As time ticked on, the score quickly reached Veterans 13:17 First-Years.
The first-years' overwhelming offensive firepower had, at times, torn the upperclassmen's defense apart. But thanks to the seniors' stable reception skills, they quickly found ways to counter it.
Relying on each player's above-average reception technique, the veterans no longer aimed to shut down the opposing blockers outright. Instead, they employed a middle-style soft block, coordinated through experience and teamwork.
Because no senior on the team exceeded 1.86 meters in height, each blocker maintained surprising mobility.
Against the first-years' fierce offense, this middle-style soft block proved convenient. Each block ensured at least two players could cover the ball.
They would consistently block only the cross-court attacks, leaving the line attacks open.
Within this limited space, the floor defenders had unusually clear passing lanes.
Moreover, the narrow visual field between the net posts and blockers' arms forced them to focus intently. When the attackers went for line shots, the floor defenders usually managed high-quality first passes.
This, in turn, increased setter Sugawara Koushi's options, magnifying the veteran team's offensive potential.
If the attackers went for a strong diagonal spike, the soft block weakened the ball's power. Combined with the diagonal angle, the floor defenders had more time and space to react.
With one player handling a line spike and three others covering diagonal out-of-bounds attempts, the senior team's score stayed closely behind the first-years.
Like a pack of old wolves skilled in teamwork, they patiently lurked, waiting for opportunities to strike, gradually wearing down these young, inexperienced tigers.
Luckily, the first-years had a player capable of breaking through any challenge with sheer personal skill, Tsukishima Kei.
Whenever the first-years' offense stalled, Kei would step up. Receiving a high ball from Kageyama Tobio, he showcased his insane relative height.
With a jump higher than even Yudai Hyakuzawa, he ignored all blockers, rampaging freely across the senior team's court.
How to handle such an unreasonable outside hitter? This question had the veterans' strategists racking their brains.
Ultimately, their only conclusion was to observe Ise's spikes a few more times.
But Ise didn't give them that chance. Unlike other teams' ace players who are relied on,
Ise acted more like a hidden hand within the first-year team, quietly emerging beneath the spotlight of Hinata Shoyo's blazing speed and Hyakuzawa's towering two-meter presence.
Whenever the team faced a crisis or a deadlock, he silently stepped forward, using his spikes or cooperative defense to help the team.
Once the crisis passed, he disappeared again beneath the others' spotlight, calmly scanning for cracks in the opposition.
"More than a killer, I think Ise is like a hidden hand."
"His attacks aren't always one-shot kills. He's more like a safety net for his team."
"Always searching for something…"
Sugawara Koushi shared his thoughts with his teammates. While it might not directly help in the match, he still voiced them.
It was his habit: if his words could spark his teammates' inspiration, he contributed to the team's strategy.
Yet clearly, these words didn't inspire anyone this time.
No time to dwell on whether he'd spoken correctly.
Sawamura Daichi's first pass had already reached him, and Sugawara immediately analyzed the positioning of both teams.
This ball… it has to go to Asahi.
Facing Karasuno's iron wall, the weakest link against strong attacks, and the easiest to break, was Tsukishima Kei. Azumane Asahi's strength was the key to breaking the deadlock.
A high ball, sent straight to the front of the net.
With the desire to help his teammates maintain their starting positions, Azumane jumped with all his strength for the first time in over a month.
Bracing every muscle, his solid arms slammed into the center of the ball with unstoppable force, sending it hurtling toward the gap beside Tsukishima's block.
"Asahi!"
Before Azumane's gaze could leave the ball, Sugawara's shout and his peripheral vision reminded him of the situation.
This ball… it won't get through.
Hyakuzawa and Ise anticipated the spike. Before the ball even left Sugawara's hands, they were already sprinting toward Azumane's trajectory.
With their first-year teammates forming a wall in front and alongside Tsukishima's block, the Iron Wall was complete.
Though Tsukishima was pushed slightly backward by the sheer force of the spike, the block was solid. The ball was firmly sealed on the opponent's side.
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Completed version available on Patreon.com/Veltoria