Chapter 15 - Catch Rematch...

"Tomo, why do people fear and avoid you?"

"..."

She stayed silent for a while until she finally starts speaking.

"Lots... of explosions... Hurt many... people."

"What type of explosions?"

"From the... training ground... No one was... able to catch... my ball... until you... showed up... You're the... first to... catch... my ball."

"Oh, that explains why all those students freaked out when you were about to throw the ball at me."

It does make some sense, but I feel like she isn't telling me everything. That or she is lying, but everything makes sense...

"They... fear me... less now... but they... fear you... now."

"So? I don't think I'm that big of a threat. However, my appearance does make me appear scary. Well, at least you don't fear me."

"That's because... I know... you already..."

I don't know if that makes sense, but I'll agree nevertheless. I smile at her and notice that lunch was about to end.

"Oops! We better hurry and get to the gym. Classes are about to start again."

Tomo nods. We both got up and started walking toward the gym; however, right as we made it to the stairs, I turn to face Tomo.

"No matter what, I'll never fear you or avoid you. I'll always be your friend. I just wanted to say that..."

After saying this, I smile and then left the roof.

...

We made our way to the gymnasium. I was in the front while Tomo stayed a couple of steps behind me. Once we were in the gym, the bell ringed, declaring that lunch was over. We joined the other students who were around Ken. Once we were with the others, Tomo whispered something in my ears.

"Thanks..."

I smile toward her and then focused on Ken. He looks around at everyone and then begins to speak.

"Okay, class. During this rest of the school year, I'll be teaching the physical portion. After lunch, you will always meet in the gym. We will spend the entire time practicing with your magical powers and physical strength. Today, we will do the same thing you did yesterday for an hour. Afterward, I have two tests that I would like everyone to do. Understood? Then split!"

As Ken commands, everyone splits into pairs and moves around the gym. Tomo and I did the same. We walk over to a corner of the gym and separate ourselves by a meter.

"Before we begin, I have a question. How is this training?"

This question has been on my mind all day today and yesterday. Yesterday, Tomo said that this was 'practicing' and not 'playing' catch. This seems like playtime instead of training...

"It helps... to stabilize... our mana... and to balance... our mana... with others."

That kind of makes sense. Though, I'm glad she stopped there. Her speech is okay, but sometimes annoying if she speaks for long periods.

"Okay, how about you create the ball again. I'm still new to this ga... exercise."

She tilts her head, asking if I'm sure. I nod to her facial expression. Then, she holds out her hands.

A blue lighted ball spawns from her hands. As I take a closer look, the ball is filled with compressed magic particules. Based on today's lesson, this ball could be a form of a VOID.

After a bit, the ball grew to the size of a basketball. Afterward, Tomo looks at me again for confirmation. I nod, readying myself. Then, she tosses the ball to me.

Tossing is an understatement. To me, it looks like she was tossing the ball to a baby. This irritated me. Did she not understand that I'll be okay? I mean, I caught her ball last time. However, my doubts were soon solved after looking at her.

Sweat could be seen across Tomo's face. It appears that she threw the ball with all her might. I relook at the ball. After watching it for a second, I realized something.

'Why is the ball moving in slow motion?'

No, that isn't what is happening. The ball is going at 125 kilometers per hour. I perceive the world in slow motion. Tomo movements are slowed too. I think my speed might be at play here. If I used this to my advantage, I could run (to others) that I'm running in light-years.

That doesn't matter right now. I adjust my perceptions so that things were moving at regular rates. Afterward, everything went to normal. I caught the ball with no problems, even after the slow-mo went away.

Even so, the ball didn't do anything. Unlike my previous world, a ball going that speed should cause injury if catch with bare hands. I ignored this fact and decided to throw my ball.

Tomo nods as I step back. Then, I ready myself and then throw the ball at 40% strength. The ball flies threw the air at 228 kph, about double the speed of Tomo's. I guess the Blue Devil is an all-powerful being...

Tomo readies herself and tries to grab the ball. The ball's impact pushes her about 10 meters. She blinked a couple of times when this happened. Thankfully, no one was behind her. After she regains herself, she walks back to us and resumes the 'game.'

Since my throw sends her flying, I decrease my power to 10%. This still causes her to get launched but only by a meter. This went on for the rest of the 'catching' session. I think I succeeded in this endeavor, maybe...

After about two hours (that is how long we 'played' for), Ken commanded that everybody return to the center. Once everyone was there, Ken began explaining what we would be doing for the rest of the class.

"Okay, now we will be doing a little exercise. I have created an obstacle course and a 21k run."

When he said that last part, everyone widened their eyes, it's not like running half a marathon is terrible, but I don't think any students want to run for two hours. Though, more than half the students were excited.

"Oh yeah!" "Maybe I can impress XXXX by running the fastest?" "Are you kidding? Demon girl over there will be done in an hour. Good luck trying to run that fast."

Almost all the males were excited to run, mostly to impress the females in this class or others. However, this class has a large number of females than males (10:20).

This is a better reaction than what I was thinking. I mean, who would want to run a 21k? Well, I shouldn't say anything. I mean, I ran 100k's each morning for a year...

"You'll be doing the 21k first. Afterward, you'll immediately begin the obstacle course. You'll be graded on time completed. Oh, here a record to beat. I did both the run and course in two hours. Suppose you can beat that, good. If not, try to reach no longer than 3. Understood? Then everyone, follow me!"

We followed Ken to the outside, about a kilometer away from the school. Once we were there, a white line with a path was all that could be seen. He ordered us to stand on the line.

"Okay, when I say go, you'll start running! Ready?"

I look at Tomo and whisper to her.

"Let's see who the fastest."

She nods, and we both ready ourselves.

"Three! Two! One!"

Ken raises his hand and then waves it down while yelling one word.

"Go!!"

...