Roran leaped up in excitement, his heart nearly bursting with joy as his House of Ignistris achieved victory. Tears threatened to spill from his eyes as he celebrated, knowing that this win meant everything. He vowed to reward his members handsomely for their triumph.
Turning to Lennox with a triumphant grin, Roran clapped him on the shoulder. "What did you think?" he asked eagerly.
Lennox's face lit up with a smile of admiration. "It was incredible," he replied. "I had no idea the competition here was so intense."
"Now that we're in third place, just one more match to determine if we can play for the top spot," Roran declared, determination gleaming in his eyes.
Meanwhile, on the other side, the House of Aquaborni was enveloped in dejection. They couldn't fathom how they lost to the House of Ignis, especially considering the challenges they've faced in recent months. Unbeknownst to them, Ignis used their struggles as motivation to strengthen themselves.
What Roran, Lennox, and the House of Ignistris didn't realize was that the House of Geokinesis and Air were scheming. The House of Aerokinsis urged Geokinesis to play aggressively, even to the point of causing injury to an Ignis player, in order to secure victory and maintain the top three positions for themselves.
As the House of Ignistris returned for their second match against Geokinesis, the stadium overflowed with anticipation. More Nexarcs, mentors, and instructors filled the stands, joined by enthusiastic fans eager for the spectacle.
The match commenced, showcasing the evenly matched skills of both teams. Alan, the captain of Ignis, led his players with swift and aggressive maneuvers, while Henry, Geokinesis' captain, remained composed and steady, guiding his team with precision.
Alan dribbled with fiery finesse, leaving a trail of sparks behind to deter any approaching opponents. Suddenly, a Geokinesis player executed a sliding tackle, manipulating the earth beneath Alan's feet, catching him off guard. Alan was forced to jump, releasing the ball, but quickly regained control, dribbling forward with determination. With a powerful shot, he scored, igniting the crowd with excitement.
However, the Geokinesis wasn't backing down. They managed to score another goal, shifting the momentum of the game. With the first half coming to a close, Alan and Henry faced off in a tense showdown. Alan unleashed a blistering shot towards the Geokinesis goal, but Henry, summoning the earth's power, created an impenetrable barrier, thwarting Alan's attempt.
Roran watched from the sidelines, his heart pounding with a mixture of nerves and excitement. He clenched his fists, urging his team to give their all.
The stadium crackled with energy as the House of Ignistris faced the daunting challenge presented by the House of Geokinesis. Trailing by two points, Alan and his team felt the weight of expectation bearing down on them.
Alan, undeterred by the deficit, rallied his teammates with resolute words, across the field, Henry, the captain of Geokinesis, observed with a disdainful gaze, his confidence evident even from a distance.
With the referee's whistle initiating the second half, Ignis surged forward with renewed vigor. Alan led the charge, unleashing a relentless assault on the Geokinesis defense, each fiery shot aimed with precision. Yet, despite their fervent efforts, the Geokinesis defenders held firm, thwarting every advance with unwavering resolve.
In the midst of the intense contest, a distressing moment unfolded. A Geokinesis player, shielded by an earthen barrier, was startled by a sudden scream from an Ignis member. The stadium fell silent as all eyes turned to the injured player, writhing in agony with a sharp piece of earth lodged in his foot. The referee swiftly halted the game, ushering medical staff onto the field as Ignis rushed to aid their fallen member.
With a clenched jaw, Roran turned to Lennox, urgency evident in his voice. "Lennox, have you played football before? Can you step in for us?"
Roran understood that the injury was likely intentional, a strategic move to disrupt their team. However, he knew challenging it would only unite their opponents against them, jeopardizing their position further.
"I don't know much, but I remember playing and watching when I was young," Lennox replied.
"That's good enough. Whatever happens, if we lose, I won't blame you. At least you tried," Roran assured him.
Lennox nodded firmly, rising swiftly from his seat. He didn't like how Roran said at least so he planned to try his best...Now more than ever, he understood the importance of ensuring victory for the house. It wasn't just about personal gain; it was about restoring honor and reputation to his house. This time, he knew he had to represent the house with unwavering dedication and rebuild its standing from the ground up.
The game resumed following a short break. Yet, just as the action was about to restart, the referee stunned the crowd by brandishing a yellow card at Geokinesis, a decision that left many spectators puzzled. But the game must go on so no one complained about it.
"Yeah... We will make you regret now," the Geokinesis team jeered, their words dripping with arrogance.
Lennox brushed off the taunts from the Geokinesis team, positioning himself behind Alan at the ready. Though his heart raced with worry, he quickly regained his composure.
As the whistle blew, Alan swiftly passed the ball to Lennox. Despite initial nerves, Lennox's touch on the ball triggered a familiar sensation, reminiscent of past experiences like aiding Sylas's mother. With a newfound sense of purpose, he advanced, his movements fluid and purposeful, effortlessly maneuvering past the Geokinesis defenders.
His ball control was impeccable, each touch calculated and precise. Yet, it was his fiery attacks that truly distinguished him. With a mere flick of his foot, he unleashed waves of scorching heat, leaving the opposition in awe.
With each strike, the game's momentum shifted. The House of Ignis players rallied around Lennox, inspired by his dazzling skills.
But Lennox wasn't finished. With the game hanging in the balance, he charged into the heart of the Geokinesis defense, his determination palpable. With a burst of speed, he jump over the last sliding defender and unleashed a powerful shot curling.
The stadium held its breath as the ball curled through the air, finding its mark in the corner of the net with a resounding thud. The score now stood at 3 to 2, igniting a frenzy of cheers from the House of Ignis supporters.
The stadium erupted in a cacophony of cheers as Lennox was hoisted onto his teammates' shoulders, their jubilation palpable. Amidst the celebration, a sense of disbelief washed over him. "What the hell just happened?" he muttered to himself, still processing the magnitude of his impact on the game.