The ground felt different. The familiar hardwood of their gym was gone, replaced by the rough, gritty texture of outdoor concrete. The air wasn't sterile; it was alive with the distant sounds of dribbling, sneaker squeaks, and the low thrum of a crowd from a nearby arena.
The blinding white faded, resolving into a sprawling, sun-drenched urban park. They stood at the center of a massive outdoor court, surrounded by towering, sleek buildings adorned with neon signs for sneaker shops, sports bars, and gear vendors. Giant holographic billboards floated in the air, displaying player highlights and league standings.
"Where's the gym?" Bornok asked, spinning around.
On a massive screen above a store called "Sole Supplier," a highlight reel played. A boy with mint-green hair, standing a step past the half-court line of an identical-looking outdoor court, caught a pass and launched a shot from what looked like another zip code. The ball dropped through the net without a sound.
"Bro, he just shot from the parking lot," Renz said, his jaw slack.
Before anyone could process it, a smooth, synthesized voice came from a wristband that had appeared on Thea's arm. "Flowstate: Prime Universe. Placement match assigned. Opponent: Teikō Junior High. Court 7-B. Proceed to the designated gate."
A path of light illuminated on the concrete, weaving between groups of players stretching and chatting. It led towards a tunnel marked with a glowing '7-B'.
Drei stared at the bustling, impossible city around them. "This is... a hub."
Teo said nothing. He looked at his teammates, then at the path. He met Riki's eyes and gave a single, slow nod.
Riki picked up a ball from a rack beside the court. It felt real. He bounced it once on the concrete. The sound was sharp, clear, and definitive.
"Then let's go see what they've got."