In a matter of minutes, everyone was piled into a few different coaches. The atmosphere had completely changed - before, it had been tense and suspicious, but now there was an air of excitement and competitiveness as everybody took their seats.

Each of the coaches had the same red paint, with the logo of Red Latch stamped on the side. Everyone was handed a player card with their name and room number on it as they climbed aboard, and now Binck had found himself sitting between a bumblebee and a princess.

The red-haired... boy? girl? whoever they were, they weren't too talkative, staring out of the window with their chin on their hand.

On the other hand, the boy with yellow streaked bangs was bouncing up and down in his seat in pure, unbridled excitement. His yellow eyes looked Binck up and down. "Hiya!”

"Hey!" Binck smiled at how energetic the new boy seemed to be, watching as the last few people got into their seats and the coach pulled away from the building.

"I'm Echo!" He placed both hands on his legs, talking to Binck and the other person. "Who are you guys?"

The red-haired person by the window glanced over, with a tired expression on their face. "Tomato." They didn't pay much attention to them, instead returning to the window, once again gazing out of it.

"Binck. Pleasure to meet you." Binck held out a hand, and Echo shook it enthusiastically.

"Maybe we'll be on the same team? You seem really fun to play with!"

Binck frowned a bit, leaning back into the coach seat. "We've known each other for all of twenty seconds.”

The bumblebee's expression didn't falter. Instead, his gaze on Binck intensified, making him flush uncomfortably. "I know, but there's something that tells me you're good at football. Much better than the other people here."

Right. So, what was my original plan...? Pretend I'm a weakling like everyone else? Jeez, psychics sure do put dents in things. Binck still swallowed his pride, smiling. "I'm alright, I guess. But i'm sure other people here are better than me."

"Hmmm..." Echo shrugged. He leant back, the same as Binck, reaching up to the roof to fiddle with the air conditioner. "Whatever you say, Binck!"

Binck couldn't help but imagine that the coaches must be a strange sight for people on the roads. A solid line of five identical coaches, winding their way through the streets and onto the motorway in a slightly intimidating convoy. Doesn't help that they're blood red.

Binck could see a few people on the sidewalk staring at them as he peeked past Tomato out of the window. Most of them were confused, but some people were snapping photos. We're gonna be on social media later, aren't we... sucks that Div isn't here. I could use his phone to peek at the pictures.

A few moments later, a lively jingle came from hidden speakers, ringing through the coach. Everyone looked up in surprise as Taifu's voice sprung out.

"Hi, hi, diamonds in the rough. The time is currently 4 PM. We will be travelling by coach until an estimated 7:30 PM to the Red Latch facility. Snacks will be brought along the coach at 6:30 PM, and the air conditioner above your seats are yours to adjust freely."

He paused to take a deep breath before continuing, the sound rushing through the cabin in a burst of static. "You will start training the moment you enter the facility, so rest up."

Echo didn't seem to have heard that last part, bouncing in his seat with sparkling eyes. "Snacks?"

"Later, Echo." Binck watched as Echo fished his phone from his pocket, Navigating to Spotify.