Chapter 912 Happy New Year!
Chapter 912 Happy New Year!
From Ms. Nanase, Fang Wuwei learned some things that only he could know at the moment.
Because of Fang Wuwei's divine power as Thor during his battle with Samuel within the school grounds at the school festival, the Church of Thor came knocking on their door.
By then, Hyuga Kagami was completely devout and was doing everything in his power to expand the influence of Raijin, so the school where Raijin had appeared was naturally his best choice.
The principal at the time, although he disliked religion because of his higher education, still wavered because the existence of Raijin was real and right in front of him, and he eventually met with Hyuga Kagami.
However, Hinata Kagami did not come to persuade the principal to join the church. His goal was much bigger: the students in the school. So he set his sights on the school's activities, and the sports festival, which was the closest at the time, was undoubtedly the perfect entry point and naturally became his primary target.
Large events with students in large groups are perfect for them, and Hyuga Kagami isn't stupid enough to proselytize at a school. His explanation is something like "I want to promote the Thor culture and let more people know that Thor is a cultural symbol," which sounds more like an academic group promoting culture than a fanatical religious sermon.
The principal was initially hesitant, after all, such things were too religious in nature. No matter how well they were packaged, the religious connotations remained strong. Even though Thor might actually exist, he still didn't like it.
The principal was not moved until Hinata Kagami said that "Ray God culture is a fashionable item for young people nowadays".
He always hoped that students could have more fun at the sports festival, and that the sports festival would not just be a fleeting event for students, but an event that could stay in their hearts, bring them lasting joy and a deep impression, and even become a bright spot in their youthful memories. Therefore, a cultural icon that is popular among young people is a very good seasoning.
After that, the principal convened a teachers' meeting. When the matter was brought up, most of the teachers shared the same thought. After all, Thor is incredibly popular right now, and even students are vying to form Thor fan clubs...
The three Thor fan clubs currently fiercely vying for legitimacy are the best evidence of this.
The teachers also believed that the students' happiness was the most important thing. Simple sports might not be enough for them. The students' interest and joy were also crucial. They needed a fashionable item that everyone liked to make the students play more wholeheartedly, so it was unanimously approved.
And so, the principal was persuaded and decided to give the students a surprise...
Fang Wuwei was taken to the backstage area of the warehouse by Ms. Kujuku Nanase, only to find it crammed full of things... not just sports equipment, but also...
"...Lightning-themed fun competition...Holy crap..."
Fang Wuwei stared at the small archway with those words written on it, muttering to himself in disbelief.
Although the principal didn't directly write the words "Thor" to avoid any appearance of impropriety and to downplay the religious connotations, it's actually quite obvious to anyone what the theme is.
"Thor is really popular among you young people right now, so the principal thought that we should make sure you have fun. During lunch break, we teachers moved these to the playground, so this afternoon was all about fun competitions on this theme."
Ms. Nanase, a teacher at the school, is also a member of the supporters. As a relatively young teacher, she is well aware of the extent of Raijin's influence among young people and understands the principal's good intentions.
"Most of them are fun competitions, not very intense. They're all fun events like throwing balls, walking on a balance bridge, or horse racing. So you can sign up on the spot. I just wrote your name down beforehand. If you don't want to participate, that's okay too. The other formal competitions have been moved to tomorrow. It's good to have a good rest this afternoon."
Tsukumo Nanase began rummaging through these things, and Fang Wuwei also took this time to observe them with wide eyes.
Everything displayed here is exquisite. Whether it's the balance bridge, the sandbags, or even the volleyballs, all the commonly used equipment is brand new. There are also some special pieces of equipment that are not usually used, and it's obvious that they are custom-made.
"So much renovation? Is the school well-funded? Did the church provide funding?"
"Huh? How did you know? The Thor Church said they would sponsor our sports festival in its entirety. These equipment and supplies were also custom-made by them. The principal even said that the remaining money would be used to install air conditioning for the students."
As she spoke, Shichire Tsukumo found two mannequins in the pile of equipment and pointed them out to Fang Wuwei with a smile.
"Look, this is it."
The two dummies were wearing two different sets of armor. In reality, it was just a piece of armor that could be put on directly, with two shoulder pads tied to the shoulders with ropes and a loose helmet. It was not much more difficult to put on than putting on a layer of clothing.
However, the design almost left Fang Wuwei dumbfounded.
One set features a plastic-looking orange-red armor and a tengu mask... The other set adds large blue lightning patterns to the base, essentially simplifying his Susanoo and Takemikazuchi Susanoo into two different miniature outfits.
Holy crap... it really was the Church's doing...
"That armor race is basically just running fifty meters to the other end while wearing this suit, then changing into another suit and running back. It's just that because this thing is a bit heavy, I thought you could do it, so I signed you up first."
"It is indeed a bit heavy, about thirteen or fourteen pounds... Ordinary students should be able to wear it."
"Hmm... Dongfang, don't you like it?"
Seeing Fang Wuwei's attitude, Ms. Tsukumo Nanase keenly sensed that he was not excited about the competition. He seemed indifferent to the theme, showing no enthusiasm or love for it. He even looked somewhat embarrassed, which made her frown.
"Well... we've also considered the possibility that some students might not like it, so if you don't want to participate this afternoon, you can go straight home..."
"No, it's not that I don't like it, it's just..."
Fang Wuwei opened his mouth, but then stopped himself from speaking.
He can't exactly say that it's a bit awkward because he is Thor himself, can he?
Fang Wuwei thought of countless excuses in his mind, but he rejected them one by one until finally, all his words turned into a soft sigh.
Undeniably, Hyuga's technique was truly beneficial to his development, subtly allowing more people to accept the existence of the Thunder God and the Church, spreading them further as a cultural tool, and eventually turning them into a true cultural totem—a truly long-term plan.
If this had happened at another school, Fang Wuwei would definitely have praised Hinata Kagami for being clever, but it just so happened to him...
Am I, the mighty Thor, going to play a game wearing my own merchandise?
"Okay... I'll participate..."
However, Fang Wuwei was still very much looking forward to seeing how much help Hyuga Kagami could bring him, and how much faith power this surprise-themed fun competition could bring him.
"Okay, that's good. Now it's time to get ready for the next match."
Ms. Nanase smiled broadly, as long as she didn't dislike them; she hoped every student could have fun.
She could already picture the students' smiling faces that afternoon.
Fang Wuwei forced a smile, glanced at the small archway, and secretly shook his head.
He could already imagine how Yuta and Maki would laugh at him that afternoon.
"Speaking of which, because there was sufficient funding this time, the principal even prepared prizes as rewards."
"A prize? What prize?"
"Uh... a power bank with a lightning bolt symbol on it."
Fang Wuwei was out of ideas.
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Wishing all readers a Happy New Year, a Happy Lunar New Year, Congratulations on your prosperity, a peaceful and safe 25th, and a joyful 26th!
NFBE