
Yeah, we lost. All because of that sudden spike in strength. That annoys me a lot.
"I'll win the next one."
I said to myself.
---
The last chance to win came.
The mixed relay, 4x100 mixed relay.
I was the last runner, alongside Anastasia, Akane and Fuyutsuki.
I'm glad that I knew everyone in this last lineup.
I looked back.
The person who would be giving me the baton is Maki. When she noticed my gaze, she glared at me.
Geh, talk about scary.
Still, I wonder what happened to her when I was gone. That 3-month period of time changed her more than the years that I've known her.
Then, before I knew it, the gun went and the runners started.
Usually, the people in this relay are fast runners, meaning that they can run 100m in 10 to 12 seconds. If I do the maths correctly, the baton should be here in 36, or so, seconds.
Even if it is a relatively short time, the wait feels so long as you nervously watch your teammates give their best.
"Rival, I'll beat you this time!"
Fuyutsuki smiled at me.
Akane and Anastasia looked at him, confused.
"Well, I'm not going to be losing again."
Akane said.
The baton was passed onto the second person.
Class 1-4 were in the lead with 1-2 behind, 1-1 and 1-3.
"Neither am I,"
I said.
Soon, 1-2 gained the lead and 1-1 passed 1-4. 1-3 were still in last.
So far, my class is winning.
"Our class is beating all of yours."
Anastasia said.
For us, Streia, it's hard not to run at full speed in a competitive situation, otherwise, we'll be breaking the world record without breaking a single sweat.
It came to the third person.
My classmate passed it on to Maki and she began running. Then was 1-1 and then 1-3 with 1-4 in last.
"What are you guys doing?!"
Fuyutsuki shouted.
Kuro slowly caught up to Maki. They were neck and neck.
I turned and put my hand out.
At this rate, we're going to lose. Kuro will pass Maki... Huh?!
Instead of the scenario that I thought would happen, Kuro passing Maki, Maki seemed to be speeding up. She was now ahead of Kuro.
I could see the surprised look on Kuro's face as Maki trod ahead of her.
"Here!"
She shouted.
I grabbed the baton and spun, running at my full speed--controlled, of course. I didn't bother looking behind me. From the corner of my eye, I could see Anastasia's hair though it appeared now and then.
Then came the finish line, with a final push, I sped up at the end and the white ribbon stuck itself to my shirt.
I looked back.
Anastasia finished a second or so after me and Akane were just behind. Fuyutsuki was last but I couldn't blame him due to the people he was facing.
I breathed in and out. In and out. In and out.
"Oh yeah!"
I screamed in triumph.
We won. We won the 4x100 mixed relay.
It's been a little while since I've been to any normal school events. I forgot how it feels like to win.
This satisfying feeling in my heart. My pounding heart. The smell of my sweat. The heat accumulated in my body. No pain at all.
So, this is the pure feeling of victory.
---
And that's what I said.
In the end, 1-2 came third and 1-1 won somehow. Second was 1-3 and in last was 1-4.
Man, I overreacted for no reason.