The next morning, the air inside the league arena was heavy, like the glass walls themselves knew something was wrong.
Ren stood with Daigo in front of the official draw board—a massive holographic sheet glowing faint blue. Names scrolled, pairing players into brackets.
His heart pounded as he searched for his.
"...Ninety-nine... Tachibana Ren."
Lines extended. Opponent: Rank 38. If he advanced, next round: Rank 22. Then Top 10.
Ren's mouth went dry. "This... this isn't random."
Daigo's cigarette burned short, his eyes narrowing. "No. It isn't. The priest at the board decided to crucify you early."
The priest in question stood nearby, robes flowing, serene smile plastered on his face. He tapped his staff lightly. "The Oracle favors balance. Strong or weak, everyone must be tested."
Ren clenched his fists. Balance? More like execution.
Behind him, Haru whistled low. "Bro, this is like throwing a goldfish into a tank with sharks."
Maria folded her arms, eyes narrowing at the priest. "Funny how balance always seems to punish the same people."
Shizuka's gaze stayed fixed on the board, jaw tight. "...They're testing whether you'll break before you climb."
Daigo finally exhaled smoke, his voice low and rough. "Listen, brat. You stepped on the board, now the board steps back. If you cry about fairness, you're already dead."
Ren's chest squeezed. Fight on two fronts. I thought he was exaggerating. But this... they really want me erased.
The priest's smile never faltered. "If the Substitute Messiah is true, he will endure. If not, the glass will swallow him like the others."
Ren turned sharply, meeting the priest's calm eyes. His voice was raw but steady.
"...Then let it swallow me. I'll crawl back out until you have no choice but to see me."
For the first time, the priest's smile flickered—just a crack.
Daigo clapped a heavy hand on Ren's shoulder, grounding him. "That's the spirit. Now get ready. We'll drill until your legs bleed. You'll need them."
Ren looked back at the board, his name shining faintly against the ranks towering above. His HUD pulsed weakly, as if mocking him:
[Warning: Difficulty Scaling Increased.]
Ren's trembling fist against the glowing draw board, the ranks looming like giants, while the priest's shadow stretches long across the floor.
They want me erased. Fine. I'll give them something they can't forget instead.