Chapter 78: Defying Gravity: The Phoenix Rises
As the fourth quarter began, tension electrified the stadium. Talon passed to Cyrus, who relayed to Jaxon. The new strategy unfolded, each movement deliberate.
Soren and Raxel descended like predators, their pressure unrelenting. As Talon's pass flew towards Jax, Thorne materialized, intercepting mid-flight.
Thorne bulldozed through the defense, the quadrant [Defense quadrant: a section of the court with special rules] lighting up with a shimmering blue shield. Jaxon moved to block, but Thorne feinted left, then spun right. In a blink, he was airborne, slamming the ball through the hoop.
The crowd erupted, but Zed's focus remained absolute. As Cyrus gained possession, he locked eyes with Zed and nodded imperceptibly.
The ball arced through the air, finding Zed's hands as if magnetized. Instantly, Jorvick and Soren converged, their faces masks of smug confidence.