Chapter 97: Basketball (2) (Filler)

Words : 1044 Updated : Sep 23rd, 2025

Chapter 97: Basketball (2) (Filler) In the Magic Academy’s Genius Scholars, there were things called side games, which were activities players could engage in to get special items or increase their skill level. But for some, it was just a place where they could play Earth games with their friends while using powers. Like, who wouldn’t enjoy that? Arthur didn’t. He didn’t like it one bit. ’What the flipping hell is a side game doing in real life?’ It definitely did make sense. If everything in the game became real, then it made even more sense that the side games would also exist but in different forms. ’For the love of god, why did it have to be basketball?’ Basketball was quite a popular sport in high school back in Korea, but as he said, it was a popular sport. And popular sports were only played by popular people. So for someone like Arthur, who only knew his books, it was his worst nightmare. Because of this, he never really understood the game except for the part where the ball was supposed to go into the net or hoop or whatever those tall dudes called it. Eliya went on to explain the game and how it worked. Even though Arthur paid attention to the lesson, he couldn’t help but sneak glances at Naza, who sat at the front. Tall. Quiet. Stylish. Good-looking. And above all, he was a black. Arthur placed a hand over his chin. ’It’s a five-unit course, so I can’t exactly fail it.’ He stifled a grin with his palm. ’Overgeared, Naza El Salvador...’ Naza suddenly turned around as if sensing Arthur’s thoughts about his in-game title, then he flinched slightly. "Now." Arthur’s attention snapped to Eliya. "We will be selecting teams of five each." The rules were quite straightforward. The students would be divided into two groups: Spectators and Players. The spectators’ job was to observe the game and note any inconsistencies or lack of energy control in the players. Meanwhile, the players had to use mana, force, or any other energy to play the game while simultaneously managing the output of their Authorities and affinities. In short, it was a game of Observation and Control. Eliya pulled out a sheet of paper and began reading out the team compositions. And yes, boys’ teams were separate from girls’ teams. Not because they were concerned about the girls, but because the boys were worried they wouldn’t play well with melons bouncing around. After several names were called, it finally came to Arthur’s team: Naza El Salvador, Eric Daemon, Cale Von Agres, Arthur Val Arcain, and the most unexpected of all, Kim Ha-joon. They were by far the most intense team. So much so that most students couldn’t even understand how they were grouped together. Because of the insane lineup, the rules had to be adjusted so the other top students could challenge them. The observers wouldn’t be able to do their jobs if the game ended too quickly. The first match went on without much issue, then the second, and the third, and so on. And after a long wait, it was almost time for Arthur’s team to play. --- (Inside the prep room) The room pulsed with tension as the five players eyed each other with barely concealed rivalry. Unlike before the reset, Arthur had never really spoken with Eric, Naza, or Cale. But even they didn’t unsettle him as much as Kim Ha-joon did. Ha-joon laced up his sneakers and stood while Cale watched him closely. Arthur, on the other hand, minded his own business for the time being. He too received his fair share of stares after he took off his uniform and put on the white jersey. The man with the perfect body, that was what they called him. Even Ha-joon couldn’t completely hide his envy. Cale exhaled deeply and rested his head against the locker. The room looked like a typical modern changing room, just with a medieval aesthetic. "So how are we doing this?" he asked seriously. Eric stretched, crossing his legs casually. "Isn’t it obvious?" He pointed at Naza. "That silent bro over there plays center." Then gestured toward Cale. "You’ve got the best vision and control, so you’re point guard." His gaze shifted to Arthur and Ha-joon, who stood across from him though with some space between them. "You, god-boy, take shooting guard. Mr. Handsome plays power forward. I’ll go small forward." Arthur looked at him. ’That plan isn’t half bad.’ In basketball, there were five players in total, or at least that was what Arthur had picked up from anime and Eliya’s brief explanation. There wasn’t a single designated defender like in football, but if someone fit that role, it would be the center. On the other hand, the power forward was the main striker, and the small forward supported him. He also remembered that shooting guards could throw from anywhere, and it would still go in. Point guards apparently acted like midfielders and could even see into the future. ’Very interesting,’ Arthur thought. Eric’s strategy aligned with everything he knew. Cale’s Authority allowed him to see farther than others, which was why he was one of the best archers, even better than most high-ranking elves. Naza had the height, and he could use anything that was weapon-like. As for Eric, Ha-joon, and himself, they were pretty self-explanatory and could easily switch roles with one another. Naza, silent as ever, nodded twice. Arthur understood he agreed. Ha-joon looked at everyone, scoffing. "Just don’t get in my way." He shot a sharp glance at them. "I never settle for anything less than perfect." Arthur and the other three simply blinked. Then, without a word, they returned to their prep. Ha-joon stared at them. "Weird..." Almost as if on cue, the voices of two third-years acting as commentators rang out across the arena. "Now, the final match, the one you’ve all been waiting for..." Arthur inhaled calmly. ’Let’s go do something fun.’ --- A/N: So, who do you guys think Arthur will go up against in the match? Leave your comments and thoughts on the Chapters so far. Water7 ─── ✦ End of Chapter ✦ ───

Chapter 97: Basketball (2) (Filler)

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