Score: 103–103
Time Remaining: 0:34 seconds
Final Possession — Vorpal Basket's Ball
The crowd was no longer just loud — it was shaking.
Like the arena had been lifted off the earth, floating on pure tension.
Every single person was on their feet.
Hands over mouths. Eyes wide. Breaths held.
And on the court…
Ethan Albarado walked to the sideline like a soldier stepping onto the battlefield. Sweat poured down his temples, but his expression was calm — too calm — the eye of the storm.
Across from him, Leonel Blaze stood at half court, wiping the corner of his mouth with the back of his wrist. Still smiling. Still watching.
(He's not going to call a timeout.)
(He wants me to choose the end.)
The referee handed Ethan the ball.
"34 seconds left," the official muttered. "Clock starts on inbound."
Ethan nodded once.
Then turned to his team.
Sweat. Focus. Fire.
Louie: flexing his fists, teeth bared, nodding.
