The stadium was louder than any Ren had ever stepped into. A corporate-sponsored exhibition wasn't supposed to feel like a war, but the glowing sponsor walls turned every emblem into a beacon: Vortex, Revero, Lunaris, Flectra—the court was a cathedral of brands.
And at the center of it all, Kazama Ryuji waited.
World Rank #1. National Crown Division. The Dragon of Aurelia.
Ren tightened the strap on his racket case. His HUD blinked erratic:
[Exhibition: Non-Ranking]
[Opponent: Kazama Ryuji — Rank 1]
[Warning: Stat differential exceeds safe margin.]
Safe margin. He almost laughed. Nothing about this was safe.
"Relax your shoulders," Shizuka murmured beside him, her uniform perfect as ever.
Ren swallowed. "You're... calm?"
She didn't look at him. "No. I just don't shake where cameras can see."
Maria, leaning on the rail, crossed her arms with a sly grin. "You're lucky, chico. Most players wait years for a seat across from him. You? Just one miracle run."
Ren's chest felt like glass under pressure. Miracle run... or Oracle trap?
The announcer's voice boomed:
"On Court One, by request of our sponsors—an exhibition doubles warm-up... followed by the special singles challenge!"
Gasps from the crowd. Murmurs rippled like a tide. Singles.
That meant Ren, standing across from the Dragon alone.
Ryuji finally raised his gaze.
Even across the court, it cut like a blade.
"You're the Substitute?" His voice didn't need a mic.
Ren's throat dried. "...Yeah."
"Good. Then let me show you why substitutes should stay on the bench."
The crowd erupted—half jeers, half anticipation.
Shizuka's hand twitched at her wristband, as if holding back words she couldn't say.
Maria muttered in Spanish, too low for the crowd: "Don't die out there, chico."
Ren stepped forward, racket heavy in his hand.
I can lose for a reason. Even against him... especially against him.
His HUD flickered again.
[Substitution Protocol: Observation in Progress.]
[Access Key 3/5 — Candidate Encounter.]
The lights dimmed. The match was about to begin.
And Ren, ranked ninety-nine, was about to face the Dragon at number one.