Swimming Competition

Just as the team was gradually taking shape and the teacher was preparing to explain the lesson plan, Yun Lan suddenly raised his hand, his movement as standard as a model student.

"Teacher," his voice was clear and crisp, standing out in the relatively quiet poolside area and immediately capturing the attention of most people, including the teacher. "I have a question."

The teacher looked toward him and nodded, signaling for him to ask.

Yun Lan lowered his hand, wearing an expression of perfectly measured curiosity and confusion as he asked, "Why aren't we in Class B taking this swimming lesson together with Class A, Class C, and Class D? I recall that other classes have physical education during this time slot as well, don't they? Wouldn't combining the classes be more efficient in terms of space and faculty?"

The question was sudden, yet it pointed directly to a detail in the school's curriculum arrangement. Many students also wore thoughtful expressions, waiting for the teacher's answer.

"Because the number of people is too high. There are a full 160 students across the four classes. Even if many don't participate, this pool simply cannot accommodate that many people."

However, after receiving the answer, Yun Lan did not immediately shift his gaze or relax his posture. He remained standing in place, his fingers unconsciously tapping his chin. Although his eyes were fixed on the shimmering light reflected on the pool's surface, his focus had drifted, as if he were peering through the scene before him and lost in deep thought.

So, they started laying the groundwork for the Island Special Exam this early? Making students spend a semester learning to swim to ensure their safety.

Surrounded by the sea on all sides, water-based activities are inevitable. For most students coming from urban areas who may not be proficient in water, this is undoubtedly a huge safety hazard and could even become a fatal weakness during the exam.

His gaze swept over the students doing warm-up exercises by the pool, over the boys still splashing and playing with each other, and the girls who were shyly testing the water with their feet.

Yun Lan glanced at Ryuji Kanzaki, who had already finished his warm-up and was quietly stretching with standard form. He must have noticed the unusual nature of the swimming lessons too, but he likely wouldn't associate it with a special exam.

"Alright! Everyone, start by jogging two laps around the pool to warm up! Then, we will group you based on your swimming skills!"

The swimming teacher's whistle and instructions pulled Yun Lan back from his thoughts. He reined in the deep contemplation in his eyes, put back on his gentle and calm expression, and began to jog with the team.

Sunlight spilled onto the azure pool water, reflecting a dazzling radiance. In Yun Lan's mind, what seemed like an ordinary swimming lesson had already been imbued with a completely different weight and significance. Nothing in this school could be taken lightly. Every moment could be a foreshadowing laid for the future.

"Alright, now the boys and girls will compete separately. I will reward the fastest student with 5,000 private points. Conversely, the slowest student will have to obediently accept remedial lessons!"

"How about it? Do you have the confidence to take first place?"

Ryuji Kanzaki held trust in Yun Lan.

"I will."

Yun Lan had already issued his declaration of victory.

Speaking of which, Hotarubi's illness should be about better by now. I should find some time to go back and check on her.

Due to the number of students in the class, the boys were divided into four groups and the girls into three, with four people per group, to conduct a 100-meter freestyle sprint competition.

The results of the draw or student ID order came out quickly—Yun Lan was placed in the first group of boys and stood on the starting block with three other male students. He stood in the outermost lane with a calm expression, doing simple shoulder rotations and deep breaths, looking no different from the other students who were slightly nervous or excited.

Ryuji Kanzaki was placed in the third group. At this moment, he was standing by the pool, observing the preparations of the first group with his usual analytical posture. His gaze swept over Yun Lan without lingering, as if this were just an ordinary observation.

"On your marks—" The swimming teacher raised the starting whistle.

The four boys on the starting blocks crouched slightly, assuming their ready positions. Yun Lan's eyes focused on the end of the pool ahead, his body like a bowstring being drawn taut.

"Beep—!"

The sharp whistle pierced the air!

Almost at the same instant the whistle sounded, Yun Lan's legs erupted with astonishing power. He launched himself like a cheetah breaking free from its shackles, diving out with a clean, near-professional entry! His body traced a graceful arc in the air, arms extended forward, fingertips breaking the water surface first, followed by his body cutting in with a splash significantly smaller than the other three!

After entering the water, his movements showed no hesitation. His powerful thighs engaged instantly, propelling his body forward like a torpedo.

The frequency of his alternating arm strokes was fast and stable, with every stroke accompanied by efficient water-catching and pushing motions. His body maintained an excellent streamlined shape, and his timing for turning his head to breathe was incredibly precise; the entire process was as fluid as if he had undergone long-term training.

"So fast!" Someone on the shore exclaimed first.

It was clear that Yun Lan had established a significant lead from the very beginning, and this advantage was expanding at a visible rate! The distance between him and the other three competitors widened rapidly; after just over ten meters, he was already nearly a full body length ahead!

"What?!" More onlookers, whether they were boys or girls who had already finished their races or were waiting for their turn, couldn't help but let out gasps of disbelief. The scene they expected—a clumsy struggle or a close competition—did not occur; in its place was a visual impact that bordered on a total rout.

"That guy... he's abnormally fast!" A boy from the same group, struggling to catch up, caught a glimpse of the water line rapidly pulling away in the adjacent lane, and only shock remained in his heart. He felt he had given his all, but the gap was widening mercilessly.

"It's like he's cheating..." another boy on the shore muttered.

In the clear pool water, Yun Lan's figure became the absolute focus. His speed was not only far beyond his classmates in the same group, but even significantly faster than many students who prided themselves on their swimming ability and had performed well in previous practice sessions! The 100-meter distance seemed to have shortened for him. Touching the wall, turning, and pushing off—the movements were completed in one go without a trace of clumsiness, demonstrating extremely solid water skills and body control.

When he touched the opposite wall with an absolute lead and lifted his head from the water, the second-place finisher in his group had only just finished turning.

Ryuji Kanzaki on the shore had removed his glasses at some point (perhaps to prevent fogging), but his eyes, which were always calmly analyzing, now clearly reflected a rare ripple. His lips parted slightly, and his habitually steady expression showed a brief moment of stagnation.