Tiger Squad started the kick-off with number 7 taking the lead. She quickly ran past the first three players on Ryan's side of the field, showing off her coordinated dribbling skills.
As she traveled down the field, Ryan noticed the glaringly obvious fact that both teams didn't know how to position.
All the Tiger Squad's midfielders and their forwards advanced toward the ball like bees buzzing toward honey.
On his team, since the ball was on their side of the field, everyone except for him and the goalie ran toward the ball mindlessly.
Sighing, Ryan tried to see if he could activate his energy but was surprised to find that he could only use it to fuel his legs for kicking, not for speed.
As the Tiger Squad slowly made progress toward his net Ryan looked at the oncoming pack of players with a smile and made his way over to join in the fun.
"Pass the ball, 7!" 15 called out from across the field.
Seeing her open, 7 kicked the ball as hard as she could but felt that she only could control 60% of her possible strength.
"Ugh, I hope I score today," 7 mumbled as she watched the ball fall short.
"Huh? When did he get there?" 15 cried as she saw Ryan appear and intercept the pass attempt.
Stopping the ball with his feet, Ryan tapped the ball, but instead of kicking it, he saw the world turn upside down as his face hit the dirt.
When he tried to kick the ball, it felt as solid as a rock and must have weighed almost 250 pounds.
Realizing his mistake, Ryan stood up and poured a small amount of energy into his legs and feet.
This time the ball moved about a foot before stopping.
He would have tried to use more energy, but 15 appeared in front of him and stole the ball, passing it to 7, who was in front of their goal.
Ryan watched helplessly as 7 scored the goal and turned to look at him, sticking out her tongue.
Shrugging off her attempt to upset him, Ryan joined the rest of his team, who tried to cheer him up.
"It's your first game. You'll get used to it," 22 said, "By the way, what should I call you? In Nova Ball, we call people by the number on our jersey, but since it's your first game, I can't call you the cute guy." She said, blinking innocently.
"You can call me Anthony."
"That's Emily," Ryan said, nodding to Emily, who was red in the face after running for the first time in her life.
"Anthony . . . I don't know if I can . . . do this," Emily said while gasping for air.
Walking over to her, Ryan laid a hand on her shoulder, "My princess wouldn't be thinking of quitting now, would she?"
"How would it look for a princess to leave her prince's side during a battle?" Ryan didn't care about the game, but if Emily would quit at the first hurdle on the road, she couldn't stand by his side.
Ryan had a goal that was bigger than any in this world, and he couldn't allow anything or anyone to hold him back.
Even if he had fun spending time with the na?ve green-haired beauty, they'd eventually have to part ways if she quit now.
Not knowing the outcome of her entire life would be shifted massively based on her decision, Emily looked up at Ryan's face.
She gazed into his loving emerald eyes, her lips automatically curling up into a smile.
Wrapping her arms around Ryan, she said, "Don't worry, my prince, I'll protect you."
Letting go of Ryan, she ran toward the center, shouting, "You girls stink! Celebrate while you can because that will be the only goal you score today!"
Watching Emily run away, Ryan chuckled and started to run after her.
There was still time to win this game yet.
===
Dribbling the ball, Emily felt sweat pour down her forehead, her back aching, and her legs on fire.
Her body had told her to quit countless times, but she knew she couldn't.
Looking up from the ball, Emily surveyed the field and noticed Ryan waving his hand.
Bringing her leg back, she kicked will all her might, sending the ball flying.
Stopping the momentum of the ball with his chest, Ryan watched the ball travel down to his right foot, which was already infused with his energy.
Slamming the sole of his foot into the ball, he watched as the ball traveled…
"Yes! We won!" Fist pumping up in the air, Ryan shouted, followed by the cheers of his teammates.
Looking over toward Emily, he saw her running over to him with a wide smile on her face.
Outstretching his arms, he awaited her arrival with a smile of his own.
Reaching Ryan, Emily jumped into his arms, curling her legs around his back.
Feeling Ryan's hands secure her waist made her feel safe and protected.
She loved this feeling, it made her feel a warmth she had never experienced before, and she wanted more.
Gazing into his eyes, she felt a bubbly sensation fill her stomach, and without knowing what she was doing, she leaned in and kissed his lips.
After holding it for a second, she opened her eyes wide, pushed off Ryan, and ran away.
===
Watching Emily's outline fade into the distance, Ryan sighed.
He knew she likely was overwhelmed with emotions and just acted on impulse.
Hoping she wouldn't regret her decision, but knowing he couldn't change the outcome, he turned his attention to the woman he had just beaten, number 7.
Walking over to her, he stretched out his hand, saying, "I think someone owes me a handshake if I recall."
Chuckling lightly, number seven shrugged and said, "I don't recall that."
Raising his eyebrows, Ryan was about to disregard this one as bratty, but then he saw her hands shaking.
Looking closer, he saw her fists were balled tight, with her fingernails pressed into her skin, causing it to turn red.
'I met a tsundere already?'
Taking back his hand Ryan turned around to leave.
He wasn't interested in playing games, he had a ranking ladder to climb.
Watching Ryan turn his back to leave, Avery shouted, "Wait! I'm sorry . . . My name's Avery."
Surprised, Ryan spun around, "Gave up the act so soon?"
Turning red, Avery shouted, "W-What act?! I j-just have to tell you something, that's all!" She said, trying to sound convincing.
"The sports club is having an event for enhancers. Since you are now part of the club, you have to come!"
"It's in room A14 in the Blue Eagles dorm at 8 pm," Avery said while running off.
Ryan shook his head as he watched the girl leave.
"I don't know when I joined the club..."
"Still, an event for enhancers… I like the sound of that."