The news rippled through the tournament village like wildfire:
"Thunderstrike Bulls eliminate Blackflame Academy in a stunning upset."
Screens replayed the highlights everywhere—massive dunks, crushing defense, the Bulls overpowering Blackflame in the final minutes. Crowds murmured in disbelief. For years, Blackflame had been a team no one dared count out, and now… they were gone.
Inside the Blackflame locker room, the air was suffocating. Players sat in silence, their jerseys soaked in sweat and defeat. Bags lay untouched. No one dared to speak.
At the center sat Zane Alkano.
His towel hung loosely around his neck, his fists pressed against his knees. His breathing was heavy, not just from the game but from something deeper—anger, frustration, disappointment.
The captain tried to rally them."We'll bounce back. Next year, we'll come stronger."
But Zane's head snapped up, his voice low and cutting."Next year? Do you think I have time to wait for next year?"
The room froze. His words were heavy, sharp like blades. Nobody answered.
Zane stood, pacing slowly, eyes fixed on the floor. Images of Telvin flashed in his mind—Brook Academy's unstoppable star, dominating with power and control. That was the kind of stage Zane wanted. That was the kind of ally he needed.
He clenched his fists tighter."This team… it's not enough. Not for me. Not for what I'm chasing."
His voice wasn't loud, but every player heard it.
Blackflame's captain tried to speak again, but Zane grabbed his bag, slung it over his shoulder, and walked out. His footsteps echoed down the hallway, each one heavier than the last.
Around the tournament grounds…
The news of Blackflame's loss was everywhere. At cafés, gyms, and even in the dorm halls, whispers spread:
"Did you hear? Blackflame's out.""No way, I thought they'd make the finals.""What happens to Zane now?"
Royal Court players caught the headlines too. At breakfast, Treasure put down his phone slowly."Blackflame… gone. Just like that."
Cadel leaned back, shocked. "That's insane. I thought we'd see them deep in the bracket."
King's eyes narrowed. "Watch Zane. Guys like him don't just sit quietly after a loss like this."
Ebun frowned, sipping her juice. "What do you mean?"
King didn't answer. He didn't need to. Everyone felt it: Zane Alkano's story wasn't finished.
Back with Zane…
Late that night, Zane sat alone outside the arena, the glow of the floodlights painting his face in shadow. He pulled up the standings on his phone, scrolling past the remaining giants: Brook Academy, Thunderstrike Bulls, Solstice Blazers, Stormbreak Elite, Royal Court.
His jaw tightened.
Brook Academy.
His lips curled into a faint smirk. That's where he belonged. With Telvin. With a team that could match his hunger for dominance.
And in that moment, the decision was no longer a question. It was a promise.