"The Abilities Football Tournament starts now. Here are the groups."

  The screens displayed the team names.

  "Group A: Hibernators, Sprinters and Spammers, The Chefs, Skill Issue FC."

  "Group B: Fried Chicken FC, Thunder Cats, Quantum Shooters, Royal Union."

  "Group C: Mark’s Babysitters, Untouchables, Astra-Lopitecus, Football Junkies."

  "Group D: Skyward Falcons, Tempest Riders, Out of Mana, Astra Silliness Society (ASS)."

  My team laughed. I frowned at Daniel.

  "Seriously, Daniel?"

  Daniel continued laughing. "Your reaction makes it worth it."

  I crossed my arms, shaking my head. "Did you really have to submit that name?"

  Daniel wiped tears from his eyes, still chuckling. "Come on, Mark, it's all in good fun. Plus, seeing you get embarrassed is priceless."

  Lyra leaned in, grinning. "You know he's right. You make it too easy, Mark."

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  I sighed, unable to hold back a small smile. "I guess someone's gotta keep morale up."

  Aria glanced over with a slight smirk. "Thanks for volunteering, Mark."

  I groaned softly. "Not you too, Aria."

  Raven patted my shoulder sympathetically. "Hang in there. Maybe we’ll win, and everyone will forget the name."

  "Doubtful," Daniel teased, prompting another round of laughter from the team.

  I sighed again, hiding my amusement. Despite the embarrassment, I felt a warm sense of camaraderie.

  The first few matches finished, resulting in the scores for the following groups:

  Group A: Skill Issue FC vs Sprinters and Spammers 3:1; Hibernators vs The Chefs 4:0

  Group B: Royal Union vs Fried Chicken FC 0:3; Thunder Cats vs Quantum Shooters 1:1

  Hibernators and Fried Chicken FC showed strong performances right off the bat and seem heavy contenders to win the tournament.

  Our team gathered on the pitch for a quick warmup, then regrouped.

  Lyra spoke first.

  "We face Astra-Lopitecus. Mark, you're on goal."

  I nodded.

  "Mia, defense. Felix, right wing with defensive duties using your barrier."

  Felix nodded. Mia clenched her fist confidently.

  "Raven, left wing, switching positions with Daniel at pivot. Your synergy is key."

  Raven nodded sharply. "Understood."

  Daniel grinned, giving a mock salute. "Ready as always."

  Lyra continued, "Remember, we have unlimited substitutions. Aria and I will be on the bench. Give it your all on defense and offense, and if you are tired, switch out."

  Everyone acknowledged in unison.

  Daniel glanced toward the opposite bench. "The other team's alright, but keep an eye on the small guy with white hair. He's the ace of the university football team. He probably won't play, but if he does, stay alert."

  Lyra nodded confidently. "Alright, trust each other and let's have fun out there."

  I took a deep breath, steadying myself. The opponents ahead seemed tough, and I didn't want to disappoint my team.

  The match was about to begin.