The Fall of the Theory King, One-Time Big Moves, and Uncooling CDs

3:30 PM, Karasuno High School's Second Gymnasium.

The air was thick with the mixed scent of Salonpas spray and floor wax, a unique aroma for any arena. But to Lu Ren's nose, it smelled more like the prelude to a morgue.

He stood at the very end of the line, his back ramrod straight, as if a steel rod had been implanted within him.

No one spoke.

Kageyama Tobio was stretching his legs, Hinata Shoyo was bouncing in place, and Tsukishima Kei was indifferently adjusting his knee pads. Everything seemed normal.

But on Lu Ren's perception radar, the surroundings were filled with malicious red dots.

[System Warning: Persistent "Taunting" gazes detected. Source: All members.]

Although no one mentioned the earth-shattering, ghost-bewildering "Pulling Radishes" incident in the restroom that morning, Lu Ren felt that every pore on their bodies was emitting a pheromone called "suppressed laughter." Especially Tsukishima Kei, who adjusted his glasses 30% more frequently than usual; he was definitely hiding the curve of his lips.

"Can't back down," Lu Ren commanded himself internally. "As long as I perform strongly enough, the system will deem this morning's event as 'negative status from overtraining,' not 'Noob's physical collapse.'"

Whitewash.

It had to be whitewashed.

"Gather up!"

Sawamura Daichi's whistle cut through Lu Ren's persecution complex.

Warm-ups began.

For Lu Ren, this wasn't just a warm-up; it was like rebooting a scrapped server.

During the initial stretching, his thigh muscles sent not just soreness, but a physical feedback akin to a "tearing injury." With every downward stretch, Lu Ren braced for the system to pop up the red text [HP-10].

But ten minutes later, something magical happened.

As his blood circulation accelerated and his body temperature rose, the heart-wrenching pain gradually blurred, replaced by a strange numbness.

[System Hint: Adrenaline secretion increased. Pain Suppression activated (Temporary).]

"Is this... battle mode?" Lu Ren clenched his fist, feeling like he could do it again.

The subsequent basic running, shuttle runs, and spike reach drills followed. Although Lu Ren was still panting like a broken bellows, and his speed was still the slowest on the team, he gritted his teeth and managed not to fall behind even once.

"If I'm not dead, I'll train till I drop," Lu Ren stared at Hinata Shoyo's orange head ahead, his eyes burning with the flame of "jealousy." "Did that guy activate an 'Infinite Stamina' cheat? Where's the report button?"

Finally, the monotonous basic physical training ended.

Sawamura Daichi walked to the sidelines with a volleyball and clapped his hands.

"Alright, next up is serve practice."

The captain's gaze swept over the first-year students, finally lingering on Lu Ren for a second, a hint of imperceptible worry in his eyes.

"First-years, start with the most basic movements. Serving is the only technique in volleyball that isn't affected by the opponent and is entirely under your own control. I've already explained the key points, so start practicing freely. I'll correct you one by one."

"Yes!"

Everyone dispersed.

Lu Ren walked to the ball rack and bent down to pick up a volleyball.

A blue and yellow sphere with a fine texture on its surface. This was his weapon, his staff, his 98K.

"According to Volleyball Tactics Illustrated, page 32..." Lu Ren's mind raced, countless data streams flashing across his retinas. "Underhand Serve. Difficulty rating: E. Stamina cost: Extremely low. Accuracy: High."

He walked to the baseline and took a deep breath.

The tutorial video he'd watched fifty times last night played automatically in his mind.

Toss. Height: 30 centimeters.

Backswing. Right arm swung back 45 degrees.

Contact point. Heel of the palm.

"Here goes!"

Lu Ren swung his right arm out, his palm accurately hitting the lower part of the ball.

"Thump."

A dull thud.

The volleyball flew out slowly with a dejected trajectory, as if saying, "I'm tired and want to rest." Before it could even cross the net, it plummeted downwards like it was shot down by an anti-aircraft missile, landing three meters from the baseline on their own side.

Silence fell over the court.

Hinata Shoyo blinked. "Um... was that a feint?"

Lu Ren: "..."

[System Hint: Strength check failed. Your Strength attribute is insufficient to propel this object.]

"Mistake." Lu Ren picked up the ball expressionlessly, while inwardly roaring: This physics engine is definitely bugged! Did they increase the gravity parameters?!

"Lu Ren," Sawamura Daichi walked over and gently instructed, "Don't be so stiff. Use your body's rotation to send the power out. Don't just rely on your arm."

"Understood."

Lu Ren nodded. He corrected the parameters in his mind.

[Adjustment: Power output increased to 120%. Increased waist and abdomen torque.]

He tossed the ball again.

Turning, swinging his arm, he hit the ball!

This time, the volleyball traced a perfect parabola, crossed the net, and landed steadily near the opponent's baseline.

"Nice shot!" Sugawara Kōshi applauded from the side. "Your form is very standard!"

Lu Ren looked at his right hand, the corner of his mouth turning up slightly.

Easy.

Too easy.

Isn't this just a QTE (Quick Time Event)? As long as you press the button when the progress bar reaches the green zone, you can get a Perfect judgment.

"Now that I've got the feel for it..." Lu Ren's gaze sharpened.