Back in the stadium, Valerius cast a sympathetic glance toward the Inazuma, Mondstadt, and Zenless Zone Zero sections.
The competition was nearing its end. Only two events remained: Hot-Blooded Basketball and Hot-Blooded Soccer. And unlike previous games, these weren't ranked with first, second, and third places—they were elimination rounds. Only the winner would claim all 3 points.
These three teams currently had 5, 5, and 4 points respectively.
Which meant one thing—if they couldn't win both remaining matches, they were effectively out of the race for final victory.
"What… what do you mean by that?" Yae Miko asked, confused, though she had a bad feeling Valerius was pitying them.
"You'll see soon enough."
With a knowing look, Valerius picked up the microphone again. "Next up: Hot-Blooded Basketball. Each team will send two players. And remember—this is elimination format. Only first place gets 3 points."
Now Yae Miko finally understood. Inazuma had only 5 points. Even if they won this round, they'd only reach 8—just tying Liyue. To actually win the overall event, they'd still need to win soccer afterward.
And that? Nearly impossible.
Everyone knew that in the final rounds, every team would fight like their lives depended on it.
Mondstadt's side reached the same conclusion, their mood visibly sinking. As for Zenless Zone Zero—they were even worse off. Only 4 points. Still, if they could somehow win both matches, there was a slim chance.
"Alright, let's take a look at the rules."
The screen lit up again.
A street basketball court appeared. Four players stood facing off. As soon as the referee tossed the ball into the air, he immediately ran for his life like something terrifying was chasing him.
Then chaos erupted.
One player rushed forward and punched his opponent flat, grabbed the ball midair, and then—
He flew up and slammed it down.
3–0.
"Huh?" Philosophical confusion hit the stands.
"Wait… isn't a dunk supposed to be 2 points?" someone muttered.
"Bro, look at the hoop!" another shouted.
There weren't just one—there were three stacked hoops.
"What the hell is this?"
Before anyone could process it, another player caught the ball and launched a high arc shot. The ball dropped into the top hoop.
3–5.
"Wait, it's not done!"
The ball fell through the next hoop.
3–8.
Then the final one.
3–11.
"…"
"…"
The audience froze.
Was this still basketball?
One shot. Eleven points.
And then it got worse.
After repeated impacts, one of the hoops fell off. A player picked it up and installed it on their own side's backboard.
Now one team had two hoops.
The other had four.
"…"
No one even knew what to say anymore.
The video ended, and the entire stadium fell into silence.
"Alright, choose your players. Then come draw your opponents."
Valerius placed a black box on the table.
Instantly, discussions exploded.
"This game needs height."
"Not just height—agility too. And arm strength. And they need to fight."
"You're asking for too much!"
After heated debate, teams finally locked in their picks.
Mondstadt: Jean, Venti
Liyue: Zhongli, Baizhu
Inazuma: Sangonomiya Kokomi, Yae Miko
Sumeru–Fontaine: Neuvillette, Arlecchino
Xianzhou: Hanya, Xueyi
Penacony: Sunday, Argenti
Belobog: Welt, Luka
Zenless Zone Zero: Billy Kid, Lycaon
Valerius stared at the lineup, especially Inazuma's team.
"…Are you serious?"
Yae Miko forced a bitter smile. "Do I have a choice?"
Got it. Forced participation by Raiden Shogun.
And honestly, Inazuma didn't have many options left. Kamisato Ayaka and Yoimiya clearly weren't suited for this. As for Shikanoin Heizou—too short. Basketball was basically out of reach.
"Alright, draw your matchups."
Each player reached into the box and grabbed a numbered ball.
Zhongli opened his hand—A2. He glanced at Sunday, who held the same.
Opponents confirmed.
Venti checked his ball. "B1. Who's B1?"
"We are." Xueyi showed hers.
"Nice to meet you. Let's keep it peaceful, yeah?"
"Agreed. As long as you don't start anything, we won't either."
"Deal!"
Seeing this, the other teams immediately started shouting about "peaceful matches," with Yae Miko leading the charge.
She was terrified.
Everyone had seen the video—this game allowed fighting.
Valerius scanned the group, then stood up. "A1 teams, follow me."
—
Outdoor basketball court.
Valerius stood at center circle with the ball. On either side stood Neuvillette and Lycaon.
"Match time: 10 minutes. Highest score wins."
"That short?" Lycaon frowned.
"Plenty. Any longer and someone might actually die."
"…"
Fair point.
Valerius tossed the ball up and immediately backed off.
Both players jumped.
Lycaon, slightly shorter but far more explosive, grabbed the ball first and passed it to Billy.
Billy Kid caught it and ran.
"Whistle!"
"Traveling."
Billy froze. "Wait—what?! You let us punch people earlier, but running with the ball is a foul?!"
"This is basketball, not rugby."
Valerius rolled his eyes. "You can fight—but you still have to follow basic rules."
Possession switched.
"Got it. So carrying the ball is illegal," Arlecchino muttered.
She inbounded the ball, glanced at positioning—
Then exploded forward, dribbling straight through.
Before anyone could react, she dunked.
"Nice. Three points."
She intentionally avoided the upper hoops. Three was enough.
Then she looked at the scoreboard.
0–0.
"…Why didn't it count?"
"I scored."
"Foul."
Valerius covered his face.
"These people… don't understand the rules at all."
Even inbounding the ball, they just grabbed it and sprinted.
"…Are all the teams going to be like this?"
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