Chapter 48: The Final Stage
The sun burned high over the packed stadium, casting a golden glow on the field as two teams prepared to leave their mark on history. The state championship final had drawn spectators from across the region, filling the air with a cacophony of cheers, chants, and buzzing energy.
Rosario High's bus came to a stop outside the stadium gates, greeted by fans chanting their name in rhythmic unison. Lio pressed his forehead against the cool glass of the bus window, scanning the sea of faces painted blue and gold. For every cheer of encouragement, there were crimson banners of Madeira High, the reigning champions, waving defiantly.
"Looks like a battlefield out there," Kaito muttered, his voice betraying none of the nervousness that tightened his fists.
"Good," Mia replied, leaning back in her seat. "That's exactly where we belong."
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