Selection

The open ground buzzed with anticipation as the college's sports squad gathered. The upcoming inter-college league loomed over them, and every participant knew what was at stake. Standing at the forefront was Wick, his commanding presence demanding attention. He wasn't just another competitor—he was a force to be reckoned with.

He stepped forward, his voice carrying across the field with ease.

"The league is approaching fast. This year, we have one clear objective—to defeat The Legacy and prove we are the best."

The crowd murmured in response, a mix of excitement and tension filling the air.

"Selections will be purely based on merit. If you think you're better than someone, challenge them. Prove yourself. No favoritism. No second chances. Only the best will make it."

His words left no room for argument. The students exchanged glances, understanding that the usual politics of selection wouldn't work this time.

Just as Wick was about to move on to individual events, the principal arrived, his presence silencing the crowd.

"There's been a misunderstanding. You have five days to finalize your team selections."

With that, the principal turned and walked away without waiting for a response. Wick barely reacted, his focus still on the competition ahead.

"Alright, moving on," he continued. "The relay race will be 500 meters, with five runners covering 100 meters each. If you think you're fast enough, step up and prove it."

His determination was evident. Wick had no interest in unnecessary discussions—he only cared about results.

Tension Between Leaders

Before he could continue, Vivek stepped forward, his expression unreadable.

"Don't you think I should be the one handling all this? I am the leader, after all."

Wick turned to him, his gaze sharp but unreadable.

"Don't talk nonsense. You'll still be the captain, but I will be involved in the selections. No compromises."

A silent battle of dominance played out between them. The team members watched in uneasy silence, unsure of how this confrontation would end.

Breaking the tension, Wick turned to Annu, Bhumi, and Kritika.

"I need you three to oversee the management of the women's games. I'll join you afterward, and we'll discuss the combined events."

Individual Games Selection

With the minor disputes settled, the selection process for individual events began.

Four players from each college would be chosen per weight category. Wick was the first to announce his participation.

"I'll be competing in wrestling, karate, taekwondo, archery, chess, and weightlifting in the under-80 kg category."

He glanced at Nick, smirking slightly.

"For under-70 kg, Aryan, you're the best candidate. You'll take part in wrestling, karate, boxing, shooting, and weightlifting."

Aryan grinned, accepting the challenge.

Before the selection could proceed, Vaibhav stepped forward.

"Sir, I want to compete against Wick in chess and archery. And I'll participate in all under-60 kg events."

The coach nodded, pleased to see the enthusiasm. That's when Vivek made his move, stepping closer to Wick with a challenging look.

"Step aside. Leave weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, chess, and archery to me. You can take karate and taekwondo."

Wick arched an eyebrow, unimpressed.

"It's not about us, Vivek. It's about the college. We need our best players to compete. But don't worry, I'll leave wrestling and archery for you."

Vivek crossed his arms.

"That's not what I said. I want all of them. I'm better than you."

A dry chuckle escaped Wick's lips.

"Oh, so now you're threatening me? If you want my spot, beat me. Take it fairly."

The coach, sensing the rising tension, stepped in to settle the matter.

"Alright, enough. We'll settle this fairly. The best will earn their spots. Wick and Vivek will compete in the under-80 kg category. For chess, it'll be Wick, Vivek, Vaibhav, Vishal, Aakash, and Abhi. In archery, we have Wick, Vivek, Kunal, Vyshank, and Sumit. The same goes for shooting and weightlifting."

Vaibhav, who had been watching the exchange, turned to Wick with curiosity.

"Why are you competing against Vivek? He's the leader of your gang."

Wick's response was calm but unwavering.

"I don't follow anyone. If he wins, I'll step aside. But if someone tries to threaten me into giving up my place? That's not happening."

Vaibhav hesitated before asking the question that was on everyone's mind.

"So... who's stronger? You or Vivek?"

Wick smirked.

"I will win.Anyways."

The Competitions Begin

The first event was archery.

To everyone's surprise, Vyshank outperformed everyone, securing the top spot. Wick gave him an approving nod.

"Well done, Vyshank.

In a distance Khushi questioned why did Wick challenged Vivek into this and lost to Vyshank.

Shristi understood the hierarchy.

"If he hadn't joined, Vivek would have threatened him out of participating."

Next was chess. The match between Wick and Vivek was intense. Vivek, confident as ever, smirked.

"I'll beat you in my sleep."

Wick, unfazed, responded coolly.

"You can try. But even in your dreams, you'll lose 9 out of 10 times."

Ten minutes later, Wick leaned back in his chair.

"Check."

Vivek hastily moved a piece, but the coach intervened.

"That's checkmate. The match is over."

Wick had outplayed him.

Shristi, watching from a distance, was stunned.

"No way. He won in just ten minutes?"

Annu smiled knowingly.

"No one has ever beaten Wick in chess or a fight."

Final Showdown

The wrestling match lasted a grueling 26 minutes, but in the end, Wick secured a 7-2 victory.

In boxing, Vivek initially had the upper hand, his experience showing. Shristi leaned toward Annu.

"He's stronger in boxing."

Annu smirked.

"Look again."

Wick adjusted his stance. His speed doubled.

Within 12 minutes, the match was over. Wick had won.

The coach clapped.

"From third-year under-80 kg, Wick is selected to compete against The Legacy and The 7 then heading to the tournament."

Vivek, seething, turned to Wick.

"You should've let me win at least once.Now I'll opt out of being captain if you think you are better than me"

Wick met his gaze, unshaken.

"We're done pretending. From now on, I lead."

Vivek scoffed, refusing to accept it. He never imagined that answer from Wick but he is unpredictable.

"We'll see. You still have to face other colleges."

A smirk tugged at Wick's lips.

"And you know I'll win."

To be continued...