Second shook her head to rub away her negative thoughts. However, being anxious was part of her before the day started. After witnessing what happened to Firstwen, she couldn't help but overthink. Nevertheless, they had prepared for the trials that were ready to hinder their victory. That was why they had fun last night. They bonded as good friends because in this game, they would compete as enemies.
Even if they didn't want to fight because someone was hurting, they would be forced to hurt one for the sake of the majority. 'Once and for all.' Behind the smiles they showed each other, a dark truth struggled to hide their true feelings. They had accepted the sad truth. But the question was, could they handle their acceptance of the truth?
"Welcome to Wealth Level: Stage 2!"
That startled her. Everyone's attention was grabbed when Author came to the center, and the game was about to start.
"First, the girls will play Ball of Net. 10 girls, divided into two groups, the silver and gold groups. 5 players each team..."
Author then explained the mechanics that were often heard in the ordinary game of volleyball, but a strange version of it, because they were here on the nth planet.
Gold versus Silver, same battle as before.
Gold team: Forzen (14th), Sixzen (16th), Aeizen (18th), Twentieth (20th), Sectwen (22nd) from private high schools
Silver team: Second (2nd), Fourth (4th), Sixth (6th), Aeith (8th), Tenth (10th) from public high schools
"Hit it! Golden girls!" Sevenzen's voice was audible.
"The silver team won't lose. Show 'em what you've got!" Fifth cheered them on.
"Whoa! I'm fired up for this!" Ninezen shouted.
"I'll cheer you all because you girls are all pretty!" Seventh jested.
He was sitting beside Ninezen. He never failed to break a joke. What a great influence Ninezen had been on Seventh's life.
Second couldn't figure out if the boys were even serious, but this was also good to release the tension. They lightened the mood of their growing anxiety and fear.
After more than ten minutes of waiting, Author appeared in the middle of the court. They gathered to find out what the hologram's message would be.
"10 players, 2 teams, 5 players per team. Clothing, check. Net, check. The audience, check. Ball, check!"
This was exactly what Author had done yesterday, with the checking and stuff before starting. She didn't know if the same things would happen today as they did yesterday, which were the gruesome parts of the event. But it was a high possibility.
"Before the game starts, I'll explain first the special mechanics of this extraordinary volleyball game."
That being said, there were special mechanics as well. They just needed to prepare themselves for how hard and how they would be tormented by this game.
"The ball that you are going to use is an ordinary ball made of outstanding quality materials. It will only project an image and color."
She calmed down because of that. It was just an ordinary ball, but she promptly wondered what image the ball would project. Was there something inside the ball like in basketball?
"When the ball falls to the ground in your team's territory, the image that the ball projects will affect one of your members."
Here it was again. The thing that was part of the game that she did not want to hear.
"Huh? What do you mean? Like yesterday, a member of ours was hurt?" Aeith asked audaciously while pointing at Author's hologram.
"Unlike in an ordinary game, you will have 5 rounds to play and 3 minutes for each round, a total of 15 minutes. Only 1 minute will be the given time interval per round."
For boys, it was 5 minutes per round. For them, it was only 3 minutes. Author still didn't answer Aeith's question.
"Hey, answer us first," Sixzen complained.
"The scoring will be on which team will last and endure the agony of this amicable match."
Author had already stated this. It was exactly what was said yesterday.
"Only this time, it's more extraordinary. Boys can endure the pain of being physically hurt, while girls can endure the pain of being emotionally hurt. In this game, more unforeseen events will happen. Good luck."
And again, Author disappeared like a bubble.
Second wasn't sure if she was even motivated by Author's last phrase, wishing them good luck.
"Players, proceed to the court. I repeat, proceed to the court."
They were startled by the speaker because everyone was thinking so deeply. She stared up at both walls, the timer. Yesterday, it was also attached to the basketball ring; now it was just on the wall.
They gathered in the middle.
"Position, two teams separated according to your assigned teams."
The two teams parted ways. They were well-positioned.
"Rules and regulations are the same; when defied, certain castigation will be given."
What kind of punishment was that?
"The game will start in 3, 2,"
The ball caught her attention again. It was still dark blue like yesterday, but it had a small brain inside, on the side, and the one in the middle seemed like a piece of paper with writing on it. The brain looked like it was just animated or cartoonish. This one was unrealistic compared to yesterday, which resembles a human organ.
"1 *whistle*"
What kind of trial was it this time?
"Move!" Her trance returned when she heard Aeith's voice. She looked ahead, and the ball was flying towards her! "Outta way!" Aeith shrieked.
She stepped aside rapidly, and Sixth made a move. The ball went to the other team. While the other members struck their position, Aeith glanced at her. "Focus," she advised her.
She nodded and collected her full attention on the game. She tried to concentrate, but she couldn't beat the fear she was feeling. She immediately remembered First's charm. It didn't seem to be effective.
It had been a minute, and the ball hadn't fallen to the floor yet. They thought, before the game started, they would maintain the flight of the ball as much as possible without getting anybody hurt, just like the strategy of the boys in basketball during round 4. But they were all aware that this strategy wouldn't work anymore. She hoped that using this plan again wouldn't have consequences.
01:35
The dark blue ball turned to gold. The ball dropped in the gold team's line. They were all stunned to act. It was as if the surroundings were in total freeze. Everyone was staring at the members of the gold team, waiting to see if something bad would happen to one of them. They were in silence for ten seconds, but nothing happened. Nothing was affected. No one was hurt. It weirded her out, but she was glad that this happened instead.
"Continue the game," commanded the timer. It has noticed that they all froze, and that silence was wrapping around them all. They continued the game.