The system always had surprises. Hidden quest only revealed themselves when certain conditions were met.
Back at the house, Jin pulled up the details of the new quest: 'Love Story.'
The system explained it like a stamp album:
"Once a girl's favorability went above "friend," a page would unlock showing her info and special quest. Completing those quest would raise her favorability even further, and each increase meant a reward."
"Of course, the contents of those rewards were locked until you finished the task."
Jin skimmed the list and nearly facepalmed:
"Shimizu Kiyoko: If voluntary, please apply traditional cupping therapy."
"Hitoka Yachi: If voluntary, please let her feed you."
"…Are you serious?" Jin muttered. 'Voluntary? What am I, some kind of shameless the system thinks needs rules on?'
He groaned and rubbed his temples. "Fine, fine. You're a system anyway. The harder the challenge, the more worth it… right?"
---
Meanwhile, in a dormitory hall in Miyagi Prefecture, Karasuno's volleyball team was checking into their shared rooms. For one week of Golden Week, they would live and train together.
Every year, Karasuno organized an out-of-school training camp during Golden Week, and it had become tradition.
Two days earlier, after Coach Ukai announced the lodging location, Takeda-sensei had dropped the real bombshell, something Jin had been waiting for.
A showdown at the 'Junkyard'! Karasuno High vs. long-time rival Nekoma High, set for the last day of Golden Week!
Once upon a time, Coach Ukai's grandfather and Nekoma's old coach had promised to face each other again. But over the years, both teams had slipped from their former glory. Now, at last, the "promised match" was happening.
The news lit a fire of everyone. Spirits soared, even from just hearing Takeda-sensei's story.
Because the training site wasn't far from home, Kiyoko had originally planned to commute. But with Hitoka now helping, she refused to leave her kohai alone, and both managers ended up staying the full week. Naturally, Jin saw no reason to go home either.
"Everyone, pack up and meet on the volleyball court in ten minutes! I'll explain the training plan!" Coach Ukai's voice carried down the hallway.
---
Soon, all the players gathered in the giant gymnasium attached to the lodge. It was larger than Karasuno's own gym, with four courts available. One was reserved for Karasuno, while the other three were often used by the Town Council (alumni) and local teams.
Ukai crossed his arms, his voice was sharp. "Your attacking power isn't bad. But aside from a few exceptions, your ability to receive? Absolutely terrible."
The team winced, exchanging sheepish looks. The truth hurt. Against the Town Council, only Jin had managed to handle Shimada's jump serve properly, everyone else had been overwhelmed.
Ukai smirked. "Which is exactly why this camp matters. Jin, step forward."
"Huh?" Jin blinked but walked out.
"Starting today, for three straight days, you're going to practice spiking. Everyone else, your job is to receive Jin's spikes."
The team groaned. Jin's spikes were brutal enough already.
Jin, on the other hand, grinned. "Finally."