The crowd still buzzed from Ren's upset victory in the National Main League, his name etched into the top fifty for the first time.
But when he stepped off court, the arena shifted.
A shadow stretched across the press hall, long before its owner appeared.
Kazama Ryuji.
The Dragon himself walked in with the aura of inevitability, black uniform lined with crimson edges, racket case strapped like a blade at his back. Reporters surged instantly—this wasn't just a star, this was the star.
"Dragon-sama, why are you here?"
"Are you scouting the new Messiah?"
"Is it true you'll challenge him?"
Ryuji didn't answer. His amber eyes locked only on Ren, who froze mid-step.
Every sound dulled into a low hum.
That's him. The wall higher than everything else.
Ryuji approached until the air felt heavy. Then, with a voice like iron:
"Tachibana Ren. The league has agreed to an exhibition. For the sponsors."
Reporters exploded into cheers. Cameras lit like fireworks.
Ren blinked, throat dry. "Exhibition...? With me?"
"You wanted to climb," Ryuji said flatly. "Let's see how far you can breathe in my air."
Maria, watching from the sideline, muttered under her breath: "Madre mía... chico, you don't know what you just stepped into."
Shizuka clenched her fists tight, nails digging into her palm.
Mio, pale but steady, whispered: "Ren... don't let him erase you."
Ren's HUD flickered violently.
[Special Match Registered: Exhibition vs. Kazama Ryuji (World Rank #1)]
[Warning: Crowd Buff + Overload Risk]
His pulse thundered. Every instinct screamed to run. Yet, somehow, his hand gripped the Fallen Star racket tighter.
"...Fine," Ren said, voice shaking but audible. "I'll play."
Ryuji's lips curled into the faintest smirk. "Good. Remember—sponsors love blood."
He turned away, leaving only silence behind.
For the first time, Ren felt what it meant to be prey standing before the apex predator.
And for the first time, the entire Aurelia nation prepared to watch the Substitute Messiah stand before the Dragon.
Giant holo-screen lights up across the city:
"Exhibition Match — Kazama Ryuji vs. Tachibana Ren. Live Broadcast."