Chapter 201: Targeted by an Angel
As Saika declared the match result, a wave of enthusiastic cheers erupted from the spectators outside.
Initially, the match drew a modest crowd, but as the game's intensity heightened, more and more people gathered to witness the showdown.
Both contenders, Hayama from the Soccer Club and Hachiman the youngest Swordmaster, enjoyed popularity. However, Hachiman, the youngest Swordmaster with a fan club not only within the school but nationwide, commanded even more attention. Fans eagerly anticipated his every move, unaware that he had a dedicated following.
Surprisingly, among the onlookers were four unexpected figures: Gabriel, Raphiel, Vignette, and Satania – a quartet of angels and demons observing the match from the shade of nearby trees on the tennis court.
"Wow, Hachiman is amazing. I never expected him to excel not only in cooking but also in tennis," exclaimed Vignette.
"Well, he's not bad, but I really want to challenge him. However, victory will undoubtedly be mine, the great demon, Satanichia Kurumizawa McDowell," expressed Satania eagerly.
Yet, compared to the enthusiasm of the two little demons, the expressions of the other two angels bore a different tone.
"Hey, hey, could Hachiman be...?" Gabriel raised her eyebrows, examining the crater created by the tennis ball on the ground.
"In this situation, it seems so," replied Raphiel with a serious expression.
Puzzled, Vignette asked, "Gab, Raphiel, what's going on with you two? Is there something wrong with Hachiman?"
The two angels exchanged a glance, and finally, Gabriel pointed to the hole on the ground, calmly stating, "Seeing this crater, Vigne, don't you find it a bit unusual?"
"Maybe Hachiman just hit the ball too hard," Vignette hesitated.
Gabriel shook her head decisively. "It's not merely about hitting the ball too hard. In my perspective, Hachiman's physique has surpassed the limits of a normal human."
Raphiel chimed in, "So, we suspect that he might be the hero of this world."
Humans, despite their apparent fragility compared to other species, had a knack for producing exceptional individuals. In a world filled with various races and conflicts, the weak human race often gave rise to remarkably talented individuals to help overcome challenges – these individuals were known as heroes or the chosen ones.
"Hero?!" Vignette exclaimed, startled by Gabriel's revelation. In her studies, heroes were always portrayed as formidable adversaries for the demon race.
"A hero! I must duel with him. Just defeating him would be enough to prove the might of Satanichia Kurumizawa McDowell, the great demon," declared Satania. However, Vignette promptly held her back.
"Gab, what's your plan?" Raphiel, abandoning her teasing demeanor, asked with a serious expression.
"Well, let's approach him first. If we can confirm he's a hero, we'll report to the heavens and see how they decide," Gabriel suggested in a nonchalant manner.
Despite her seemingly lazy demeanor, Gabriel was indeed taking the matter seriously.
In this vast world, a convergence of multiple small worlds, the heavens held significant importance.
The fact that they had dispatched Gabriel, the chief of the heavenly academy, and Raphiel, the vice-chief, indicated the gravity of the situation.
Angels didn't descend to the mortal realm casually. Each angel had a specific mission to supervise and maintain stability in the mortal realm.
For instance, in this world, a previous overseer detected a zombie crisis and promptly dispatched angels to eliminate the threat.
Even though Gabriel was currently immersed in gaming, she hadn't forgotten her mission. Every time a hero descended, angels were responsible for guiding them.
Her sister, Zelel, a prominent figure among the younger generation of angels, had previously guided a hero in a world embroiled in conflict. She even slew an evil dragon, earning her the title of the "Hand of God" bestowed by the heavens.
As for Hachiman and the others, they remained oblivious to the discussions and plans unfolding among Gabriel, Raphiel, Vignette and the foolish demon Satania.
Meanwhile, the spectators in the stadium continued to cheer.
"Luck was on our side, Ice Queen. We've won this match together," Hachiman smiled at the girl beside him.
Hearing this nickname, Yukino rolled her eyes with a hint of irritation.
"Don't use such titles to address me. It sounds disgusting coming from you."
Ignoring the girl's sarcasm, Hachiman shrugged. At that moment, Yui approached, cheering.
"Yukino-chan, Hikki, you guys were amazing!"
The energetic girl embraced Yukino and laughed.
"Ugh... Yui, don't get so close. It's too hot," Yukino complained.
Hachiman chuckled as Zaimokuza approached, laughing and still speaking in his usual chuunibyou manner.
"Haha, that's right, Hachiman, you're amazing. Truly the reincarnation of the great Buddha Hachiman Bodhisattva."
Even the referee, Saika, ran over, congratulating them, "Congratulations, Hachiman, Yukinoshita, this match was truly spectacular."
"Especially you, Hachiman, you're as strong as those tennis champions."
Saika seemed particularly excited at the moment, with a faint blush on his face.
Seeing Saika with a charming blush, Hachiman couldn't help but feel like he was outshone even compared to the two girls next to him.
He quickly repeated in his mind, "He is a guy... He is a guy... He is a guy!"
The fluttering feeling finally disappeared, and Hachiman breathed a sigh of relief.
No wonder online friends in his past life used to say if Saika hadn't been born with the wrong gender, there might not have been any room for Yukinoshita.
On the other side, celebrations were more subdued.
"I didn't expect to lose."
Hayama, standing at the net with his racket, shook his head helplessly. "We really got played. I didn't expect your tennis skills to be this good, Hikigaya-kun."
"It's not just me; Yukinoshita is impressive too."
Hachiman shrugged, emphasizing it was a doubles match, and the credit shouldn't be all his.
However, anyone observant could see that Hachiman played the most significant role in this match.
Hearing his words, Hayama smiled.
"I know Yukinoshita is impressive. After all, we..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Yukino's cold gaze fell on him, causing him to stop speaking. He managed a wry smile.
Well, it seems she still hasn't forgiven me.
After all, he didn't intervene when she was bullied, and with her personality, she might hold onto that for a lifetime.
Yumiko's expression was also quite grim at this moment. Glancing at the group celebrating on the other side, she turned away without a word.
However, because she was walking too fast and not paying attention to the path, Yumiko accidentally stepped into the crater created by Hachiman's powerful shot, tumbling to the ground.