Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, West Melbourne — February 28th
The press room is bright, orderly, and deliberately neutral. Rows of chairs face a long table dressed with microphones and placards.
Ryoma sits there because the OPBF requires it, because titles must be accounted for, explained, and acknowledged in public, whether the winner feels ready or not.
The table at the front of the room is already set. The OPBF belt rests there in its case, lid open, gold catching the overhead lights without trying to.
In his right hand, he turns a cold bottle of Surge Blue slowly, label half-hidden by his fingers. No one told him to bring it. This isn't an Aqualis event. He just knows his roles, and he does it simply because he wants.
An OPBF official steps forward first. He introduces himself, thanks the host city, the sanctioning bodies, both camps. His voice carries easily.
