Chapter 002: Trial Water

The two male athletes stopped their warm-up and obediently walked to the diving platforms of lanes 3 and 4, ready for the competition

Du Ke has not been in the pool for over six months, but swimming is a skill that, once learned, is not forgotten, much like walking or eating. The difference between consistent training and being away from the keyboard (AFK) lies in familiarity and speed.

After the special ability was activated, Du Ke felt a strange power surging through his entire body, a kind of explosive force bursting forth, as if the CPU had been instantly overclocked, this feeling was truly amazing

From the perspective of the jump alone, all three male competitors performed well, earning a round of applause from the female team members

There seems to be a hint of tension, can you sense it? I don't know why, but I suddenly feel excited. I really enjoy watching the young stars clash with each other

Jiang Zhigang whistled again, simultaneously waving his left hand; a sharp whistle sounded—this was the signal to start. He pressed the button on the timer and began manual timing

Driven by the extraordinary powers of the stunt, Du Ke's speed immediately increased by 20%. With a splashing sound, he struck the water vigorously, creating a visually impressive spectacle

Jiang Zhigang then took a whistle out of his pants pocket with his right hand, blew the whistle for two seconds, and sounded a long note to prepare the three male competitors. He did not ask Du Ke whether he could swim freestyle; in his view, since Du Ke had received professional swimming training, he naturally could swim freestyle. Professional swimmers, regardless of which stroke they focus on in the future, must have practiced freestyle, the most fundamental stroke. If Du Ke could not even swim freestyle, then he should just go back to where he came from.

In a span of 6 seconds, Du Ke seemed to be using a cheat, as his speed instantly increased by several levels. With a visibly noticeable acceleration, he quickly closed the gap with the two opponents ahead, completing the overtaking within the last 5 meters, leading Liu Chenxiao by half a body length to touch the wall first

Three male competitors simultaneously executed the standard starting action. Except for backstroke, which starts from the water, freestyle, breaststroke, and butterfly can all utilize this set of standard starting preparation movements. The three of them appeared serious and ready to jump, instantly igniting the spirit of athletic competition

Reward: All attributes + 1, Reward points + 5

"Alright, alright, if it's two, then it's two." Du Ke was too lazy to say anything more. He walked to the diving platform of the second lane, put on his swim cap and goggles, and got ready.

Compared to the beautiful dives of the three, their swimming speed after entering the water is actually not very fast. Liu Chenxiao and Wang Qiuyue usually train, so they are in better form, which is why they are ahead of Du Ke

Du Ke is indeed aware of this information; the men's basketball team of Nankai University is a strong contender in CUBA, having won the championship twice. In recent years, four players have been selected by CBA teams and have become professional basketball players

The men's football team is also a strong contender in the CUFL (College University Football League). They do not participate in the campus division of the CUFL, but rather in the higher-level Super Division. Even in smaller ball sports such as badminton and table tennis, the university teams of Nanguang University are highly competitive on a national level

I must say that the new handsome guy truly seems to be a professional, just look at his physique, it's streamlined. The other male team members, including us, are merely amateurs. Of course, with the exception of Team Su

The man is dressed in sportswear, with a timer hanging around his neck, a center-parted hairstyle, and a scruffy beard, exuding a bit of the vibe of an artistic uncle

System Response: "Special Skill [8 Kicks] Activated, 8 Kicks in One Round, Forward Speed Increased by 20%, Lasts for 6 Seconds, Cooldown Time 1 Hour"

Do not underestimate this 20% acceleration bonus; an acceleration of 20% for 1 minute translates to 12 seconds. The world record for men's 100 meters freestyle swimming is 46.91 seconds, the international elite standard for men's 100 meters freestyle swimming is 49.66 seconds, and the standard for men's 100 meters freestyle swimming for athletes is 52.31 seconds. In short-distance swimming competitions, a few seconds can represent a significant difference, and the competition for the championship often occurs within a fraction of a second.

Liu Chenxiao and Wang Qiuyue's abilities are well understood by Su Yun. The average time for Liu Chenxiao and Wang Qiuyue in the 100-meter freestyle is over 1 minute and 20 seconds, approaching the level of a third-tier athlete, and they can be considered experts among amateur enthusiasts

Su, where did you find this handsome guy? Is he your boyfriend?

After swimming 30 meters, Du Ke fell behind Liu Chenxiao and Wang Qiuyue by one position

Although the men's swimming team is not strong and has few members, the coach still hopes that the team can participate in the provincial games. The results are not important; what matters is participation. If they are disqualified from the competition due to insufficient registration of fewer than three members, it would be quite embarrassing.

Du Ke waved to signal Su Yun to come over, and he asked Su Yun: "Are there only two members in your men's swimming team? That's rather pitiful"

Complete the novice task: Use a special skill [8 times kicking].

Du Ke turned to look at the two solitary male team members not far away and said, "There are only three of us, do we still need to hold a selection? We might as well just register the three of us with the organizing committee."

Coach Jiang walked up to Du Ke and Su Yun, examining Du Ke. Su Yun introduced the two: "Coach Jiang, this is Du Ke, whom I mentioned to you in our previous discussions. He has been receiving professional swimming training since the age of 6, with a solid foundation and strong skills. With nearly a month left before the provincial university games commence, this period of intensive training should yield some results. Du Ke, this is Coach Jiang Zhigang from our school's swimming team, who coaches both the men's and women's teams."

Jiang Zhigang was a bit impatient: "When I ask you to do something, just do it. Why are there so many demands? With your level, have you even received professional training? Don't you know you should follow the coach's instructions?"

Among all the members of the men's and women's swimming teams at Nangang University, only two individuals have obtained the second-level swimmer certificate: Su Yun and a male team member who has gone missing and is now writing online novels. The other team members did not receive professional swimming training before entering university; they can only be considered as individuals who can swim, being amateur swimming enthusiasts.

The new handsome guy has a very high level of attractiveness, and he is also a tall oppa

Jiang Zhigang shot another glance at Du Ke, his expression displeased. No one from the swimming team had ever contradicted him, and Du Ke, the newcomer, was the first to do so, which made him somewhat unhappy. He shouted to the two male team members: "Liu Chenxiao, Wang Qiuyue, lanes 3 and 4, now!"

The sequence of actions for freestyle swimming—takeoff, entry, arm stroke, leg kick, and breathing—has been ingrained in Du Ke's mind and muscle memory. After entering the water, Du Ke instinctively performed the standard freestyle strokes and propelled himself forward.

"Oh? That turn was quite beautiful." Jiang Zhi couldn't help but compliment Du Ke after seeing his turn, then he added sarcastically, "But your absolute speed is just too slow; you're only practicing the flashy moves." He could tell from the details of the start, the jump, the adjustment in the air, the entry and exit from the water, and the turn that Du Ke had indeed received professional swimming training. However, in a competitive swimming race, if one does not swim fast, everything else is meaningless.

The three male competitors on the diving platform have heard the whistle and are taking off

Du Ke: "Coach, may I swim in lane 5? I feel more comfortable in lane 5."

The swimming pool at Nangang University is a standard pool measuring 50 by 21 meters, with lane markers dividing the pool into 8 standard swimming lanes. Three male competitors are ready on the diving platforms of the second, third, and fourth lanes, preparing to enter the water and compete against each other

Jiang Zhigang was once a professional swimmer. After retiring, he became a physical education teacher at Nangang University, leading the swimming team. An expert could tell at a glance that Du Ke's take-off and aerial movement were different from those of the two official team members.

When Du Ke turned, he used the most common somersault flip turn technique employed by professional freestyle swimmers. This elegant and professional turning maneuver elevated his status to a new level, prompting gasps of admiration from the female teammates on the shore

"If you want to swim, then swim. What is there to talk about? It's just being verbose." Su Yun was just about to educate Du Ke a few words when she suddenly became serious. She saluted a man who was walking towards her.

Wow, what a grand occasion, it has been a long time since I have seen three members of the men's team appear at the same time

Jiang Zhigang expressed some displeasure: "Regardless of the number of people, rules are rules. Whether you are a master or just a decorative pillow, I need to know. I would rather the men's team not participate in the competition than bring a group of useless individuals to embarrass ourselves"

Du Ke also noticed that the two individuals in front were swimming freestyle, yet they couldn't even perform the standard turn for freestyle swimming, which is quite amateurish, my friends. I, Du Ke, have at least claimed to have received professional training since childhood; I certainly cannot lose to amateur competitors

The girls watching were excited, as men are generally taller and have longer arms than women, making the movements of male competitors more visually appealing. Women enjoy watching the competition among men, regardless of whether it relates to them, as it can be quite thrilling to observe.

What outsiders see as a spectacle, insiders perceive as the subtleties. The girls focus on the elegance and grace of the three male contestants, and it would be even better if they could add some flair. However, Jiang Zhigang's observations are much more meticulous.

The qualifying time for female athletes in the 100-meter freestyle at the second level is 1 minute and 13 seconds. Su Yun can easily surpass the two male team members. Du Ke is currently swimming slower than the two amateur competitors, Liu Chenxiao and Wang Qiuyue, indicating that Du Ke is now just an amateur athlete.

As the middle-aged man passed by the group of over ten female team members, the girls greeted him, calling out "Coach Jiang".

Du Ke suddenly came to his senses; he realized that his opponents Liu and Wang had already begun to turn around. He quickly accelerated, and when he was half a body length away from the pool wall, he performed a somersault, pushing off the wall with his legs to complete the turn, and began to swim the final 50 meters. At this point, he was already two and a half body lengths behind Liu and Wang.

Jiang Zhigang walked to the left side of the diving platform, raised his left arm, faced the three male competitors on the platform, and shouted: "One hundred meters freestyle, take your positions"

Su Yun raised her delicate eyebrows on the shore and said, "Du Ke, you little rascal, have you really regressed so quickly? At your current turtle speed, I can completely surpass you now."

After Du Ke took off, his arms were extended straight, and the inner sides of his upper arms were pressed against his ears. This subtle adjustment in posture during takeoff was executed better by him than by the two formal team members, Liu Chenxiao and Wang Qiuyue.

They shifted their center of gravity forward, gazing into the distance ahead, and with a powerful push from their legs, they leaped into the air! During the ascent, they extended their arms forward, keeping their feet together, entering the water at a small angle in a parabolic trajectory

Liu Chenxiao and Wang Qiuyue first touched the wall with both hands when they turned, and then used their legs to push off the pool wall, leveraging the rebound. This detail indicates that they are indeed still at an amateur level.

Du Keting politely took the initiative to say: "Hello, Coach Jiang, I look forward to your guidance"

At that moment, Du Ke heard a woman on the shore shout angrily, "Du Ke, swim properly!"

Upon hearing Jiang Zhigang's preparatory command, the three male competitors promptly assumed their takeoff positions. They bent forward with their knees flexed, placing their right foot forward, with the toes gripping the edge of the diving board. The left foot was dragged back, with the toes lightly touching the board and the heels raised. They exerted slight pressure with their hands, gently gripping the edge of the board. They maintained balance with their hands, building up strength in their legs, ready to leap at any moment.

Our university, Nanda, is still a key university, just like the Chinese men's football team. Although their strength is lacking, they still need to gather at least twenty players to compete in the qualifiers, right? If such a large country like China can't even find twenty men who can play football, wouldn't that be embarrassing? It's the same principle, and that's why I invited you here. Although I am the captain of the women's team, I still need to contribute to the overall situation of the swimming team

Compared to the dominance of the men's teams in ball sports, the men's swimming team at Nankang University is utterly weak, having fallen to the miserable state of merely gathering enough participants.

Only 20 meters remain, and Du Ke is still a body and a half behind. After all, he hasn't practiced swimming for a long time, and it's not as simple as wanting to catch up. According to the current system rating, he is also an amateur competitor and is not significantly stronger than his two opponents.

Whether in a formal competition or a friendly match, a man does not want to lose to other men, especially with a large group of women watching from the shore. Du Ke focused all his energy and began to accelerate in pursuit of the two opponents ahead of him, increasing the frequency of his strokes and kicks, creating splashes of water.

Starting technique is an important aspect of swimming, but it is not everything; the performance after entering the water is the key. Upon seeing Du Ke swim so slowly after entering the water, even slower than Liu Chenxiao and Wang Qiuyue, two relatively average team members, Jiang Zhigang's interest in Du Ke instantly dissipated: "What a decorative pillow, the style is beautiful but lacks any practicality"

In formal swimming competitions, the turn technique is also a crucial technical skill, as effective use of this technique often determines the outcome of a race. Except for the 50 meters, swimming events of other distances require at least one turn. In freestyle and backstroke, any part of the body can touch the wall during the turn, while in breaststroke and butterfly, both hands must touch the wall simultaneously during the turn.

Jiang Zhigang said to Du Ke, "You swim in the second lane, right now."

Su Yun explained: "Originally, the men's team had five members, but one was injured, another had an urgent matter at home and returned to his hometown, and yet another player is said to have gone to write online novels and has been out of contact for several months. Our school's men's ball sports programs are quite strong, and all the boys with athletic talent have gone to play ball."

It is Su Yun who is roaring

After performing a special skill to secure first place in the internal friendly match, a flurry of information suddenly appeared in the system, and Du Ke was slowly processing it...

Oh. Jiang Zhigang nodded at Du Ke, which was considered a greeting. "Du Ke, right? Have you warmed up? If you're ready, let's get into the pool and start the selection.

The girls began to chatter excitedly, the flames of gossip burning brightly; this is the nature of women. The focus of the gossip was naturally on the newcomer, Du Ke

A dozen or so female team members stopped their warm-up, gathered around Su Yun, and stood by the right side of the pool, forming a circle to watch.

The sprint phase has arrived, and Du Ke suddenly remembered that he had a system and special skills. He operated in his mind: "Use special skill [8 Times Kicking]!"

Du Ke discovered that the icon for the skill "8 Kicks" in the skill bar is now illuminated, indicating that it is available. Before entering the water, this skill icon was dim, signifying that it was unavailable

In the system, Du Ke's current average attribute value is 8.125, rated as amateur level, with 10 being the critical point; reaching 10 would classify him as a semi-professional player. In fact, Du Ke can be considered a skilled player among amateurs. If he were to concentrate and swim seriously, he might not necessarily be outperformed by Liu and Wang, but he is currently distracted, studying the system's skills while swimming.

"Be quiet, stop chattering. He is someone I picked up by the roadside, just watch the match!" Su Yun interrupted the discussions of the female team members; she was also quite curious to see what level Du Ke was at now.

After entering the water, the three male athletes, Du Ke, Liu Chenxiao, and Wang Qiuyue, began to swim forward using the freestyle stroke, propelling themselves with their arms and legs.

Oh? Have you really practiced?" Jiang Zhigang muttered to himself, feeling a bit intrigued, and continued to observe.

New Task Issued: [First Entry into the Swimming Pool], Task Requirements: Participate in an official swimming competition and achieve a ranking. Completion of the task will yield rewards: All Attributes + 1, Reward Points + 5, and unlock the store

Even if the men's swimming team is fully staffed with 5 members, that is still not too many. It seems that the men in our school are all capable individuals who do not like to slack off, Du Ke murmured

"Coach Jiang, your words are inappropriate..." Du Ke wanted to argue a bit, but was subtly pinched by Su Yun at the waist, signaling him to remain silent and comply with the coach's arrangements. He thought to himself, how can you, as a coach, still be so proud when your men's team has fallen to such a state