Chapter 38: Semifinal Round (Part I)
The -Preliminary Round- for the {Junior-Ranked} division concluded with the Team of Hawks as second placer.
Despite of their qualifying status for the -Semifinal Round- of the tournament, Hawks was not satisfied in being a second placer.
He aimed to become the best of the best and not second placer.
During their awarding ceremony after qualifying for semifinals, the members of the first placer team were boasting around and the look on their faces could tell it all.
It made Hawks infuriated of only being second.
Not even Maya or his tamed beast could comfort him.
Unexpectedly, the words from Shams made him feel a bit better.
"Stop frowning like a little boy. We can get the first place position in the Semi-Finals. What's the use of the first place if Master Wushu will disown us after leaving the other teams die? Maya pointed out a great advice. If we pursued our initial plan in neglecting other teams suffer, we could be facing the wrath of Master Wushu." Shams whispered to Hawks.
Hawks was surprised at the words of Shams.
Coming from a younger fellow disciple, he did not expect for his younger friend to mention words that made more sense than Billy.
Maya wanted to say something to Hawks but she knew it will not be taken seriously since she was the one who insisted on doing the right thing and reminded her teammates about the consequences of their actions.
Everyone cheered at the four qualifying teams for the -Semifinal Round- of the tournament.
"Wow !! Who would have thought, the last placer team of the first half of the preliminary round for{Junior Ranked} division will be placing second by the end? What can you tell the audience who are ecstatic and very impressed with the performance of your team?" the announcer asked the team of Hawks.
Most of the attention was focused on the disciples of Master Wushu instead of the first placers.
Which made all of them glare at the disciples of Master Wushu.
Even though they placed higher than the team of Hawks, the audience and the announcer were more interested in the disciples of Master Wushu.
Though, Hawks was not in the mood to even cater or answer the questions of the announcer.
Maya stepped in and answered in behalf of her teammates.
"We are grateful for the unexpected cheers and support from the crowd …" Maya was not even finish in her explanation but the audience cheered and whistled towards the Team of Hawks.
This was clear that their team just became an instant favorite of the audience.
"Because your team showcased a dramatic progression and performance in the preliminary round. From last place into second place is a surprising turnout in the tournament." The announcer further explained to Maya regarding their impact to the audience.
"Yes, it was nerve-wracking to be in the last place but through hardwork and unity, we were able to pull through as a team. This round was a great reminder to all of us that there are things that could be achieved together and things can be easier if we work together as one. Being disciples of Master Wushu, this round reminded us of our core values and the teachings of our master. We are more grateful to be even part of this tournament." Maya answered the question with a lot of charm and wisdom compared to her other teammates.
Hawks and Shams were not even smiling during the interview.
It truly showed their dissatisfaction. Despite the massive cheers and public support from the audience.
Meanwhile …
[-In the lounge-]
Master Wushu informed his {Senior-Ranked}and {Apprentice-Ranked} disciples for the next round.
But Feilong could not contain himself from being proud over Hawks and the others.
His fellow {Apprentice-Ranked} disciples were teasing him for his emotional reaction.
"I was not aware of your emotional side, Feilong!" Ganki teased Feilong for his teary reaction.
"Shut up! Aren't you proud of them? They grew up so fast! It was just like yesterday … they were small trouble makers. And now …" out of a sudden he was reminded of the most recent trouble which Shams caused for everyone.
A sudden shift in Feilong's mood.
"Oh, never mind!" Feilong recomposed himself.
Upon hearing Feilong's change in his tone, the other disciples of Master Wushu laughed at him because of his inconsistent mood.
Even Master Wushu smiled after hearing Feilong's remarks and reactions.
"Enough everyone! Time to prepare for the next division." Master Wushu informed his other disciples.
Right after the -Preliminary Round- for the {Junior-Ranked} division, the other divisions followed.
Unlike the {Junior-Ranked} division,
The {Senior-Ranked} and {Apprentice-Ranked} divisions were totally dominated by the disciples of Master Wushu.
It had the same challenge but more difficult obstacles.
Each division of the tournament becomes more difficult for every participant.
Despite the level of difficulty and extreme obstacles, both divisions were dominated and led by the disciples of Master Wushu with great margin.
The audience in the arena roared in cheers for the disciples of Master Wushu.
Indeed, that day they have become a spectacle for everyone to watch.
If only the disciples of Master Wushu knew the worry of their master.
A worry regarding the predatory eyes of other noble clans and high ranking ministers of the Golden Dragon Sect.
He does not want any of them to be corrupted nor taken away by the greedy and scheming predators that spectate behind the shadows.
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Somewhere around the arena,
There were private rooms designated for members of noble clans, respectively.
Each private -VIP ROOM- was heavily guarded by their own warriors.
One of these noble clans, was the richest noble clan, the Jade Clan …
The headmaster of this noble clan was seated in the center of the room with servants serving him food.
While the other members were seated comfortably on their respective seats.
"Father … are you excited for the -Semifinal Round- of the tournament? Do you think the disciples of Master Wushu can maintain their undefeated record?" the daughter of the headmaster of the Jade Clan curiously asked her father.
"It will be interesting to find out! Especially if we make the semifinals more suspense. Tournaments will not be fun to watch without blood and death." The headmaster of the Jade Clan laughed in a sinister tone which made each servant flinch in fear for their life.
"Oooohh … I cannot wait for the semifinals father!" the daughter of the headmaster smiled wickedly in her excitement for the semifinal round of the tournament.
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