Chapter 81: Start of the carnival
The clamor of voices merged into a symphony of excitement, swelling to a crescendo as the momentous events of the day were displayed on a large white cloth, a magical device showcasing the players.
The stadium hummed with an electric energy, and the anticipation was tangibly charged in the air. The playing field was an expanse of vivid green, a rectangle stretched out under the expansive sky. It was the canvas upon which the athletes' prowess would be showcased. The boundary lines were crisp and well-defined, marked with precision to ensure fair play.
The goals at either end stood like monumental gateways, the nets beckoning to receive the triumphant shots that would come.
In the highest reaches of the stadium, a distinguished podium was adorned with banners bearing the emblems of the academies.
The headmasters and headmistresses occupied these prestigious seats, accompanied by the esteemed guests of honor. Among them was Ashfield, whose presence was proof of the importance of the event.
Count Wallace, the charismatic host, occupied the front row alongside Minister Arthur Sherinton and the enigmatic Wizard Captain Earl, all radiating an air of gravitas.
The Minister of Magic was a middle-aged man, and his attire was impeccably tailored, a reflection of his esteemed position. As the crowd settled into their seats, Jaegar felt a current of energy run through him.
Now, the spotlight was on Cledwarys and Tegorths, two schools of wizardry set to engage in the next challenge.
Jaegar parted ways with Pierre and met up with his teammates.
As the teams assembled on the field, Jaegar observed that these were no ordinary wizards. Sturdy, robust figures populated their ranks, evoking the aura of seasoned warriors rather than conventional spellcasters. The dichotomy only added to the intrigue of the upcoming contest, and the spectators' excitement was palpable.
The stadium was a mosaic of cheers, claps, and roars of encouragement, a unified chorus of enthusiasm reverberating through the stands.
The audience was a mix of colors, a mosaic of flags, banners, and attire representing the various academies participating in the carnival. Laughter, chatter, and the tantalizing aroma of snacks wafted through the air, forming a heady mixture that hung over the colossal arena.
Tegorth's contingent exuded an aura of determined confidence, their imposing statures hinting at the physical prowess they would unleash. Among them, Ivar Hustad stood out, a name whispered with reverence and anticipation among the crowd.
On the other side of the field, Dracanores emerged as relative newcomers, unfamiliar to many save the students of Cledwarys. The underdog status lent an air of intrigue to their presence.
The roar of the crowd reached its zenith as the match kicked off. Tensions were high, and the collective heartbeat of the audience synchronized with the pulsating rhythm of the game.
Jaegar and Ivar locked eyes, their gazes narrowing into a silent competition. They were poised at the heart of the action, facing an impending clash that held the promise of spectacular feats.
The match was underway, and as the ball came into play, Jaegar found himself positioned directly across from Ivar, an unspoken tension simmering between them. Ivar, silent but imposing, was flanked by a teammate who lashed out with taunts, igniting sparks of rivalry in the air.
"Pussies crawling out of their holes,"
"a bunch of noobies," the opposing player jeered, his words dripping with contempt. The comment ignited a flare of anger in Parkar. "What did you say?"
He replied, "Nooby mutts." Parker was ready to retaliate before Jaegar's steadying hand halted him, and Ivar, too, quashed his teammate's provocation.
As the ball was set into motion, the intense focus of the players rivaled the evident tension among the spectators. With a swift burst of speed, Jaegar surged ahead of his adversaries, executing a skillful drift kick that sent the ball into a curving trajectory towards the net.
The precision and swiftness of the move left the field in stunned silence. The ball, seemingly propelled by an unseen force, defied the defenders and even the goalkeeper, slipping through their defenses and finding its home in the net. The crowd was left in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the rapid sequence of events that had just unfolded.
Ivar had witnessed it all, his gaze locked onto Jaegar as their eyes met across the field. In that fleeting exchange, a silent challenge passed between them.
The astounding play had been orchestrated within mere moments, a proof of Jaegar's exceptional skill and agility.
As the cheers and gasps of the audience filled the air, Parkar's voice cut through the din with a mixture of exhilaration and determination as he rallied his team to maintain their momentum. The echoes of the first goal lingered, a clear declaration that the Cledwarys were not to be underestimated in this exhilarating match. Parkar shouted in the face of that plaeyr who had taunted them earlier.
Jaegar became furious at his words and showed them with his actions.
The game's momentum continued unabated, with Ivar redoubling his focus as the match reached its climactic stages. With a mere five minutes left on the clock, the score stood tied at two goals each.
Ivar showcased his adeptness on the field, netting two impressive goals for his team. Now, Jaegar and Ivar were locked in a fierce contest for control of the ball, their determination evident in their every move.
In a burst of agility, Jaegar leapt into the air, his quick feet propelling him with precision. With a well-timed kick, he launched the ball toward the goal, the ball now adorned with only a faint lick of flames, significantly less intense than the spectacle witnessed in the academy. The ball found its place in the corner of the net, rotating around itself.
The match concluded, and Cledwarys emerged victorious, clinching their triumph with a decisive win.