The quarterfinals drew a bigger crowd. Neon banners flashed sponsor logos, and the seats buzzed with energy. Ren tightened the tape around his palm, nerves prickling with every cheer.
Their opponents—a ranked ~400 pair—didn't waste time. High lobs, deep drives, sharp volleys. Every shot seemed designed to stretch Ren thin.
By the third game, the scoreboard read 1–3.
Ren gasped for breath, sweat dripping down his temples. I can't keep up. I'll break before it's over.
Shizuka's glare pierced him. "Stop thinking. Start trusting."
Ren blinked. "Trusting... you?"
Her lips twitched, almost a sneer. "Don't make me repeat myself."
The next rally began. Ren's feet faltered, but instead of lunging blindly, he let Shizuka's rhythm guide him. Her step forward—his retreat. Her poach at the net—his cover behind.
The HUD flickered faintly.
[Team Sync: 16 → 17]
The rallies lengthened. Shizuka snapped volleys with ruthless angles, Ren barely blocking the rebounds but keeping the rhythm alive. The crowd's laughter dimmed, replaced by sharp gasps when they stole unexpected points.
5–5.
Tie-break.
Every shot felt like life or death. Ren's arms ached, lungs burned, but Shizuka's commands cut through the fog.
"Yours."
"Cross!"
"Leave it!"
Ren obeyed, his body responding faster than his fear.
At 7–6, match point, the rally stretched twelve shots long. The opponents launched another high lob—Shizuka sprinted forward, but Ren was already there, cutting it with a reflex volley that skimmed the sideline.
Winner.
6–5. Game.
Ren collapsed onto the bench, chest heaving, vision spotted. The HUD pulsed:
[Team Sync: 17 → 18]
Shizuka handed him a towel without looking. "Not awful. Don't let it get to your head."
Ren's lips curved into a crooked smile. Not awful. From her, that's almost a compliment.
The crowd roared for the next match. Ren lifted his head just in time to see Toru Minase warming up on the adjacent court. His movements were calm, precise, almost surgical—every shot placed like a knife.
Toru's eyes flicked toward him, just once, unreadable and cold.
Ren's stomach knotted. He's waiting for me. And this time... there's no escape.