During the lesson, Kein and his friends felt that they had no freedom of opinion. Sherla's dominance in their class could not be conquered by anyone. She was always active if there were questions from the teacher, and even dared to reprimand their homeroom teacher and teachers who made unintentional mistakes.
It's just that her way of reprimanding is very polite and there is not the slightest element of cornering or blaming. Not many people understand that manners are slightly higher than knowledge, or even equal. Those who realised that such a small mistake could be corrected by a student would be rewarded with endless praise even though it was not what Sherla wanted.
'How long is it going to take for this guy to keep spouting her opinions? What about the guys?' Damian looked at the new student next to him while gawking. Although he was not smart, he at least wanted to show his knowledge in front of the teacher and classmates.
So far, they didn't know where Sherla came from, including Kein and Damian. She came out of the blue and pulled out everything she was good at as if promising someone to prove that she was a knowledge-crazed and skill-hungry person. Indeed, after a few hours in class, their friends agreed that Sherla was a smart person. But not giving her classmates a chance is not commendable either.
Even so, it does not matter until some teacher enters the class, inevitably throwing questions that should be directed to all students, but are diverted to the one person who shines the brightest in the class. Indeed, the most knowledgeable student could leave his peers no choice but to remain silent or praise his power.
In the afternoon, on their way to the basketball hall, Kein and Damian spotted Sherla in the distance. But one of them was not interested in chasing her and held back the other.
"Why? You still hate her because she's too smart and active?" Damian was prejudiced.
"I've told you many times." Kein chuckled, not liking being cornered. As great as he is, I have no reason to hate him. So far, none of his actions have disrupted my life or affected it in the least. Perhaps for him, being active and intelligent is what he was born into this world for."
"Wow, what kind of answer is that. I was just asking to what extent you value Sherla as our friend. But that's okay, like you said, 'different thoughts'," Damian said while pointing at his own temple."
***
After the players gathered at the basketball hall, Coach Marlon and Sherla immediately led them to the athletics division court as per their conversation yesterday. This time their coaches had made sure that there was no misunderstanding or illegal use. Even though they both lived in the academy, reporting before borrowing someone else's place would be an added value for them and be recognised as people with manners and ethics.
On the other hand, Kein hoped that his arrival would not pose a threat to the basketball division who did not have the same intentions as him a few days ago. If there were indeed some of them who tried to bully him, it was all fine as long as they did not drag his friends who had no faults like him.
Upon arrival, about tens to hundreds of people were warming up simultaneously. They looked serious and did not underestimate the movements led by the male trainer in front of them.
"Wow. Even though I've been here for a year, this is my first time entering this place." Damian muttered quite loudly.
"No wonder for a Damian."
That was not surprising to Kein as his friend's favourite pastime when he was off from training was to spend his time in his room playing different video games. Although Kein also rarely entered other divisions' training grounds, at least he had explored this academy more than three times.
"Are you all ready, boys? We're going to practice breathing here. What we need to do is quite easy. Just run, run and run," Coach Marlon said before entering the field.
"Okay, coach!"
Although their voices were so loud that they could be heard by the natives, it was in stark contrast to their inner voices that were trying to escape from here. A sport that trained on breathing could be said to be very tiring considering how if one had trouble breathing, their training would be unfocused due to lack of oxygen.
But that's exactly what Sherla and Coach Marlon brought them here for. Aside from understanding basketball strategy, they need to stay focused as they run non-stop. It's hard but it takes a lot of composure.
The athletics division has three courts but each court is a different size. As per the agreement, the basketball division was loaned the smallest court among the others. Not without reason, as the natives wanted to focus more on breathing exercises than the other divisions.
Kein and the others walked while looking at the field conditions which were very sunny but did not burn the skin. For some people, athletics are best done in the afternoon, but there are also those who are more comfortable doing it when the sun is just rising. They can feel the calm and peaceful atmosphere here. There is more noise from other places but it is not as loud or distracting.
Unlike in the basketball hall where it was echoing and quiet when no one made a sound at all.
"It's really warm. It's lucky we live in a city that doesn't have high temperatures." Damian was one of those who enjoyed exercising in the afternoon.
"You're right. I feel stupid for having to sneak into this place at night." Kein was a little regretful because it was quite cold that night and he was a little distracted in the process of doing the daily mission of the 'system'.
Putting aside how warm it was this evening, Kein felt at ease that so far there had been no bad response from the members of the athletics division. A few people were watching him but did not show any deep hatred. Although he thought his friend's words were just a calming phrase, Kein felt guilty and thanked him for convincing him not to think too much about rumours that did not match the facts.