Back in his room, Haizaki Shogo sent messages to his mother and older brother, letting them know he had arrived safely. He also sent a quick message to Shimizu Rena, who was in Australia. Then, without delay, he drifted into sleep.
The next day, at Accor Arena in Paris, Haizaki wore his black jersey with brown green trim, the number 6, and followed Nash Gold Jr. into the arena. The venue was already packed. More than thirty thousand spectators filled the stands, their voices rising in waves. At that moment, the players of the Serbian Eagles stepped out from the locker room to thunderous cheers, and the atmosphere surged instantly. This exhibition match, promoted for three months, had finally reached its peak.
"GIANT! GIANT! GIANT!"
"MAMBA! MAMBA! MAMBA!"
Chants collided and overlapped across the arena like crashing waves. Haizaki felt his body react involuntarily, a tingling numbness spreading through him, his muscles feeling slightly weak. *Damn, too excited.*
At the bench, Nash handed him a piece of gum. "Here. Chew it. Helps steady your nerves. First time on a stage like this, right?"
"Yeah."
Haizaki chewed slowly, and the effect was immediate. His breathing steadied, though the excitement still burned beneath the surface. Soon, the team stepped onto the court for warm-ups, and with the basketball in his hands, Haizaki felt everything settle. The softness in his limbs faded and control returned.
Good, this is better.
His gaze drifted toward the opposing team, and then he saw him, the most eye-catching presence on the court: Giant Jack, a towering figure who looked like he could touch the rim just by raising his arm. if his vertical is even decent...*A chill ran down Haizaki's spine. *That's oppressive.*
Fifteen minutes later, warm-ups ended and the team gathered. Nash spoke, his tone calm but sharp. "Stick to the plan. Win this game, and each of us gets at least three hundred thousand dollars. Look around, cameras everywhere. Live broadcast, replays, licensing. We take thirty percent of the revenue." Brutally realistic, but effective. Haizaki could feel it, the team's momentum rising, their hunger for victory sharpening.
So it begins.
One minute before tip-off, Haizaki became completely still, calm, expressionless. He handed a professional camera to a teammate. "Record the whole game." The bench offered a perfect angle, especially for details. Everything was ready. He stepped onto the court and stood beside Nash.
Suddenly the arena lights went out. Colored beams swept across the court, and the announcer's voice boomed through the speakers, introducing each player. Spotlights snapped onto individuals one by one, and the crowd roared louder with every name.
Electronic banners displayed the starting lineups: for Jabberwock, #4 Nash Gold Jr. as captain, #8 Jason Silver, #6 Haizaki Shogo, #7 Allen, and #12 Zack. For the Serbian Eagles, #5 Jack as captain, #6 Velia, #7 Levic, #12 Vale, and #11 David Russ.
The lights returned, and the court blazed under full illumination. "Ready, go!" The whistle blew. Jason Silver and Jack leapt for the tip, the ball rising as two massive figures collided mid-air. Jason's superior explosiveness won out, and he slapped the ball to Nash. The game began.
Nash didn't hesitate. He launched a high pass toward the rim, and Haizaki had already started moving. Like a gust of wind, his figure blurred forward. He rose. Boom. A clean one-handed dunk. First points of the game, 2 to 0.
"Nice, Shogo!"
"Beautiful!"
"Hell yeah!"
Cheers came from his teammates, but the Serbian Eagles remained unfazed. For them, it was nothing special.
On their possession, Velia brought the ball up and passed inside to Giant Jack. He didn't even jump. He simply powered through Jason Silver and Allen, then casually lifted the ball in to score. Effortless, as if placing an object on a shelf. Haizaki and Nash both narrowed their eyes. That single play spoke volumes: that height alone blocked out countless players.
Nash exhaled. "Full throttle from here. We build the lead now. We can't afford to lose."
Jason grinned. "Got it. I'll show them something fun."
Nash brought the ball up again and passed to Jason. Jason drove past David Russ, straight into the paint. Power gathering, the air trembling. Boom. A violent dunk shook the rim, and the crowd erupted. Haizaki watched, eyes gleaming. Good, this is the level. His lips curved slightly. Now it's getting interesting.
=============
70+ Advance Chapters on P@treon(.)com/Veltoria
100 Power Stones = Bonus Chapter
Add to Library to support