Sports Meet - 17

Ted found himself unexpectedly logged out of his gaming world, the virtual reality dissipating into nothingness. Emerging from his gaming capsule, he was greeted by the soft, early morning light of a dawning sun at 4 AM. It was a stark contrast to the darkness he had just left behind in the virtual realm.

After his rigorous two-hour workout regimen, Ted transformed into the picture of a model student, donning full sleeves, well-fitted pants, and a perfectly tied tie. His attire exuded a sense of sophistication that contrasted sharply with his slightly bulky physique, noticeable to anyone who glanced his way.

As he settled into his desk at school, an uncanny sense of someone's presence behind him sent a shiver down his spine. He swiveled his chair, his gaze locking onto Chris, who had materialized like a mischievous phantom.

Ted couldn't help but sigh, "Chris, what's it this time? Didn't I already inform you that I'll be participating in the sports event this year?"

A sly grin curled across Chris's lips as he responded, "I'm not here for that, Mr. Monkey. I came to tell you about a very special event happening this year – a martial arts competition. Several other schools are participating, but honestly, I'm here just for you." Chris's determination to surpass Ted in the coming competition was palpable, and he had been relentlessly working on his skills.

The Annual Sports Meet commenced with a fervor, as students from various schools prepared to showcase their athletic prowess.

The initial day was dedicated to races and marathons, where Ted and Chris took the spotlight. They participated in the 100, 200, and 400-meter races, and Ted emerged as the undeniable victor, leaving his competitors trailing far behind. However, the tables turned when the grueling 800 and 1600-meter races unfolded. Chris displayed his prowess, securing first place in both events, while Ted found himself in third place, with an enigmatic student named Drew from another school claiming the second spot.

Mars had undergone a territorial division due to recent policies, making it simpler for foreigners to settle within India's territory. This had led to an influx of foreigners living in the Martian territories.

Drew hailed from a school that exclusively admitted American students, and this year marked their inaugural participation in the sports meet, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to the competition.

The second day dawned with the javelin throw event. To everyone's astonishment, Ted opted for shorts and a vest, a stark deviation from his customary track suit attire. As he stepped onto the playfield, an air of certainty settled upon the spectators. It was almost as if they knew that victory was a foregone conclusion.

In the dugouts of the American students, a group had congregated, their attention focused squarely on Drew, an enigmatic figure with disheveled white hair and a ghostly pallor. They implored him to secure first place in the event.

Drew, exuding confidence, flexed his arms as he declared, "There's no need for all of you to push me like this. I know full well that no one can outmatch me in javelin throw. In fact, I could probably toss those two little guys using only my arms." It was at this precise moment that Ted made his entrance.

Ted was attired in a sleek black vest and sports shorts, but what truly captivated the audience was his physique. His bulging biceps and astonishingly massive forearms left onlookers awestruck. Not to be overlooked were his monumental calves and quadriceps, proportions that would put many bodybuilders to shame. His torso, rather than the expected V-shape, appeared strikingly straight.

Mid-sentence, Rhea's words trailed off as she beheld Ted's transformation. Ted, in a display of humility, chuckled and remarked, "Yeah, I understand. I don't have those skinny legs, which is precisely why I never roll up my sleeves – my forearms are just too colossal."

With bated breath, the spectators watched as Ted confidently strode onto the field. Chalk in hand, he seized the javelin, executing a lightning-fast run-up before releasing it. The javelin soared through the air, nearly shattering the national record. Chris and Drew watched in stunned silence as Ted's throw surpassed theirs by more than ten meters.

This narrative continued its cadence in shot put and hammer throw, with Ted emerging victorious in both disciplines. However, Ted's winning streak came to an abrupt end in the swimming competition, an event he wisely opted to avoid, aware of his limitations.

As the seven-day event drew to a close, the points were tallied, and it became evident that Chris and Ted were tied, with Chris securing victories in swimming, archery, and gymnastics. Another participant, who had largely remained unnoticed until then, also shared the same score. This revelation hit Drew harder than any of his prior losses.

On the sixth day, the primary event unfolded – the martial arts competition. A round-robin tournament format was adopted, and interestingly, Ted, Chris, and Drew were placed in different groups. Although they weren't set to face each other directly, their unwavering focus remained fixed on their long-standing rivalries.

In Ted's initial match, his female opponent conceded, unwilling to face the formidable challenge he posed. This unexpected victory left Chris and Drew in the dark regarding Ted's martial arts expertise.

Chris, in his matchup, faced a formidable adversary named Shean. Struggling to pronounce the name correctly, Chris inadvertently roused Shean's ire. 

In the blink of an eye, Chris found himself sprawled on the ground, courtesy of Shean's mastery of Muay Thai. But Chris still managed a win.

Drew, in his own match, showcased a surprise of his own. His chosen discipline was Krav Maga, an art that lacked the suave allure of Chris's style but was undeniably effective. Drew proved his mettle by taking down an opponent nearly twice his size.

Yet, the most captivating moment was still to come. Ted, for the first time, unveiled a fraction of his martial arts prowess. Pitted against a student from Drew's school, he executed a beautifully arcing crescent kick. The opponent's head collided with the floor, Ted's foot resting victoriously on his face. Drew finally acknowledged Ted's martial arts mastery.

As the tension mounted, Chris, though still exuding confidence, couldn't help but wonder, " Taekwondo , but It can't be just this, can it?"

The competition was heating up, and the enigmatic skills of Ted, Chris, and Drew promised an unforgett

able conclusion to this remarkable sports meet.