The lunch bell had just rung, and chatter filled the corridors of Royal Court High. Students spilled out of classrooms, grabbing snacks, stretching legs, laughing about morning lessons. AJ and Kiisi walked side by side, still talking about the last practice session. Treasure trailed behind, cracking jokes with Cadel, while King and Mia walked close, their usual quiet bond radiating between them.
But then the speakers crackled to life.
"All students, report immediately to the main assembly hall. This is an urgent school announcement."
The sudden seriousness in the voice silenced much of the chatter. Students exchanged puzzled glances. Big assemblies like this never happened in the middle of the day.
"What the hell's going on?" Treasure muttered, adjusting his bag strap.
"No idea," Cadel replied, but there was curiosity in his voice too.
As they moved with the flow of students toward the massive assembly hall, the air buzzed with rumors. Some thought it was about a donor; others whispered about the basketball team's recent victory. The Royal Court players looked at one another with slight unease.
When they stepped into the hall, though, every whisper stopped.
Standing on the stage was a man so familiar that the entire school froze. His height was imposing, his presence magnetic, his sharp suit immaculate. Two tall bodyguards stood behind him. And beside him, calm as ever, was Coach Tunde.
It was Walter Derick. The best basketball player in the world. The living legend.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Some students screamed in disbelief. Others scrambled to take out their phones before teachers barked at them to put them away.
Treasure's jaw dropped. "Holy shit… that's him. That's really him."
King smirked, but even he couldn't hide his excitement. "Damn right it is. Walter Derick, in our school. This is unreal."
Even AJ, usually the quiet one, stared wide-eyed. He whispered under his breath, almost to himself, "That's my idol…" Kiisi glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips, noticing how awestruck he was.
Coach Tunde stepped forward, his voice steady. "Students of Royal Court, we have a very special guest today. I ask that you give your full attention and respect."
Then Walter moved to the microphone. His deep voice filled the hall instantly.
"Students of Royal Court," he began, his tone both commanding and warm, "I came here today because something extraordinary has happened. For the first time in your school's history, Royal Court has advanced to the semi-finals of the Broad National High School Tournament."
The hall erupted. Cheers, claps, whistles, chants. The noise was deafening, a wave of pride and disbelief sweeping through every corner.
But Walter lifted a hand, and the room quieted. His gaze scanned the hall, sharp yet full of admiration.
"I am here not just to congratulate you," he said. "I am here to invest in you. Starting today, I will personally sponsor the Royal Court basketball program. And I will secure a 20 million dollar contract for the players who carried this school into history."
The explosion of sound was even louder this time. Students leapt to their feet. Some screamed with joy, others hugged, others simply stood stunned.
On stage, Coach Tunde's expression remained steady, but the pride in his eyes was undeniable. He gave the slightest nod toward his players in the crowd, acknowledging what this meant for them.
The players themselves sat frozen, the words barely sinking in.
Mia's eyes filled with tears as she clutched King's arm. "King… do you even realize what this means? For you? For all of you?"
King's voice shook but his grin was firm. "Yeah. We're not just a basketball team anymore. We're making history."
Beside them, Jasmine leaned close to Ebun, her voice hushed in awe. "Twenty million dollars… I can't believe it."
Ebun, still trying to breathe steadily, whispered back, "This isn't just a game anymore. This is legacy."
Treasure rubbed both hands over his face, still in shock. "Yoo… this is insane. Twenty mil? From Walter freaking Derick?"
Cadel clapped him on the back, laughing breathlessly. "Better get used to it, bro. We just stepped into a whole new world."
AJ hadn't spoken yet. He was staring at Walter as if the man wasn't even real. Kiisi nudged him gently. "Hey… you're spacing out."
AJ blinked and laughed shakily. "That's the guy I grew up watching every night. And now he's sponsoring us? Damn… this doesn't even feel real."
Walter's voice cut through again, steady and strong.
"Royal Court," he said, "you've proven that courage and unity can bring down giants. But this is only the beginning. The semi-finals await. And with them, a chance to etch your names into history forever. Remember — the world will be watching."
Those words settled into every heart in the hall. They weren't just players anymore. They were representatives of something far larger — the school, the city, and now, the legend who stood before them.
When the assembly finally ended, chaos broke loose. Students swarmed the Royal Court players outside, shouting congratulations, clapping their backs, treating them like heroes. For once, they weren't just a team tucked away in a corner of school life. They were stars.
Treasure exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Damn, I'm nervous now. The world's really watching us."
Cadel smirked, though his eyes burned with determination. "Nah, this is what we wanted. This makes me more ready than ever."
King clenched his fist. "No excuses now. Semi-finals. This is our time."
Jasmine and Ebun exchanged a look — the weight of pride, nerves, and dreams pressing down on them all at once.
AJ glanced at Kiisi. Her smile was small, but full of warmth. That alone grounded him. For the first time in his life, AJ didn't just feel like a kid with a ball. He felt like part of something legendary.
Royal Court had just entered a new era.
And the road to glory was only beginning.