Prologue: two years ago

Two years ago...

The Olympic-sized pool sparkled under the vibrant sun, inviting young swimmers from every corner of the nation to showcase their prowess.

An electric atmosphere saturated the air with a palpable blend of excitement and determination as they braced themselves for the pinnacle challenge – the freestyle swimming competition, a gateway to national glory.

Spectators filled the stands, brandishing flags and banners adorned with patriotic hues. Conversations, cheers, and occasional horn blasts created a buzzing symphony.

Arrayed along the pool's edge, swimmers, clad in their school or club colors, fixed their gaze on the water, anticipation etched on their faces.

In the midst of the competitors, Raven D. Noir, a young man from School T, stood out.

His chiseled physique and focused gaze betrayed a quiet confidence, exchanged in a brief exchange of encouraging words with his coach.

Coach: "This is your moment, Raven. Show them the power of School T!"

Raven nodded, determination etched across his face. Tension built as the announcer's voice reverberated through the stadium, introducing the participants and amplifying anticipation.

Announcer: "Ladies and gentlemen, brace yourselves for an exhilarating display of skill and prowess! Let the freestyle swimming competition commence!"

As the swimmers dove into the crystalline pool, it erupted into a symphony of splashes and determined kicks. Raven surged ahead, his strokes cutting through the water like a finely tuned machine.

Spectator 1: "Look at that young man go! He's like a torpedo in there!"

Raven, with sleek and powerful strokes, outpaced his competitors, earning recognition from the crowd.

Spectator 2: "That kid's got some serious talent."

Lap after lap, Raven maintained an unwavering pace, leaving competitors trailing. The clock ticked, and with every stroke, he neared breaking the freestyle swimming record. As he approached the final lap, cheers reached a fever pitch.

Spectator 3: "You got this, Raven! Break that record!"

Friends cheered him on, adding to the fervor.

Lap after lap, he maintained a remarkable pace, breaking the freestyle swimming record and etching his name into swimming history.

In a burst of energy, Raven touched the wall, a split second ahead of the record.

Cheers transformed into a deafening roar as he emerged from the water, chest heaving with exertion and triumph.

Raven, breathless but smiling, raised his hands in the air, a symbol of success and pride.

As Raven touched the wall, cheers reached a crescendo. He emerged from the pool, water cascading down his athletic frame, a triumphant smile on his face.

Impressed by his prowess, the selection committee had no choice but to acknowledge the emergence of a new swimming sensation – Raven D. Noir, the record-breaking swimmer destined for the national team.

*

After the impressive swimming competition, Raven, along with several other members of the swim team, went out to celebrate his success and qualification as a record-breaker who would join the national team.

They gathered at a bustling restaurant, a long table adorned with sparkling lights creating an atmosphere of joy. The air was filled with cheer, but Raven, with his antisocial nature, felt somewhat awkward.

Swim Team Member 1: "Hey, Raven! We were amazing out there! Tonight is all about celebrating your success!"

Raven nodded with a faint smile, accepting the congratulations with his typically calm demeanor. Although not a fan of socializing, he appreciated the moment.

Swim Team Member 2: "Our record-breaker! Raven, you were phenomenal in the water."

Raven just smiled, letting his achievements speak for themselves. His teammates were accustomed to his introverted nature and embraced his presence as it was.

Swim Team Member 3: "Come on, don't be silent all the time! Order whatever you want; this is a special night!"

Raven nodded, then calmly ordered his favorite dish. Around the table, conversations and laughter erupted, while Raven preferred to observe.

Although not overly socially active, his presence was an integral part of the team's happiness.

Swim Team Member 4: "Raven, we've been waiting for this moment for a long time. You made it to the national team this year; I'm sure it'll be my turn next year! Wanna bet?"

Raven looked at his teammate, a subtle smile playing on his lips. While not one to engage in excessive banter, he appreciated the friendly competitiveness within the team.

Raven: "Deal. Let's see who makes it next year."

The other team members chuckled, enjoying the light-hearted exchange.

Despite Raven's reserved nature, there was an unspoken understanding among them, a bond forged through shared goals and mutual respect.

As the night unfolded, Raven enjoyed the camaraderie without saying much. His understanding teammates gave him space to celebrate the victory in his own way.

Though different, Raven and his team realized that each member's uniqueness was an irreplaceable part of their newfound success.

Exiting the restaurant, a few of them were a bit tipsy, swaying as they started singing with unsteady voices.

They stumbled together towards their parked cars, each helping the other in their slightly inebriated state.

Swim Team Member 2: "To Raven, the record-breaker! Let's celebrate!"

Laughter filled the air as they linked arms and made their way to the parking lot.

Raven, maintaining his composed demeanor, shared in their merriment without partaking in the revelry of the night.