Chapter 82: First victory
The stage was now set for the ultimate face-off between Cledwarys and Dauxmarth in the final showdown.
As the day drew to a close following their intense match, an atmosphere of jubilation enveloped Jaegar and his victorious team. The celebration was especially exuberant, with Parker's joy radiating infectiously. Amid the revelry, familiar faces like Professors Isadora, Coach Henry, Jeanine, and Ashfield joined the festivities, basking in the success of their team.
After the day's exhilarating events, the team returned to their lodging at the hotel. While Professor and Jeanine shared accommodation, their interactions with Jaegar were somewhat subdued, given the collective focus on his achievements.
Engaged in connecting with his teammates and participating in the celebration, Jaegar found himself occupied.
As the night fell, Jaegar made his way back alongside Pierre, Jennifer, and Pierre's family, the echoes of victory resonating in the air as they journeyed back to their abode.
Upon their return to the house, the conversation revolved solely around Jaegar's astounding performance on the field. Pierre's father was engrossed in his own business affairs, keeping him away from home.
Pierre's brother, residing in the imperial capital, was a rare visitor. The conversation with him was reserved for significant occasions. So there was only Pierre and his mother, along with Jennifer and Jaegar.
Fiona, thoroughly captivated by Jaegar's prowess and how he played, engaged in an animated discussion with him. She extended her hospitality by preparing dinner for the group. After the meal, they retired for the night, preparing to face another pivotal day.
Fiona felt grateful that they came here and gave her a chance to take a break from her usual life. She thanked Pierre for coming and for bringing them with him. It was a change she thought she needed.
The following morning, Jaegar rendezvoused with his teammates. Parkar exuded an air of optimism, confident in his ability to secure victory once more.
The anticipation was tangible as they were briefed about their upcoming opponents, the most renowned academy from the Western regions. Coach Henry's strategic guidance emphasized Jaegar and Parkar's frontline roles and their task to seize scoring opportunities.
Professors Isadora and Jeanine wished them luck as they were about to leave.
With the briefing concluded, the team was summoned to the field. The atmosphere was electric, with the enthusiastic crowd transforming the stadium into a sea of vibrant energy. The moment they had all been eagerly awaiting was upon them—the championship match.
As the players stepped onto the field, an explosion of fireworks painted the night sky. The Dauxmarth team, a blend of male and female athletes, also entered the arena.
Notably, a duo that had impressed in their earlier match stood out: Milos and Denica.
Denica's gaze was fixed on Jaegar, and her lips curled in a suggestive smile.
Milos declared with determination, "I'm going to crush that twerp." He noticed Denica's gaze.
she couldn't help but tease him, "Feeling jealous?"
He responded with playful confidence, "Jealous of him? Nah."
She prodded further, "I thought you might be."
Denica retorted with a smirk, "I've had my fill of muscleheads. Let's finish this game so I can have some real fun with him."
Milos rolled his eyes and grumbled, "Whatever."
Denica was known for her tomboyish charm and her tendency to breeze through relationships, leaving a trail of broken hearts in her wake. Her flings were fleeting, a brief whirlwind of passion before she moved on.
Amidst the playful banter, the two teams took their positions on the field.
The minister's formal address marked the commencement of the match.
With the opening whistle, the game burst into action, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
The match was underway, and the energy on the field was apparent.
Jaegar found himself sprinting alongside Denica, who playfully quipped, "Hello there, handsome."
He saw her running at the same speed as him. Jaegar just offered a friendly wave but remained focused on his pursuit of the ball.
The ball was situated in the midfield, a contested zone, with Parkar and Milos obstructing his path.
Undeterred, Jaegar pressed on. He skillfully manoeuvred past Milos, using a quick change of direction to leave him in the dust. As he approached Denica, Jaegar executed a perfectly timed feint, causing her to stumble and creating an opening for his teammates as he was blocked by others.
The pass was smoothly executed, connecting seamlessly with the intended recipient. In a matter of heartbeats, the ball was back at Jaegar's feet again. He swiftly manoeuvred, setting himself up for a shot at the goal.
With precision, Jaegar's foot met the ball, propelling it toward the opposing net. The ball sliced through the air, gaining velocity with each passing second. The wind tailed in its path, creating whistling sounds as it made its way towards the net.
Yet the opposing goalie stood resolute. As the ball hurtled toward him, he reacted swiftly, his hands poised to halt its trajectory.
The crowd collectively held their breath, tension and anticipation filling the air.
The goalie's hands clenched around the ball, his focused determination evident. As the ball connected with his hands, a powerful gust of wind swept around him, showcasing the sheer force behind Jaegar's shot.
Jaegar stood there, looking at the goalkeeper. He didn't start with deadly strikes yet, as he wanted to finish it with as little damage as possible, but it seemed it was not going to work.
The goalie's sturdy presence seemed undisturbed as he managed to intercept the ball, thwarting Jaegar's attempt to score.
But the game was far from over. The goalie's sturdy presence seemed undisturbed as he managed to intercept the ball, thwarting Jaegar's attempt to score.
The goalkeeper threw the ball, sending it to the centre and towards his teammates.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as the ball soared through the air, hurtling toward the opponents players.
Denica was at the forefront of their assault, her aggressive energy propelling her forward.
Jaegar, however, wasn't one to back down. He sprinted back, his eyes locked on Denica as she neared the penalty box.
With his team's defence rallying around him, Jaegar lunged at Denica, determined to intercept the ball.