The match resumed. Jason Silver stormed into the paint again, rising explosively and meeting Jack head-on. With raw force and overwhelming physicality, he smashed through the Serbian giant's defense and completed a ferocious dunk.
BOOM! For a moment, Jason's presence lit up the court like a blazing sun. The power of the so-called "Beast" was undeniable. In any team, Jason Silver would never be someone you could ignore.
After landing, Jason immediately turned back on defense, still remembering his responsibility in protecting the paint and securing rebounds. "Jack, how was that?"
"Strong. 'The body chosen by God himself,' so the chosen really does live up to its name."
"It looks like they've increased the tempo," Velia said. "Should we match it?"
Jack's eyes narrowed. "Trust me. Nash will surprise you more than Jason ever could."
"I'm looking forward to it."
"But I think it's time we wake up our own artillery."
"Haha! Now that's more like it. I'll feed the ball to Vale. Let him teach them a lesson."
"We can't lose control of the pace."
The ball belonged to the Serbian Eagles. Velia brought it up and immediately passed it to their shooting guard, Vale. Vale held the ball low near his waist, then drove it upward in a violent, almost unnatural motion, BANG! BANG! BANG! BANG! The ball traced a strange, high-speed arc and slammed into the rim before bouncing perfectly into the net.
The arena went silent for a few seconds. Then, "BOOM!!" The crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.
Haizaki narrowed his eyes. That shot is ridiculous. Vale's so-called Super Three-Point Shot was absurdly fast. Even faster than Midorima Shintaro's 100% Accuracy Full-Court Shot. Because of its upward pushing motion, the release was almost instantaneous, and the trajectory was wildly unpredictable. If you weren't tightly marking him, it was nearly impossible to stop.
Back on defense, Nash, Haizaki, and Jason all frowned. That shooter had to be dealt with, immediately.
Nash gave quick instructions. "Allen, you're on Vale. Stay tight, but conserve energy."
"Got it."
"Jason, keep applying pressure. Don't let them breathe."
"Ha ha, leave it to me."
Nash received the inbound pass and pushed forward again. Jabberwock spread out into formation. Jason and Zack moved into the paint, ready for an inside attack. Haizaki was cutting off-ball, but Nash didn't pass immediately. Because Velia was now talking to him.
"Jack said you're dangerous," Velia smirked. "But I don't see it."
"Are you provoking me?"
"Maybe."
"Don't regret it."
In that instant, SLAP! Velia struck. He snatched the ball directly from Nash's hands. A steal. Then he exploded forward.
Nash froze for a split second. But Haizaki reacted instantly. Fast. Haizaki turned and sprinted after him. He caught up. But Velia was already in the paint, leaping toward the rim.
Haizaki jumped as well, convinced he would reach the ball in time. I've got this. But the moment came, his pupils shrank to pinpoints. He landed. Frozen. Just like Nash had been moments earlier.
The whistle blew. "Defensive foul! Jabberwock #6 Haizaki Shogo! Basket counts! And one free throw!"
Impossible, I definitely touched the ball. No, what I felt wasn't the ball. It was flesh. A phantom sensation. A misjudged reality.
Haizaki stood still, replaying the moment over and over in his mind. So that's what happened to Nash. Then slowly, confusion turned into shock. And shock turned into excitement. What is this? This new world is incredible.
Nash walked back silently and stood beside Haizaki for the rebound. Velia prepared for the free throw. They both knew it wouldn't miss.
Nash spoke quietly. "You felt it too, didn't you?"
"Unbelievable. If I hadn't experienced it myself, I wouldn't believe it."
"So it really exists," Nash said coldly. "The legendary eye."
"Legendary eye?"
"Yes." Nash's voice lowered. "The Illusory Eye."
Haizaki frowned. "I didn't even look into his eyes."
Nash nodded slightly. "Ever heard of close-range magic tricks?"
"Wait. You mean."
"Yes. It's a combination of hypnotic visual deception and ultra-fast motion. That's why his actions feel instantaneous."
Haizaki exhaled slowly. So that's why. He couldn't replicate it through analysis. Because what he saw wasn't the full truth.
Haizaki looked toward Velia. His golden eyes shimmered, soft at first, then gradually deepening into a radiant gold. The more focused he became, the more dangerous those eyes looked. If you stare too long, you'll lose yourself. No wonder. Everything finally made sense.
Nash's voice cut through. "Stay sharp, Shogo. Don't let them pull anything else."
"Got it."
"We're going all in now. If we don't take control in the first quarter, this game will slip away."
Haizaki nodded.
Nash turned to Jason. "Jason. Time to go all out."
Jason grinned. "Gahahaha!! I've been waiting for that!"