Cronus' system: Against the gods

Chapter 32: Going against the Senior Team

Rex walked forward, hands stuffed casually in his pockets, heading to the dodgeball stadium. His thoughts were still heavy after level 8 God's Eyes had failed to capture even a shred of information about Coach Jefferson. Just how strong is he? Rex mused, frustration bubbling under his calm demeanor.

"Cronus, how much can my God's Eyes level up?" he asked, his voice low. He half-expected silence, but of course, he had to ask and just as he predicted

SILENCE...

Rex groaned, rolling his eyes. "C'mon, can't you just help me out for once? I mean... I'm your Harbinger, right? And yet, apart from lending me your powers, you've been about as helpful as a chocolate teapot."

Cronus's voice thundered in Rex's mind, "If thou seekest advice or guidance from me every time, then thou art not worthy to be a Harbinger!"

Rex snorted. "Right, right. The 'figure it out yourself' motivational poster routine again. Honestly, you've got the whole 'tough love' thing down to an art form."

"A wise Harbinger grows through challenge, not coddling," Cronus replied with the usual Shakespearean gravitas.

Rex rolled his eyes again. "Yeah, well, a little coddling now and then wouldn't hurt. Maybe a 'You're doing great, champ,' or a 'Here's a clue, buddy.'"

"Do not expecteth me to be thy cheerleader."

Rex couldn't help but laugh at the image of Cronus, Titan of Time, in a cheerleading outfit with pom-poms. "I'm just saying, I could use a pep talk that isn't ripped straight from a tragic Greek play. A 'Go get 'em, tiger' would do wonders."

"I shall consider it."

Rex grinned. "Sure you will." As he walked into the dodgeball stadium, his thoughts were lighter now, though still filled with questions about Coach Jefferson.

Rex walked into the stadium again, catching sight of Coach Jefferson who seemed to be talking with a group of older students. They were all rough-looking boys wearing a blue sleeveless shirt with matching blue shorts. One of them turned in Rex's direction and then pointed

"Coach, is that the green-haired boy you're talking about?" He asked Jefferson who then turned around "Yes, that's him!"

Suddenly, the boy who seemed to be the biggest out of them walked toward Rex, each stride heavy like he was trynna make some cool dramatic entrance as the main character of a movie. He had curly brown hair and a muscular build, making his strides even more prominent. He had a menacing look on his face which made Rex shiver a bit

"Show me his stats! The physical ones!" Rex thought as he watched the boy approach him

Name: Lukas J Victor

Race: Human

Occupation: Hunter and Student

Class: Tier one Intermediate ability user

Ability: Metal body(Can make parts of his body as hard as metal)

Strength: 55

Agility: 45

Endurance: 50

Intelligence: 30

"Wow, so all second years are intermediate ability users? He's on par with Miss Lyra, why not quit being a student and be an instructor?" Rex thought

"Kid! I'm sure the coach must've told you that the previous test you did was just a 'welcome to the club' type of test" He said and then continued "Today, you'll be taking the real tests! Go line up with your fellow newbies over there!" He pointed toward the other end of the stadium where some students stood.

Rex turned around, catching sight of the people who took the first test with him. He also saw the girl who played on his team the last time.

"It's not like you're exactly a priority for us right now based on that goofy attitude you got there but we're looking for newbies to recruit since our team isn't complete for this year's competition," The boy said in a grumpy tone.

Rex casually turned to where Lukas was pointing and saw the group of students, including the girl who had been on his team last time. He stretched lazily, completely unfazed. "Yeah, sure. But with that kind of intensity, you ever think about starring in a soap opera? I mean, the way you pointed, wow. Gave me chills."

Lukas's face turned red. "What did you just say?!"

Rex grinned mischievously. "Oh, nothing. Just thinking you've got a real knack for drama. Must be exhausting trying to look cool all the time."

Lukas's hand twitched as if he was about to punch Rex, but before he could, a cold, piercing stare from Coach Jefferson stopped him dead in his tracks. It was like time froze for a second. Rex glanced at the coach, his usually relaxed demeanor stiffened for a moment. Now there's someone who doesn't even need words to stop a fight.

Rex couldn't help but smirk. "Easy there, metal man. Wouldn't want to dent that pretty face."

Lukas was stunned "What?! How did you...."

"Forget it!" Rex replied, walking away to meet with his fellow noobs. They all had excited looks on their faces. For the boys, participating in the dodgeball tournament was an opportunity for them to look cool and gain the attention of some hot chicks but the girls there, well.... it's their hobby perhaps

"Tch! That Kid! I won't forget to smack the ball in his face!" He gritted his teeth in anger

Coach Jefferson, unfazed by the tense moment between Rex and Lukas, walked forward with a calm but commanding presence. His eyes briefly swept across the stadium, taking in the newbies lined up awkwardly on one side, eager yet clearly out of their depth, and the senior team, looking confident and seasoned, on the other side.

"Alright, listen up!" Jefferson's voice boomed across the stadium, silencing any murmurs. "Today, we'll see if you've got what it takes to represent the academy in this year's competition."

The newbies straightened up, a mix of nerves and excitement flashing across their faces. Rex, hands still casually tucked into his pockets, barely stifled a yawn, though the corner of his mouth twitched in amusement. He glanced at his fellow newbies, some of them trying their best to look tough. They had no idea what they were in for.

Jefferson continued, his tone firm. "You'll be going up against the senior team today. This will determine if you qualify to join the squad. Only the best will make the cut, and there's no room for weakness."

Rex felt a shift in the air as the seniors smirked, clearly relishing the opportunity to knock the newcomers down a peg. Lukas was still fuming nearby, likely imagining all the ways he'd get revenge on Rex during the match. Rex, however, was unfazed, even throwing Lukas a cheeky wink just to rub it in.

Coach Jefferson's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the two teams standing across from each other, the tension building in the air. The seniors were physically more imposing, their seasoned bodies hardened from countless matches, while the newbies were jittery, their excitement teetering on the edge of anxiety.

Rex caught a glimpse of the girl from his last team, standing a little off to the side, looking focused. At least someone here wasn't going to crumble under the pressure. He gave her a nod, which she returned with a small smile.

The two teams lined up opposite each other, facing off like gladiators ready for battle. Rex stretched lazily again, giving the senior team a look that said, This'll be fun.

Jefferson's piercing gaze swept across both teams. "Remember, I'll be watching your every move. Show me what you've got."

Rex stood among the newbies, glancing at the senior team with casual disinterest. The tension was thick enough to cut with a knife, but as usual, Rex found a way to lighten the mood for himself, at least.

Just as Jefferson was about to blow the whistle to start, Rex raised his hand. "Uh, Coach, quick question!"

Everyone's head turned in unison, confusion written all over their faces. Jefferson arched an eyebrow but nodded for Rex to continue. "Is there, like... a special move we're supposed to yell when we throw the ball? You know, like 'Fireball!' or 'Meteor Strike!' I just want to make sure I'm not missing out on anything cool."

The stadium fell into stunned silence. A couple of the seniors blinked in disbelief, while one newbie muttered, "Is this guy serious?"

Lukas let out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head. "What a clown..."

Even some of the girls in the newbie lineup groaned, covering their faces as if to distance themselves from Rex's ridiculous question. The overall vibe was a mix of disgust and confusion, like Rex had just committed some kind of dodgeball faux pas.

But to everyone's shock, Coach Jefferson nodded solemnly. "Actually, that's a valid question, Xander."

All eyes widened. "Wait, what?" someone whispered.

Jefferson continued, completely straight-faced. "Battle cries are crucial. They channel your focus, and if done correctly, they can throw your opponent off their game. Yelling something like 'Meteor Strike' can indeed enhance your impact, both mentally and physically."

The seniors exchanged baffled looks, and the newbies suddenly seemed a bit more nervous. Rex, meanwhile, grinned from ear to ear. "See? Told you guys. Totally important."

Jefferson took a step back, whistle in hand, his expression as serious as ever. "Now, focus up. And remember, give it your all." His voice sharpened as he raised the whistle to his lips.

"BEGIN!" he shouted, blowing the whistle as the stadium erupted into action.

Rex cracked his knuckles, smirking at Lukas. "Better watch out for my Fireball technique."

"And once more, no use of your abilities in this match! Jefferson added and then paused for some time for dramatic effect before shouting

"BEGIN!"

The sound echoed through the stadium, and in an instant, the game was on.