Chapter 9

"The overall level of the Davidson Academy team wasn't formidable, relying heavily on star player Stephen to invigorate the team. By restraining Stephen and controlling the pace, Midtown High School, led by Thompson's strength and James's keen awareness, left Stephen bewildered after the standard game.

Unable to break free or pass the ball, Stephen found himself at the mercy of the opposing team. Even though Stephen possessed the ability to make long-range three-pointers, relying on luck for super-long shots, he couldn't compete with James's unstoppable dunks.

With a dunk shooting rate close to 100%, James proved a challenge even for centers over two meters tall. Would this eighteen-year-old boy be able to "dismantle Nizi and control women"?

Post-game in the lounge, Stephen, angered by a defeat of ten points to a high school team, tossed his towel, unwilling to be ridiculed by other schools.

'The three-point shooting rate needs improvement; I'll continue working on it when I get back.'

Outside the gymnasium, Thompson and James stood together, facing the sunset.

"Thank you; I have no regrets," Thompson expressed.

Rolling his eyes, James responded, " Hey don't jinx yourself. You're just joining the army, not heading into a real battle. Who on this earth dares to fight the U.S. army?"

Thompson smiled without reason.

Suddenly, James turned around, questioning, "Where is Peter?"

"He left before the game started."

In the afternoon, Peter had accompanied James to the gym but departed early. Gwen, too, chose not to attend, opting instead to visit her tutor at the Osborne Group.

James remembered the mysterious rune pattern he saw on Parker's book in the morning.

Though not recalling the formula clearly, James had some impressions that it might be a creation of Peter's father, Richard Parker.

With a desire to witness history, James declined Thompson's suggestion to celebrate and drove to the Osborne Group.

Without saying hello to Gwen, James observed Peter exiting the Osborne Group building. Alone, Peter boarded the subway.

Following Peter discreetly, James watched as Peter fell asleep on the train. With no disturbances, it seemed Peter might sleep until the subway stopped.

As the train moved, several individuals in punk attire noticed Peter sleeping beside them. These arrogant individuals decided to tease him by placing a cold beer bottle on his forehead.

Observing, James chose not to intervene.

The cold beer, sharp to the senses, induced a reaction from Peter. He leaped up, violating the principles of mechanics, sticking to the train's flower board in a strange posture.

The group's attempt to mock Peter ended with beer spraying on a nearby woman's face. The ensuing apology turned into chaos, resulting in torn clothing and a victorious Peter.

Spotting James in the next car, Peter rushed to him, puzzled. Despite James attempting to disguise himself with a cap and mask, Peter recognized him due to a torn hole on his shoulder, where Peter had sewn a U.S. team buckler.

Frustrated, James explained, "Leave those details. What happened?"

Peter, bewildered, asked about the torn lady's top in his hands.

Ignoring it, James urged, "Boy, you defended the tribe's honor! Is the silver scale breastplate in your hand of blue quality?"

Confused, Peter responded with a blank face.

As the train arrived, James pulled Peter off. On a quiet street, James reassured Peter, "Although I don't know how this happened, it might not be a bad thing. Go home, get a good night's sleep, and let's meet up over the weekend to discuss it."

Peter nodded and headed home, while James turned and left. Passing by Peter's neighbor's house, he heard a heated argument between a drunk father and a rebellious daughter.

Uninterested in others' affairs, James shook his head and continued to the orphanage. Seated cross-legged, he pulled out the Zodiac Knight armor chest."