The fourth quarter buzzer sliced through the air.
Sharp. Final. Absolute.
The court reset like a battlefield between two storms.
Vorpal stepped in first.
Ethan Albarado.
Louie Davas.
Evan Cooper.
Brandon Young.
Aiden White.
Their formation was tight, disciplined, breathing synchronized by experience and trust.
Across from them, the Wildcats' new lineup took shape:
Jason Cole at point guard, eyes sharp and calculating.
Luc Moreau at small forward, tall and elegant, defensive posture smooth and dangerous.
Miguel Reyes at power forward, shoulders wide like a charging bull.
Thiago Silva at center, towering, quiet, immovable.
And beside them…
The rookie.
Ikinawa.
He rolled his shoulders once, cracked his neck, then let his arms hang loose like he was waiting for a street game to start. His jersey still looked too clean. His posture too relaxed.
Ethan noticed immediately.
Not weak.
Not nervous.
Just… different.
