Chapter 37: ONE WEEK TOWARD THE FESTIVAL

One week before the sports festival was to be held, the atmosphere at Phoenix Academy felt different. The entire school was filled with burning energy. In every corner, students could be seen training with full enthusiasm—some running on the field, some practicing basketball on the main court, some practicing volleyball on the other side, and some sitting under trees while reading strategies. Colorful banners started being hung along the corridors, reminding everyone that the big day was getting closer.

The Phoenix Academy Sports Festival was the most anticipated annual event. All classes from various levels would compete in various sports—relay race, basketball, volleyball, archery, chess, tug-of-war, and sack race. Each class would collect points from every event they participated in, and the class with the highest points would become the overall champion. A large trophy would be awarded to the winning class, and their names would be engraved on the school’s honor board.

This year, all classes were given a full week of free time before the festival. Teaching and learning activities were temporarily suspended so students could focus on training. No assignments, no exams, just training and preparation.

Inside Class IX-9, Kai was standing in front of the blackboard, surrounded by his students. Not only the nine girls from Class IX-9 were present, but also the six girls from Class 2-2 who had joined them. A total of fifteen students gathered in the not-too-large room, sitting neatly on benches arranged in a circle so everyone could see Kai clearly.

"Alright, everyone," Kai said in a firm voice loud enough for everyone to hear. "We have a full week to train. No lessons, no assignments, just training. This is our chance to prepare as best we can."

Kai’s eyes moved from one face to another, making sure everyone was listening carefully.

"Today I’ll give you tips and a training plan for this week. Each day we’ll focus on a different event, according to the schedule we’ve already made. But this time, we’ll train more intensively because we have more time."

Mira raised her hand enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. "Sir, can we train longer than usual?"

Kai smiled slightly. "We’ll train longer, Mira. But remember, rest is also important. Don’t let yourselves get exhausted before the competition day."

"Yes, Sir!" Mira exclaimed enthusiastically.

Kai started explaining their training plan. He talked about strategies for each event—how to improve speed in the relay race, how to improve passing techniques in basketball, how to organize attacks in volleyball, how to improve concentration in archery, and how to read opponents’ games in chess. He also gave tips about good eating and resting habits during this training week.

"For basketball," Kai said, looking at Rin, Katrin, Maya, and Sera, "you’ll focus on movement without the ball and team communication. Don’t just rely on one player. Basketball is a team sport, and a solid team is always stronger than a great individual."

Rin nodded enthusiastically. Katrin smiled with determination. Maya, who had still looked hesitant, now started nodding slowly. Sera stood with her arms crossed, but there was a small smile on her lips.

"For volleyball," Kai continued, looking at Ella, Liliana, Irene, and Rina, "you’ll focus on body position when receiving the ball and communication on the court. Liliana, as the setter, you’re the brain of the team. Make sure you know where your spikers are at all times."

Liliana nodded slowly, her calm eyes looking at Kai with full attention.

"For the relay race," Kai said, looking at Mira and Iris, "baton exchange is the key. Keep practicing until the movement becomes reflex. One second lost in the baton exchange can cost you victory."

Mira nodded quickly, her legs moving restlessly. Iris smiled mysteriously, her hand casually playing with the end of her hair.

"For archery," Kai said, looking at Nora and Luna, "focus on breathing and concentration. Don’t let distractions around you break your focus. Inhale as you draw the bowstring, and exhale as you release."

Nora nodded seriously. Luna, who usually stared out the window, was now focused on Kai, her half-closed eyes showing deep attention.

"And for chess," Kai said, looking at Eve, "we’ll continue practicing with the special rules we’ve made. I want to see how far your ability to manage points and strategy has come."

Eve pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. "I’m ready, Sir."

As Kai was explaining the training plan in more detail, suddenly a soft knock was heard at the door. Not long after, the classroom door slowly opened.

A girl with long brown hair stepped in, followed by several other friends. They were students who had been training with Class IX-9—some of them had already become part of the additional team, but there were also some new faces Kai had never seen before. All of them looked hesitant, unsure whether they would be accepted or not.

"Sorry to disturb, Sir," the brown-haired girl said in a soft voice. "We... we want to join your training during this week."

Kai blinked, slightly surprised. "What do you mean?"

The girl looked at her friends for a moment, then back at Kai. "We’ve heard that Class IX-9 will be training intensively this week. And we... we don’t want to miss this opportunity. In our own class, no one is really training. Our teacher just gives us free time without clear direction."

"We don’t want to waste time," another student added. "We want to train seriously. We want to learn from you."

Kai fell silent, looking at the new students standing at the doorway. He saw restlessness in their eyes, but also saw hope starting to grow. They didn’t want to be spectators. They wanted to be part of something bigger.

"We realize this is sudden," the brown-haired girl continued, "but we hope you’ll allow us to join. We promise we won’t disrupt the training."

Ella, who was sitting in front, stood up and looked at Kai. "Sir, they’re serious. I’ve talked to some of them before. They really want to train."

Kai looked at the new students, then let out a long sigh. "Alright. You can join. But remember, training here isn’t easy. I won’t give you special treatment. You’ll train just as hard as everyone else."

Their faces immediately lit up. The brown-haired girl smiled widely, and her friends nodded enthusiastically.

"We’re ready, Sir!" they exclaimed almost in unison.

Kai smiled slightly, then arranged the seating so all the students could fit in the classroom. "Come in. Sit neatly. I’ll explain the training plan for this week again."

The new students immediately entered and found remaining seats. Some of them sat on the floor because the chairs were full, but they didn’t mind. They just wanted to listen and learn.

After giving enough explanation, Kai started leading the training session. He divided his students into groups according to the events they were participating in.

Basketball Practice:

Rin, Katrin, Maya, and Sera practiced on the basketball court. They did passing drills and movement without the ball. Kai watched from the sidelines, occasionally giving instructions.

"Rin, your foot position needs to be more stable when receiving a pass!" Kai called out.

"Katrin, don’t just stand in one place! Move!"

Maya, who still looked hesitant, received encouragement from Katrin. "You can do it, Maya! Try passing to me!"

Maya took a deep breath, then threw the ball with more confidence. This time, the ball landed right in Katrin’s hands.

"Good!" Katrin called out. "Now try again!"

Volleyball Practice:

Ella, Liliana, Irene, and Rina practiced on the volleyball court. Ella set the ball toward Irene, who was ready to hit.

"Higher sets, Ella!" Liliana called out. "So Irene can hit hard!"

Ella adjusted her set. Irene jumped, hitting the ball with all her strength. The ball shot over the net perfectly.

"Good!" Liliana praised.

Rina noted everything in her notebook, then tried practicing herself.

Relay Race Practice:

Mira and Iris practiced on the running track at the edge of the field. They repeated the baton exchange over and over.

"We need to be faster, Mira!" Iris said while running. "When I approach, you need to be ready to receive the baton!"

Mira nodded, focused on Iris’s movements. "I’m ready!"

They practiced until their movements became smooth and seamless.

Archery Practice:

Nora and Luna practiced at the archery area behind the school. They focused on breathing and concentration.

"Breathe in, Luna," Nora said in a calm voice. "Then exhale as you release."

Luna followed Nora’s instructions. Her arrow shot and landed near the center of the target.

"Good," Nora praised. "Now try again."

Chess Practice:

Kai and Eve practiced in the emptied classroom. The atmosphere inside the classroom felt quiet and calm, only the sound of pieces being moved and occasionally Kai’s brief comments.

Outside the window, the afternoon sunlight was starting to fade, creating long shadows stretching across the classroom floor. Eve sat with her back straight, her eyes focused on the chessboard in front of her. Across from her, Kai sat calmly, waiting for Eve’s move.

"I’ll move my queen here," Eve said, moving her piece carefully.

Kai observed, then moved his rook in response. "Good strategy, Eve. But you forgot one thing."

"What’s that?" Eve asked, her eyebrows furrowing.

"You’re too focused on attacking. You forgot to defend. In chess, balance between attack and defense is key."

Eve fell silent, thinking about Kai’s words. She let out a long sigh, then corrected her position.

After all the groups finished their practice, Kai gathered all his students in the middle of the field. The sun was almost completely set on the western horizon, creating a beautiful orange sky. Sweat dampened their foreheads, but smiles never left their faces.

"Alright, everyone," Kai said in a firm voice. "Today’s training is over. You’ve shown amazing spirit. I’m proud of you."

Mira hopped lightly in place. "Mira is happy! Today’s training was so much fun!"

Rin nodded, holding a basketball in her hand. "We’ll train again tomorrow, Sir?"

"Tomorrow we’ll train again," Kai said with a smile. "But now, I want you all to go home and rest. I have a task for all of you—the most important task."

Maya blinked, confused. "What task, Sir?"

"You have to stay at home," Kai said firmly. "Your bodies need rest. Tomorrow we’ll train again, but tonight, you have to truly rest. No one is allowed to practice at home. No one is allowed to think about the festival. Just rest."

Mira pouted her lips, but didn’t argue. "Alright, Sir. Mira will rest."

"But before you go home," Kai continued, "I have something for you."

Kai walked to the corner of the field, taking several large bags he’d prepared earlier. He carried the bags back to his students, then started handing them out one by one.

"For all of you," Kai said, handing a bag to Mira first. "I’ve prepared these for you."

Mira opened her bag curiously. Inside, there was a new navy blue sports jersey with a small embroidery on the chest—a picture of a phoenix with burning wings, the symbol of Phoenix Academy. Below it, the words "IX-9" were written in gleaming gold letters.

"This..." Mira took out the jersey with sparkling eyes. "This is for us, Sir?"

"Yes," Kai said, smiling at Mira’s expression. "I’ve prepared these for all of you. You can wear these jerseys for training and for the competition later. I want you to appear as one team."

One by one, the students received their bags. Their eyes widened when they saw the contents—the same new sports jerseys, with the same colors and embroidery. There was no difference between Class IX-9 students and students from Class 2-2. Everyone was the same. Everyone was one team.

"I also prepared for the new students who joined today," Kai said, handing the last bag to the brown-haired girl. "Because you’re now also part of this team."

The girl received the bag with trembling hands. Her eyes started to glisten. "Sir... this is too much. We just joined..."

"You’ve already joined," Kai said firmly. "And you’re part of this team. So you deserve this."

Mira was the first to put on her jersey, immediately posing in front of her friends. "It fits, right? Mira loves this blue color!"

"I like it too," Rin said, wearing her jersey proudly. "It feels comfortable."

Katrin smiled, her hand touching the embroidery on her chest. "Thank you, Sir. This means a lot to us."

Liliana just smiled slightly, but her eyes sparkled with happiness that didn’t need to be spoken.

Sera, who was usually firm and not very talkative, looked touched. Her hand gripped the new jersey tightly.

Maya, who had been hesitant, now smiled widely. "I... I’ve never had a team jersey before," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.

"Neither have we," Aria added, her trembling hands holding the jersey carefully.

Ella stood beside them, her eyes looking at Kai with a gratitude that didn’t need to be spoken. She just nodded slightly, and Kai nodded back.

"Mr. Kai," Mira suddenly said, "we’re all going to wear these on competition day, right?"

"Of course," Kai said. "You’ll wear these on competition day. And you’ll look like a solid team."

"We’re going to win!" Mira exclaimed enthusiastically, her fist raised in the air. "We’ll show everyone that we can!"

"We’re going to win," Rin said with equal conviction.

"We’ll win together," Ella added.

The atmosphere on the field became warm and full of spirit. All the students looked at each other, smiled at each other, felt that they were part of something bigger than themselves.

Kai observed everything from a distance with a small smile on his face. He saw them laughing, joking, and supporting each other. He saw a spirit that never faded, hope that kept growing, and togetherness that couldn’t be broken. He saw them no longer as marginalized students, but as one family ready to fight together.

"Alright," Kai finally said, breaking the silence. "Now go home. Get enough rest. Tomorrow we meet again for the next training."

They started to leave, grabbing their bags and equipment. The sounds of laughter and conversation started to be heard among them as they walked away from the field. Mira hopped beside Iris, Rin walked beside Katrin with firm steps, and Ella walked ahead with Liliana.