Tom’s team was formidable, knocking out every opponent that approached him. Tom crossed the black basket. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a tall figure breaking free from his teammate and coming at him with tremendous speed. Tom jumped at the same moment as the opposing Plersizian avoiding the collision and fell awkwardly to the ground. He used the slippery surface of the lake to his advantage, sliding on his knees while tightly holding the ball in his arms. He heard the opponent hit the ice with a sound like a bomb going off, but his head remained steady , eyes fixed on his target.


Tom stretched out his arms and scored powerfully. Cheers and applause erupted from the crowd and his team, boosting his confidence! He let out a victory shout as adrenaline surged through his veins. His eyes scanned the crowd for A-01. He spotted her applauding him, smiling and spontaneously pointed ta her. He dedicated the goal to her.


<< Hey, the human seems to have talent! >> shouted a Plersizian teammate from his team, who gathered around him, congratulating him with pats on the back and friendly nudges.


<< I was born for this >> Tom replied, laughing and enjoying the accolades of the moment.


He stood in the middle of the lake with greater agility and began to point out the mistakes and weaknesses of the opponents to his teammates. Only two  goals remained for them to win the match, so they had to play strategically and smart.


<< Now, I suggest you, Tronnak, go straight down, and the rest of you run to cover him while I have the ball! Let’s confuse them ! What do you say? >> The team agreed, and Tronnak nodded, smiling and rubbing his hands together.


The referee’s whistle sounded.


Tom took steps back as some of the opponents rushed at him. His teammates charged at the others while Tronnak moved freely to the back.

Out of nowhere, an opponent charged at him from the left, shoving him hard. Tom felt his muscles tighten and strain as he was lifted into the air, still clutching the ball. A small cry of alarm escaped his lips as he realized he was flying away from the frozen lake at high speed. He saw the white ground rushing up toward him and could do nothing but shield his face and brace his body. His impact was less intense than expected.. no pain, no breaking bones. What was going on ? Was Plersizian snow really that soft?


Tom hesitantly opened his eyes, meeting the white gaze of his opponent, the one who had charged him with such force. Back on his world, this Plersizian would have been his big antagonist. But here, the Plersizian had coaught him under the arms, preventing a rough fall.


<< Um… thanks… but you can let me down not.. >> Tom muttered, feeling kinda awkward.


<< Apologies. I didn’t check my strength..>> the Plersizian replied, begging to inspect him for any injuries or broken bones.


<< I am fine.. Really, all good. Let’s keep going..>> Tom said bluntly but instantly regretted his tone as he noticed the Plersizian staring back at him, wide-eyed. << Honestly, I am alright. Don’t worry. This human gonna need a lot more to break..>> he finished, trying to lighten the mood.


The Plersizian smiled and gestured politely to the right, signaling Tom back toward the center of the lake. Tom returned the smile and walked away as the game resumed from where it had left off.


At the center of the lake, Tom tightened his grip and took a small step front, throwing the ball as far as he could. His powerful pass surprised the audience. Tronnak jumped high, defying the laws of gravity, and caught the ball! He fell with his knees bending easily, sliding awkwardly on the ground, stopping right next to the basket.


He scored! Tom celebrated with the crowd and quickly ran toward Tronnak.