The ball blurred past Ren before he even raised his racket.
0–15.
He hadn't even blinked.
The sponsors' emblems pulsed brighter on the glass walls with every roar of the crowd—Vortex, Revero, Lunaris, Flectra. Their glow turned the court into a living scoreboard, reflecting one thing only: Kazama Ryuji's dominance.
"Oi, Substitute," Ryuji muttered across the net, twirling his racket casually. "Don't flinch too late. It's insulting."
Ren's grip tightened. I knew this would be brutal, but... this pace is unreal.
The next serve landed with a thud that cracked the glass floor like thunder. Ren's HUD barely flickered:
[Dragon Smash – Speed: 236 km/h]
His reflex stat meant nothing—by the time he reacted, the ball was already gone.
0–30.
From the commentary booth, Ayaka's voice strained to sound neutral:
"Kazama Ryuji opens with... overwhelming authority. Messiah #99 yet to find footing."
Shizuka, seated courtside, clenched her jaw. Maria folded her arms, eyes narrowed. Mio's hands were pressed to her chest, whispering Please, hold on, Ren.
The third point—Ren managed to make contact, strings buzzing with vibration—but the return floated weak, and Ryuji was already in the air, a silhouette framed by sponsor light.
BOOM.
A smash so violent the glass trembled.
0–40.
Ren staggered back, lungs burning. So this is Rank #1. This is the wall.
The crowd chanted in waves:
"Kaza-ma! Kaza-ma! Dragon! Dragon!"
Ryuji's smile was almost bored. "One more."
The serve came. Ren threw everything into the return, legs screaming, body stretched to breaking. For a heartbeat—just a heartbeat—the rally lasted longer than one ball.
Then Ryuji closed in, unreadable speed, and ended it with a simple volley.
"Game, Kazama."
The scoreboard blinked: 2–0.
The first set had only just begun, and already it felt impossible.
Ren exhaled, shoulders shaking. No... I can't let this be another meaningless loss. Even if I lose, it has to be for a reason.
HUD flicker—
[Passive Triggered: Survivor's Instinct Lv.1 → Mental +1 (while behind)]
...
The Dragon had struck first. The Messiah's answer would begin now.