They stand in the centre of the running track. Before starting their workout, they warm up and focus on their feet so that they do not suffer any injuries that could cause their training to be disrupted in the future.
There was no difference when they practised in the gymnasium. As the captain of the basketball division, Gilbert led the warm-up and it was done one to two people at a time. When they remembered that today was probably a very tough training day, three hours earlier they had not even consumed anything other than mineral water to quench their thirst.
Kein chose to indulge in whatever food the 'system' dictated at that time because he felt that it was not too overwhelming but filling and certainly fulfilled his intake needs, although his reaction was almost the same when he decided to overeat vegetables and fruits.
Sherla could observe the enthusiasm on their faces as they went through the training, as they seemed to really hope that Sherla's arrival was not a threat but a predestined stroke of luck.
After finishing the warm-up, they then jogged around the running track. Each lap of the smallest field was about 400 metres. It was not something they were used to but it was worth testing their speed and stability when their bodies were deprived of oxygen.
"Stop the warm-up. Now go round this track for five laps. Do it in small sprints but keep your pace consistent. It's easy, isn't it?" Coach Marlon asked his students with one eyebrow raised.
There was no sound other than the birds chirping above them. During basketball tournaments, they don't really care about stamina because they can take turns repeatedly. Unlike football, when you're pulled, you're done. Basketball is not like that. Then from that understanding, they thought that stamina was not that important.
Therefore, Sherla emphasises a bit on Coach Marlon because he is a coach who prioritises teamwork but does not strengthen each individual. Two things that do not support each other will result in an imbalance and risk a miscarriage in a position that is still too low to fall.
"What are you waiting for? Hurry up and do it before I kick your arse!" Coach Marlon demonstrated his kick towards them.
It was not a threat but it could make them obey like sheep being tended by a shepherd.
One by one, they moved their feet. The jogging of dozens of players in white basketball uniforms with an easy blue stripe on the side started their first training session on the other division's court. From the first round to the third round, their steps remained consistent and uncluttered. They even kept chasing each other in front of them
Coach Marlon and Sherla appreciated that considering how weak they were and how easily they lost focus when exhausted during the final match three months ago.
"It seems like they've improved their stamina when I wasn't paying attention. Did I let them down too much and not focus on individual skills?" Coach Marlon asked himself but was overheard by his assistant coach.
"We don't know what happened. I know you all failed to beat one of the teams in the country. Maybe that could have been one of their most encouraging factors in coming from behind."
"Beaten by the strongest team in the country and now we're reinforced by one of their most intimate former figures... Who would have guessed that either." Coach Marlon mumbled and the girl next to him just smiled a little, not trying to deny.
As they entered the fourth and final round, they began to leave each other behind and focus on what the coach had targeted. Gilbert was not the most superior player of them, in fact he was not even in the top five. But worse, it was Damian who needed the most pity.
Although his second and third runs could still keep up with the others, it was no small effort. Instead, Damian almost lost his lungs, only to be pushed from behind by Kein who still seemed to be able to outrun them. His face was pale, his hair a mess, his chest expanding and deflating like a balloon.
Although Kein recognised his friend's skill on the basketball court, it didn't apply to the endless circular track. Damian repeatedly stopped his steps as he walked slowly. Trying to replenish most of the oxygen lost from his body.
His head was spinning and his vision was beginning to blur. He wasn't confident he could finish the fourth and fifth laps when they were the smallest tracks in this place.
"Damian! What are you doing?! Is this all you've got?! Run longer!" The coach shouted from the edge of the track while waving his arms quite vigorously.
His shout could be heard across the field. While his body was unstable, Damian tried to hear and understand what the coach was telling him. He couldn't. It's too quiet. Too noisy. And too futile to hear.
Damian just wanted to rest until he regained his focus before passing out when he didn't want to.
"Hey, if you can't go any further, rest there or you'll get hit by the person behind you."
"Haa? I can't hear you. Say it louder!"
"Let Damian..."
BRUK!
Suddenly, his friend stopped his shouting and spun around. He was speechless but froze his mouth wide open.
"What are you doing? Hurry up and help me carry him!" said another friend.
Damian could not hold his body any longer. It collapsed when his friends hadn't even lost fifty per cent of the oxygen in their bodies. His face was paler than ever and he didn't look like he would wake up anytime soon.
"Hey, Damian! Wake up! Hey!" Kein patted his face repeatedly. There was no response or sign from him.
"Get out of the way! Let me take Damian to the sidelines. He needs rest and fluids. I didn't expect him to push his body to the point of losing consciousness." Coach Marlon did not feel guilty but did his duty as a coach.