Part-284

  “Man, that was insane!” Ryan spped him on the back, grinning from ear to ear. “You totally crushed it.”

  James chuckled, shaking his head. “It wasn’t that bad. Just got lucky.”

  Ryan scoffed, crossing his arms. “Lucky? You call your super speed move is‘luck’? You practically had him dang to your tune!”

  James shrugged, still smiling. Sloth View was an ability that allowed him to perceive the world at a much slower pace, giving him the edge to anticipate his oppos’ movements with near-perfect timing. It was one of the more powerful features of the system that had been quietly altering his life since he discovered it months ago.

  “Don’t be so modest, James,” Nabi chimed in, walking over with the irls oeam. “We all saw what you did. That st throw? Perfect timing. Your oppo didn’t stand a ce.”

  James g Nabi, a slight grin tugging at the er of his lips. She wasn’t wrong. In the final moments of his match, as the opposing fighter lunged forward with a clumsy attempt at a leg sweep, James had calmly sidestepped the move, using his superior speed and awareo ter with a fwless throw that ehe mat an instant.

  “Thanks, Nabi,” James said, his voice humble but tinged with satisfa. “But it’s a team effort. We all did great today.”

  Sourov, their heavyweight, cracked his knuckles and smiled. “Doesn’t matter who won or lost individually—we’re all advang. That’s what ts.” He had finished his match earlier with a swift and brutal pin, seg one of their early wins.

  Ryan and the rest of the boys nodded in agreement. Their team had e together seamlessly, with each fighter pying their part. This wasn’t just about individual prowess—it was about Banani High's collective strength. And today, they had demonstrated that strength in spades.

  ---

  Later in the day, after a brief rest and a light meal to refuel, Banani High’s team was ba the mat for their seatch, this time against the formidable Gulsharal team. This match had been expected to be tougher, and the stakes felt higher as they prepared.

  But as the matches pyed out, it became clear that Banani High was the better team. Despite a single loss early on—Zia, their lightweight, had been taken down in a tight match—they still mao domihe rest of the petition. Ryan, Sourov, Nabi, and James all secured victories, bringing the final score to 4-1 in Banani High’s favor. The team was now officially advang to the Super 32 round of the National Judo petition.

  The post-match atmosphere was electric. James could feel the buzz of aplishment, not just in himself but radiating from each of his teammates. There was a shared sense of pride as they all huddled together he sidelines, catg their breath and exging gratutions.

  “Super 32, baby!” Ryan excimed, raising his fist into the air. His excitement was tagious, and sooire team was cheering and ughing along with him.