Chapter 13: A Task from Otori Chotarou

  The next day.

  8:00 AM.

  Ishikawa arrived at his first-year cssroom as usual and began cramming for his academic subjects.

  Thanks to his sub-profession [Chess] and its brain development effect, his studying efficiency skyrocketed. In just one morning, he had already covered a third of the material from his subjects.

  3:00 PM.

  Club activity time.

  Ishikawa packed his tennis gear and headed to the tennis club.

  After changing into his training uniform in the locker room, he walked out under the envious gazes of the first-years and the intrigued looks of the uppercssmen.

  "I have a feeling..."

  Watching Ishikawa's back, someone couldn't help but say, "That guy might become a regur before summer this year."

  "Hah? A regur? Don't be ridiculous!"

  Hearing this, the person next to him immediately shook his head. "His talent is undeniable, but before aiming for the regur team, he should at least make it into the second team first."

  "Exactly."

  Another chimed in, "Even the second team captain, Hiyoshi, isn't a regur yet. This guy should wait another two years."

  "Forget two years. Once Shinohara recims his spot next week, that kid's suffering will begin. Right, Shinohara?... Huh?"

  One of them gnced at the corner where Shinohara was, but to his surprise, Shinohara completely ignored him. Instead, he finished changing and walked away with the other first-years.

  "Tch."

  "Don't tell me he got scared after losing?"

  "Is he seriously pnning to hang out with the first-years now? How embarrassing!"

  The group murmured among themselves.

  But none of this affected Ishikawa.

  To him, compared to the National Tournament arc and the U-17 high school monsters he'd have to face in the future, Hyotei was merely a beginner’s zone.

  He had to make use of every minute and second to strengthen himself while still in this so-called beginner’s zone.

  Arriving at the training ground, Ishikawa joined the second and third-year members for the daily warm-up training.

  Since he had taken Shinohara's spot, he had to follow their routine.

  The first task was a 10-p run—4 kilometers in total. According to club rules, there was a minimum time requirement. Those who failed to meet it would be assigned to the ball-picking team.

  And anyone who refused to comply? The Hyotei coach wouldn't hesitate to kick them out of the club.

  As a result, even for warm-ups, no one dared to sck off. Everyone completed the run within the required time. Naturally, the fastest were the regurs, followed by the second-team members.

  Ishikawa’s performance was average. After all, his speed and stamina weren't particurly outstanding, and he didn’t want to draw unnecessary attention. As long as he didn’t fall behind, that was enough.

  To his surprise, not every second and third-year pyer had superior stamina to him.

  Out of the 100+ members, he ranked 67th—a fairly average result.

  "That guy is Ishikawa Shin?"

  Among the regurs, a boy with fluffy orange hair curiously looked over.

  Jirou Akutagawa.

  A third-year regur at Hyotei.

  Watching Ishikawa stretch after his run, Akutagawa chuckled, "No wonder he beat a third-year senior. He didn't even fall behind in the run."

  "Not bad,"

  A tall pyer with brown hair, Shishido Ryou, said indifferently. "But no matter how talented a first-year is, it's hard for them to stand out. Without experience, their mentality easily crumbles in real matches."

  "That’s true. Yawn..."

  Akutagawa nodded, then stretched his arms with a yawn.

  Gncing around and confirming that neither Atobe nor the coach was in sight, he was about to find a spot to take a nap.

  "Jirou!"

  But at that moment, a cold voice rang out from behind him.

  "Don't even think about sneaking away. Come py a match with me!"

  "A-Atobe?!"

  Akutagawa turned around to see Atobe standing behind him, arms crossed, staring at him with sharp eyes.

  His expression instantly colpsed. He was about to come up with an excuse, but seeing Atobe's gaze grow colder, he gave up.

  "Fine, fine..."

  He lowered his head, defeated.

  Sigh.

  Seeing Jirou’s pitiful expression, Atobe actually felt a little bad.

  But there was no choice. Among Hyotei’s top singles pyers, besides himself, only Akutagawa and Kabaji were viable options.

  Oshitari was already paired with Mukahi for doubles, ensuring Hyotei’s doubles strength.

  Shishido was strong in singles, but still a tier below Akutagawa.

  And Otori? While his serve was powerful, his first-serve accuracy was too low, and he even suffered from double faults at times. His singles skills weren’t reliable either.

  For Hyotei to improve its overall strength, Atobe had no choice but to focus on unlocking Jirou’s full potential.

  "If I can awaken Jirou’s talent, Hyotei will have a real chance against Rikkai Dai!"

  Thinking about Rikkai Dai’s national championship dynasty, Atobe subconsciously clenched his fists.

  To him, this was his st chance.

  Not only did he need to stop Rikkai Dai from securing their third consecutive national title, but he also had to fulfill his own dream—leading Hyotei to the national championship.

  If it meant improving Hyotei’s power, Atobe would make any sacrifice necessary.

  -

  Meanwhile, Ishikawa continued his personal training.

  "997!"

  "998!"

  "999!"

  "1000!"

  [Ding!]

  [Daily Task Completed: 1000 Swing Training, +16 Experience Points]

  "16?"

  Ishikawa was momentarily stunned.

  Then, he quickly realized something:

  "As my level increases and my experience bar grows, the experience gained from daily tasks also increases."

  This fit his understanding of game mechanics.

  It also eased his concerns that, in the future, his required experience might skyrocket, while his daily task rewards would remain low.

  "Swing training is done. Now I need to find someone to py a practice match with."

  With that in mind, he scanned the courts, looking for a suitable opponent.

  His goal was simple—find someone who wasn’t too strong and defeat them.

  Why? Because winning a match also provided experience and rewards.

  But just then...

  Ishikawa’s eyes suddenly locked onto a tall figure with silver-gray hair, wearing a Hyotei regur jacket.

  It was none other than the second-year regur—Otori Chotarou.

  And at that moment...

  Above Otori's head, a bright green excmation mark appeared.

  "Wait… does this mean…?"

  Ishikawa’s eyes widened.

  "He has a quest for me?!"

  (End of Chapter 13)