Senri nodding at Elias, Elias stood behind the wickets taking his position. Studying the batsman and the fielders, he whispered, "Dream Affect... activate."
Same fielding placement held, Ren took the 11th over. Reading the ground as well as the rebellious tactic opted by the middleschoolers he smirked, "Heh~ they sure are angry. To think they are saying to play with their authority in front…?" "Alright, as you wish!" he uttered delivering the first ball of the over.
Humayun, over the medium paced delivery struck a straight four towards the boundary. The crowd immediately cheered as Feng grabbed the ball throwing it back to Ren.
Helios observing the match, held a disappointed expression beside Ezekiel, Ryan, Christopher and the rest. A six and another four stuck by Nile within the same over. The over concluded.
"An expensive over given by Karachi kings as soon as the 2nd half of the innings began. The field has become even more out of place after the break while Peshawar on the other hand, with Humayun and Nile on complete offense mode are rushing towards victory." the commentary went.
"Why…" Helios asked lightly, his expression holding no expectations from their so called highschoolers though he recalled it was just while ago that he thought they would get along in the future. "Why are you doing this?" he asked solemn.
Isa remained silent, pressing his fingers to his lips, while Noah glanced anxiously at Kazuna and Aigou. Musa, Mir, and Seles also directed their attention towards the high schoolers.
"We are well aware that this isn't your stage and you may not be inclined to participate or demonstrate your skills here. However, if that's the case, then perhaps it's best to let us take over." Helios addressed them directly, "Please don't burden us with your pity by joining the team and offering assistance in this manner. It's disheartening, humiliating, and serves no purpose for either us or our opponents. The aspirations you claim to have of making an impact on the world won't materialize if we end up losing here."
"He's right." Heber concurred, "Take a moment to assess the game before you. Is it filled with excitement? Does it reflect our dedication and effort?" "Alan." he called, seeking his attention. "Tell me, do they look like your boys, your team right now? Unfortunately, they don't right…"
Alan unable to respond, blinked, looking away from the field.
Heber smirked, his expression hidden, "Oh, self-esteemed seniors. If you're unable to instill hope in us, please refrain from extinguishing what little hope we have left then."
Aaron and Noah looked low, their expressions hidden.
"Head coach Nidou." Poseidon immediately added. Nidou gulped his sports drink, raising his brow. "Whether we win or lose this match. For the upcoming ones, I request that you don't include highschoolers at all." he requested, clenching his fists.
"Huh?" Noah expressed surprised while Isa blinked and Kazuna sighed.
Orion clicking his tongue retorted, "Tch, how dare you order around what should be…"
However, Ryan shot a piercing glare back, "He isn't wrong. We indeed have the audacity to give orders after witnessing such behavior. Our purpose in coming here was to win, to refine our skills and excel, not to be manipulated or endure frustration in a match we were on the verge of winning. We refuse to be treated as mere stepping stones or fools, while others take the match lightly. If you have grievances, show your performance before criticizing others."
Orion grimaced with frustration. Aaron and Haris shielded their eyes, while Haruf sat beside them, silent. Evan's continuous tapping feet indicated his growing anger as Alan, rested his head on the seat's top rail, gazing up at the night sky. He gently stroked Will's fur, feeling uncertain about what to say or ask next.
Humayun on the batting crease looked ahead. Nagi delivering the 2nd ball of the 12th over whispered, "Brokering with Mind!" Delivering a top spinner towards the off stump. Humayun observing the ball, raised his bat to aim high however, instantly forgetting his countering move, he remained still. The ball immediately went above the bails into the keeper's hands.
"OH!!" the crowd went.
"So close!" the commentators gasped. "What… was I doing?" Humayun however, shook his head confused. Tracing the ball in Elias's gloves, he immediately recalled, "Right! I was aiming for the cover drive. Did I forget what to apply at the last second?" shudders went down his spine just by the thought, "A little lower and he would've aimed for my wicket."
Nagi headed back. "Not this time. I won't miss a chance this time." he murmured. Prior to delivering the third ball of the over, Nagi removed his glasses and passed them to the umpire. With a grin directed at Cassiel, who was nearby, he remarked, "Identifying a weakness in a Realm... If you're curious about how to do it, seek guidance from a senior player or observe them closely during their demonstration."
In his roundabout manner, he urged Cassiel to stay alert and observant. Cassiel swallowed, his eyes fixed on him. "Hmph, why does he want me to observe him for now? Finally done playing around has he?" on one end he thought mockingly.
Nile on the non-striker's end frowned instead. Hiding his balling grip, Nagi stepped on the balling crease whispering, "Brokering with the Soul…" With a sly slant to his eyes, he displayed a confident grin leaving the ball from his grasp.
"A medium pace Googly." Cassiel studied.
Humayun tapped his bat on the pitch. Squinting his gaze, he aimed for a defensive block however, his mind immediately going blank along with his bat's movement he tried to strike the ball recklessly. Instead of striking the bat, it struck on his pads.
Nagi witnessing the sight pivoted around at the umpire, "OUT! OUT!" The fielders drew in waiting for the umpire signal.
"Oh, a loud appeal..." exclaimed the commentators as the bowling umpire swiftly raised his index finger, signaling a wicket! "And there's the finger! Nagi Srour gets the breakthrough, and Humayun Arif is out for 20/20. Karachi kings coming back into the game…"
"Finally." Nagi clapped his hand against Senri's.
The middleschoolers feeling assured. Nagi smiled at Cassiel, "Noted it all down, Data Machine?"
Cassiel twitched his brow pondering, "He merged both his ability of brokering to create the last one. With a Googly delivered atop of his skills, Humayun was took off-guard. Despite Humayun's intention to remain focused and avoid unnecessary shots, he was caught out by the unexpected delivery when he forgot how he initially wanted to counter the ball. The Realm of irreversibility may make you unconquerable after being activated but as soon as it drains the user. It begins to reveal minor weaknesses. This was evident in Humayun's lapse in concentration."
Humayun's Realm immediately dissolving he patted Nile's back heading back to the pavilion as Zhangli headed out. "Great effort." he praised him.
"Thank you." Humayun replied, removing his helmet.
Back in Karachi's pavilion the boys particularly the highschoolers remained unaffected and still. Adam nonetheless, smiled at Ezekiel feeling glad in his innocent way.
Ezekiel ruffled his hairs, "Cheer them up if you want to, little Adam. We can't afford to lose now or can we?"
"Hm!" Adam beamed, turning around and applauding.
Seles too shared a loving smile with Poseidon who soon looked at the ground dejected.
Zhangli taking the crease looked at Nagi. "We are facing each other after a long while aren't we? Let's leave no regrets, " Nagi gave his hand before continuing his over.
Zhangli evaded his gaze, revealing a light smirk, "You are as presumptuous as ever, are you not?"
Nagi twitched his brow about to retort.
"But…" Zhangli added, "This is what makes you so strong."
Nagi instantly blinked.
"It's going to be the last time after a long while, Nagi Srour. You won up until now both arguments and challenges between us. So, I'll definitely be taking the win this time." Zhangli patted his glove against his arm, soon taking his position.
Nagi gasped for a moment, clenching the ball tight. "You won't be playing anymore?" he asked.
Zhangli smirked, "What? Are you too scared I'll overpower you this last time, you tycoon?"
Nagi smiled heading towards the balling crease, "This annoying rascal…" Rubbing his feet on the crease he delivered the 4th ball of the over, "As if!" he accepted their final challenge.
Nile taking charge of power hitting and Zhangli pushing the partnership. With Karachi Kings balling and fielding taking a strong defensive mood. By the end of the 15th over Peshawar's runs accumulated to 123/3.
"51 runs needed in legal 30 deliveries. Peshawar's target has reached a satisfactory total. With Zhangli's crucial partnership in play and Nile's strike rate of 215.00 Peshawar now, has a high chance to take this victory into their hands." Jones commented.