[Ding! Detected host performing justice: Invisible flex is the most lethal. You have inadvertently crushed Masaru Ouga's confidence again. Rating: C. Reward: 1000 Points.]
Ho Fei-yu snapped out of his focus. He caught the ball on his instep and looked at Ikumi Haruhara. "Is something wrong, Haruhara-sensei?"
"I don't know your name yet. Can you tell me?" Ikumi asked. She wanted to build a rapport before asking about the team.
"Ho Fei-yu."
"Ho Fei-yu... what a nice name. Your parents must have wanted you to fly free like a bird," she praised, marking his name on her list with a star.
"Uh... maybe," Ho Fei-yu replied vaguely. He didn't know his parents in this world.
"Where did you learn to play? Are you in a club? Would you like to participate in matches?" Ikumi asked with a smile.
"Why do you ask?"
"It seems you don't realize how much of a stir you've caused," she said, stepping aside so he could see the crowd of admirers.
Ho Fei-yu understood. So that's where the points came from. Crushing a "yellow-hair's" ego was easy work. This Masaru Ouga was a goldmine of points, just like Jin Takatori. He'd "cultivate" him for a while before disposing of him.
"With your talent and professional training, you'd definitely make the school team. A good ranking in the Autumn Sports Meet could get you into a top university without the stress of exams," Ikumi explained.
Nearby, Yūshin Aonoi listened with mixed emotions. She was proud of him, but the more amazing he became, the more she felt like a failure. If he joined a club and got into a top school, she was afraid she'd lose him. No! That can't happen! she panicked, her hands gripping her thighs.
"I'm sorry, Haruhara-sensei, but I have no such plans," Ho Fei-yu replied after a brief pause.
Join a club? Practice? He'd rather spend that time with Akari or Hana. With a system, he didn't need a sports scholarship.
"But Fei-yu-kun, your talent will waste away without training. You should think about it. You could even play for the national team one day!" Ikumi urged.
"I'm really sorry, but my heart isn't in it," Ho Fei-yu insisted. The mention of the national team turned him off completely.
"Yay!" Yūshin Aonoi couldn't help but shout with joy. When everyone looked at her, she turned bright red and lowered her head in embarrassment.