Score: 89–89
Time: 4th Quarter
The scoreboard burned bright across the packed arena.
The tension was suffocating. Every dribble, every breath felt louder now.
Vorpal Basket had clawed their way back.
Now they stood equal face to face with a titan.
Ethan Albarado stood at half court.
His hands rested lightly on his knees, eyes fixed across the floor.
Not on the ball. Not on the rim.
But on Leonel Blaze.
"(You're not a god. Not anymore.)," Ethan thought.
"(I've seen enough now. All of you. Every habit. Every twitch. Every decision… stored.)"
"(Time for the counterattack.)"
Lucas bounced on his heels, wiping sweat from his brow.
"Yo," he said, eyes scanning the court. "You seeing what I'm seeing?"
Ethan nodded once.
Not loud. Not flashy.
But the kind of nod that said "I'm ready."
"Let's flip it," Ethan said. "Louie, go wild. Brandon — screen and cut after two seconds. Evan, loop. Lucas…"
Lucas grinned.
"Hit the dagger?"
