The preschool yard buzzed with excitement. Colorful flags swayed in the morning breeze, and laughter mixed with cheers from eager parents. For the children, this was their very first Sports Fest.
Arin stood with Lyra and Kai, his small fists clenching in anticipation. He had practiced for this day, grinding his body and sharpening his senses. Today, he would show the results.
Mira waved from the front row, her smile wide and full of love. "Arin! Do your best!"Beside her, Raghav's booming laugh carried through the air. "Run like the wind, my boy!"
Arin's lips curved into a faint smile. This time… I'll make you proud.
[Skill Panel]
Hard Work – Intermediate (65%)
Movement Mastery – Advanced (75%)
Super Senses – Advanced (65%)
The whistle blew.
Children dashed across the track, legs wobbling and arms flailing.
Kai exploded forward with raw power, his Physical Vitality talent pushing him ahead of most. But Arin's steps were fluid, efficient, almost rhythmic. Inch by inch, he closed the gap and soon ran side by side with Kai.
By the end, the two were clear leaders, the crowd roaring in surprise.
"Look at them!""They're only three?"
Mira clasped her hands together. "Arin…"
Buckets were set up, and children scrambled to throw balls inside. Lyra tossed steadily, keeping her rhythm. Kai hurled wildly, landing several with sheer strength.
Arin, however, relied on precision. His Observation skill guided him, each throw landing cleanly into the bucket. Plop. Plop. Plop. Almost every ball counted.
Whispers rippled through the parents.
"His aim is unbelievable…"
"Such control for a child…"
Arin ignored them. His eyes flicked toward Kai, who met his gaze with a fiery grin. The rivalry was clear.
The final event brought the loudest cheers. Teams lined up, batons in hand.
Kai's team and Arin's team stood side by side, the tension palpable. Lyra clapped from the sidelines, her voice bright. "Do your best, both of you!"
Kai sprinted first for his team, blazing across the track and handing the baton off cleanly. His team gained a small lead.
When Arin's turn came, he gripped the baton tightly. His breathing steadied, his stance lowered, his Movement Mastery activating smoothly.
And then—they clashed.
Kai had the baton for his final stretch, running with everything he had. Arin, already in motion, caught up with frightening ease. His Super Senses sharpened every step, his balance and control flawless.
He surged past Kai without hesitation.
"Go, Arin!" Raghav's voice boomed."Don't give up, Kai!" another parent cried.
Kai's teeth clenched, his small body trembling as he forced himself harder, faster, almost recklessly. His face twisted with determination. "I won't lose!"
The two boys ran neck-and-neck, the finish line only a short distance away.
And then—
Thump!
Something shifted. Arin's Super Senses flared uncontrollably, flooding him with sounds, sights, and sensations all at once. The world spun unnaturally sharp around him.
Gasps erupted from the crowd. Mira's panicked voice cut through the noise.
"Arin!"
His stride faltered for the first time. Victory was within reach—yet something unexpected stood in the way.