Born in Blood

The first thing Liam realized was that he was much, much stronger than he was supposed to be.

'Do I… have a temporary Rank 5 body?' Liam thought. 'It has to be. It's not my mind playing tricks on me.'

A fast look around paired with quick thinking brought Liam to a likely conclusion.

'Cornelius has made us all average in power… but since almost everyone here is Rank 6, that average is above and beyond my current cultivation level.'

That made the most sense, and so Liam went with that.

To think that Cornelius had such powers… Paths were indeed amazing.

Even Liam's intellect and mental capacity was far sharper and precise, just not as much as his mind was.

Except, not everyone shared Liam's sentiments. 

In particular, some of the powerhouses seemed to be mildly annoyed.

Which brought Liam to another conclusion.

If his power level was raised… 

…their power level was lowered!

"Wow. I can't remember the last time I felt this weak," Spirit of Nature said, tensing and clenching her fists experimentally. "Sucks to be you, Reap."

Liam didn't respond. He was overdosing on sheer ecstasy. It was a shame this level of strength was only temporary.

Oh well.

Liam hid a smile. 

He'd have to make it count.

Looking at Rin, she had the same elated smile on her face.

Queen Thyress didn't look too pleased, but she didn't voice her displeasure.

"Please choose your Positions before starting," the Mayor said, flying above the court. "I'll activate two Isolation Barriers for a discussion."

WHOOM!

A blurry Isolation Barrier covered both sides of the pitch, silencing the air.

Now that they were isolated from the rest, the group could freely discuss whatever Position, or team plan they had.

"I'll settle for any of the three front positions," Hand of Light said, cracking his knuckles. "I can't play guard."

"Why not?" Spirit of Nature retorted. 

Kuan gave Naomi a wry shrug. "Too boring." 

By now, everyone had the gist of the game memorized.

They weren't stupid.

They understood the rules straight away.

Those standing in the corners would have much more difficulty shooting the ball over the net.

But the center back and the three front positions would have the most action.

However, those in the corner would be much safer, and could last for more rounds.

Alucard hummed to himself, then shrugged.

"Playing in either of the corners doesn't make a difference to me."

Kuan and Liam nodded, while Spirit of Nature and the Adjudicator were silent. 

"You, Reiner?" Alucard asked Eyes of Knowledge.

Snapping out of his trance, Reiner rubbed his chin in thought, saying nothing for several seconds.

"The front-most position would have to set up our offense," Eyes of Knowledge said with a dark look. 

"If this was anything else, I'd have said nothing. But I'd rather kamikaze myself than let that prick win."

The Sage, he meant. 

Liam said nothing.

Indeed, in a team game like volleyball, setups and executions were very important. 

In fact, they were a major part of the game.

Blindly smashing the ball as hard as they possibly could would never grant the team victory.

Teamplay was important!

"I would play the set-up role… but all I'll be able to do for this game is strengthen your throws and assist you from the sides."

No one asked each other for their powers.

No one would answer, of course. 

Alucard nodded firmly.

This wasn't a game.

This was serious.

"I'll play in the back corner."

The words belonged to the Adjudicator.

Her strict, low voice was coarse, like two sheets of sandpaper rubbing against stone. 

It was enough to make someone feel uncomfortable and scared.

"Anyone want the front-most role?" Eyes of Knowledge asked with sharp eyes. "You'll have to set it up for the person behind you, though." 

"It's the easiest way to score." 

The childish demeanor was gone.

Spirit of Nature was about to raise her hand, but Liam spoke first.

"I can try," Liam said. "I don't think I'll do too bad." 

Silence.

"You better not try any flashy attempt to score points solo," Eyes of Knowledge said firmly. "No matter what kind of bait they dangle in front of you."

Liam shrugged, unfazed by the threat. 

"I'm not gonna tie my hands behind my back. If I see a chance to score, I'll score."

Silence.

Talking back to a powerhouse was an unthinkable act.

But Eyes of Knowledge couldn't force Liam into anything.

In fact, they were equals here.

Reiner clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Play for the win, not because you want attention."

Eyes of Knowledge then looked at Spirit of Nature. 

"That leaves you, then." 

Silence.

Spirit of Nature grinned. 

It seems as though she was built for the offensive role. 

Eyes of Knowledge's hypnotizing irises grew a little distant.

"I know which Positions they'll choose," Reiner said, the corner of his lips curling to a small smirk. "Here's the plan..." 

***

The roles were made.

Liam was in the front.

Eyes of Knowledge was to his right.

Kuan was to his left.

Behind Liam was Naomi.

In the right corner was Alucard.

And in the left corner was the Adjudicator.

Slowly, the Isolation Barrier puffed out, revealing the other team's positions.

Queen Thyress was in the same Position as Liam!

Except…

Liam quickly realized something.

She definitely wasn't there to set up plays!

She was there to make them!

…But Eyes of Knowledge already knew that!

In fact, his predictions were spot on!

As predicted by Reiner, playing behind the Queen was the General himself.

To the right and left of the Queen was Rin and the Sage.

Playing in the corners behind Rin and the Sage, was Shadow Weaver and the Dragonmancer.

All predicted.

But just because their Positions were predicted didn't mean that Liam's group had won.

It just meant that they had a slightly bigger advantage.

"Before we begin," Eyes of Knowledge said, "are inscriptions and weapons allowed?" 

The Mayor nodded. "If you can take them out of your storage devices, it's allowed."

Liam raised his brow.

He reached into his space ring.

When he tried to take out the Black Blade… he couldn't!

The same thing occurred with the Dusks.

But when he attempted to do the same with the Breaker Blade…

It left his ring.