37 Conclusion of the Preliminaries

"I must say! I do not blame the crowd for cheering on the disciples of Master Wushu because right now they have caught up with the other leading teams and by the looks of it … We are up for more action! What would be the conclusion for this youngsters? Would the leading teams maintain their lead or would it be snatched away from them? An exciting turn of events!" The commentator announced to the audience his own assessment regarding to the development of the tournament with such an enthusiasm.

Riling up the excitement and suspense amongst the audience within the arena and the spectators in the participants lounge.

[-In the obstacle course-]

Currently, the team of Hawks are in the 3rd place.

Hawks became more passionate and more eager to overtake the other 2 leading teams.

Not too far from.

Their distance were within reach.

Unexpectedly the leading team, the team of the disciples of Master Narcisso, had something in mind.

"It is time, Zico!" signaled by the leader of the team.

They stopped from their tracks and one of the members made the ground soft which turned it into a quick.

And the other member released a crumpled paper … attaching its own ki to the crumpled paper.

The crumpled paper turned into flying objects floating above the quicksand.

Coated with explosive ki and are currently in mirage. There were some covered itself, to make it unnoticeable.

"Great! That will buy us some time and maintain our lead for a while." The leader of the team informed his fellow members.

By the end of a difficult obstacle course, the disciples of Master Narcisso left the trap they laid for the pursuing other teams.

Then they continued their way forward.

"Woah! The disciples of Master Narcisso just left something for the fast approaching other teams. This looks like a dangerous part. Layers of deceptive trap. Their focus will be on the top layer which are currently flapping its paper wings while the other trap becomes more difficult to evade. Because your first focus will be on the obvious but not on the real danger that awaits to be triggered. Ooooh! The disciples of Master Narcisso are indeed nasty ones and clever! Since all team will be focused on finishing -crossing the bridge obstacle- which can make a team fall to the pit if they lose their balance as a team. So, less likely the other teams would notice what is ahead of them. Tricky! Tricky!" The announcer explained to the audience regarding the current situation.

Since the team of Hawks was just behind to the 2nd placer team who were about to finish the certain obstacle course. They were just close enough to see what the other team could see ahead.

But Shams noticed it first even before others could point out anything interesting.

He immediately stopped in the middle of their obstacle course which made Hawks almost lose his balance.

"WHAT THE HELL!?! I almost fell there." Hawks complained towards Shams.

"Stop overreacting! Maya would have used her floating abilities to prevent us from falling in this difficult obstacle course. We have to wait for a bit. There is a trap ahead of us. We will get caught by the explosion if we go neck to neck with them." Shams explained to Hawks and the others.

The others already knew how sharp the senses of Shams so they trust his own judgment call.

"Then … you should have informed us before stopping." Hawks said to Shams with an annoyed tone.

"Well, the other team might hear us so I do not want to risk it." Shams further explained.

Few seconds after their quick banter,

An explosion was heard and the 2nd placer team was trapped on the quick sand laid out by the disciples of Master Narcisso.

Due to their unconsciousness, they were drowning from the quick sand made by the leading team.

Hawks and Shams were too eager to move ahead. Not caring what happens to the other teams.

They wanted to go further but Maya stopped her tracks this time around before going further.

"WHAT NOW??!!!" Hawks said with an irritated tone because he wants to catch up with the leading team.

"All members of the second place team are unconscious and may get drowned in the quick sand." Maya stated.

"Good riddance! That makes us the second place now, then! We have to catch up! We can still be the first placer!" Hawks reminded Maya and the others.

"But can your conscience take it that others will suffer further if we do not help them?" Maya pointed out to Hawks and was also referring to Billy and Shams.

Unexpectedly, the trio answered in unison. "Meh!"

"As long we win, I do not care!" Shams uttered.

"I really do not understand your point in helping them …" Billy being a bit confused in the idea of helping an opponent.

"I want to beat the other teams! Not help them!" Hawks elaborated to Maya.

"Guys! That is not how Master Wushu taught us!" Maya reiterated the teachings of Master Wushu to them.

Whether they like it or not, Master Wushu was also watching them.

It may not be full-heartedly, Hawks and others gave in to Maya's intention to help the other team before moving forward.

"What's this? The disciples of Master Wushu are helping the other team get out from the quick sand and placing them safely to the sidelines. And now they are trying to destroy the trap made by the leading team. With this, they are actually allowing the leading team to further their gap. I must say! WOWWER! Unexpected … golden heart from the disciples of Master Wushu! We are witnessing true heart of a champion!" the announcer explained the situation to the crowd.

Moments after …

[-First Place-] was achieved by the disciples of Master Narcisso.

While, the team of Hawks gained [-Second Place-].

The preliminary round for the -Junior Division- concluded.

<*><*><*><*><*><*><*>

Please support THIS STORY by...

[1] -Adding in your library-

[2] Voting with powerstones..

[3] And leave some comments on my chapters...

~ This will highly motivate me to keep writing and improving my own craft in terms of writing.

<*><*><*><*><*><*><*>

Additional Note from the Author:

The releases from this point on will be irregular! But expect weekly releases and updates but not daily.

On February 1, 2021 the regular releases and updates will return.

Thank you for all of your support!

I could not have done this much without your motivation and support!

<*><*><*><*><*><*><*>

Please support my other story:

[1] "THE MAKING OF THE VAMPIRE QUEEN"

[2] "THE ALPHA PRINCE AND HIS SILVER LONE WOLF"

- I need your votes and collections, please vote and -add to your library-.

Once again, thank you so much!

<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>-<*>