The next day, Lennox ventured into another unknown part of the academy. Uncertain of what to expect, Roran had instructed him to meet there today, trusting it would be something worthwhile. Lennox was also curious about the Competition Roran had mentioned; perhaps there was something he could participate in. Though he understood that as a new member of the house, most wouldn't interact with him much, he remained undeterred, much like always.
Upon arriving at the location, Lennox found himself intrigued and surprised. Before him lay a bustling scene with thousands of other Nexarcs students, most of them on the sidelines. Spotting a stadium, buzzing with excitement. It had been a while since he had been surrounded by so many people, as he usually kept to himself and only spoke when necessary.
Finding his way through a different entrance from the other Nexarcs, Lennox spotted members of the House of Ignistris, clad in jerseys, shorts, and cleats. Instantly recognizing the competition Roran had mentioned, Lennox realized it was football, just as he heard Roran's voice.
Roran approached Lennox with a smile. "Lennox, glad you could make it," he said.
"I didn't expect it to be this kind of competition ," Lennox replied.
"Yeah, sorry about that. This is one of our yearly activities between houses," Roran explained. "Now, let me show you the other houses."
Walking alongside Roran, Lennox observed the House Aquaborni, mainly comprising water Nexarcs, followed by the House of Geokinesis, utilizing earth elements, and finally, the House of Aerokinesis, specializing in air. Every year, there were conflicts among the houses, and through activities like this, they attempted to lessen the tension. However, in recent months, the conflicts had escalated, putting stress on Roran. Despite this, he persevered.
"Lennox, you can wait for me upfront. I'll send out the team first and come meet you later," Roran said before walking off.
As Lennox sat in the front row, waiting for the match to begin, he noticed a beautiful woman further down the seats engrossed in a book. He wondered who she was and why she was there. He thought perhaps Roran had invited her.
After a while, Roran returned and exchanged words with the woman before making his way over to Lennox. "I saw you looking at her curiously. She's our house Professor Alice," Roran informed him.
Lennox nodded, now knowing the identity of the woman. With that mystery solved, he turned his attention to the impending match. The House of Ignistris and the House of Aquaborni were about to face off. Roran explained that since Ignistris had lost last year, they needed to win this match to reclaim their position in the top three and compete against the other houses.
The stadium erupted with excitement as the two teams took the field. Ignistris, donned in fire red, exuded determination, while Aquaborni, dressed in cool blue, radiated confidence. The captains, Alan and Raylan, stood at the center, their eyes locked in a silent challenge.
As the referee blew the whistle, the game began with fierce intensity. Players dashed across the field, their movements swift and precise. Lennox observed something that shocked him deeply a members of the House of Ignistris seemed to manipulate fire beneath their feet, enhancing their speed. This wasn't like any football match he had seen before.
Lennox's raised an eyebrow, his expression reflecting surprise. "Is that within the rules?" he inquired.
"Yeah, everyone can use elemental attacks and defenses to win. Well, at least without hurting others. We don't play normal football here; we make it unique," Roran explained, his focus still on the match.
Lennox's curiosity deepened. "But wouldn't that put some players at a disadvantage?" he questioned.
"By disadvantage, you're referring to the inability of some members to counter fire users, correct?" Roran responded with his fists clenched firmly as he continued, "Yes, there may be weaknesses, but every house has them. It's how we overcome them that defines our strength."
As the match unfolded, Alan demonstrated masterful control over his fire, each kick and pass igniting the air with blazing trails, thwarting attempts by opposing players to close in on him. Meanwhile, Raylan exhibited finesse in manipulating water, conjuring walls of waves to block Alan's advances. With fluid grace, he maneuvered the ball like a river flowing effortlessly, evading the fiery onslaught from the Ignistris players.
The crowd was swept up in a frenzy of cheers and gasps, particularly for the House of Aquistium, as the players clashed fiercely on the field, neither side yielding an inch. Alan and Raylan found themselves in repeated showdowns, their skills matched.
As the final minutes dwindled away, the scoreboard remained deadlocked, intensifying the atmosphere of suspense. Every eye in the stadium was fixated on the unfolding drama, hearts pounding in anticipation. Then, in a moment of sheer brilliance, Alan seized an opening and unleashed a mighty shot towards the Aquaborni goal.
Raylan sprang into action, conjuring a protective wall of water to intercept the fire ball. However, Alan's determination was unyielding as he poured all his strength into the shot. With a thunderous roar, the ball pierced through the watery barrier, finding its mark.
The stadium erupted into a cacophony of jubilant cheers as Alan celebrated his winning goal, back flipping flames flying with his feet..