In Vorpal Basket's Section – Bleachers
The bench players of Vorpal Basket, Ethan Albarado's team sat in stunned silence.
They had come to study the Gods.
Instead, they had witnessed humanity defy heavenly talented.
Louie's voice was quiet.
"Coach Jenkins' boys… they didn't back down."
Ryan Taylor clenched his fist.
"If that's what a 'loss' looks like… I want it."
Evan Cooper's eyes shone.
"They turned a massacre into meaning."
Aiden White leaned forward, tone firm.
"They gave us the blueprint."
And Ethan—
He hadn't spoken since the final buzzer.
He just sat there, eyes locked on the tunnel where Jalen had disappeared.
When he finally stood, his teammates noticed the faint tremor in his hand.
Lucas called out softly,
"Ethan…?"
Ethan looked back, eyes burning gold under the lights.
"I'm going to see him."
…..
In the Locker Room
The sound of sneakers scraping against the cold tile echoed once—then silence.
