The point gap continued to widen, but the Serbian Eagles' fighting spirit did not fade. Instead, their offense grew even more intense. Velia dribbled across half court and once again sent the ball into the paint. Jack exploded upward, overpowering Jason Silver in the air before slamming the ball through the rim.
Jason Silver wore a frustrated expression, yet strangely enough, there was also a hint of excitement in his eyes. The reason was simple: the score gap was increasing, and the game clock was running down. Closer to victory… closer to the end…
Nash brought the ball up to the perimeter and attacked again, slipping past Levic before rising for a jumper.
"BOOM!"
The shot was still in the air when, suddenly, Jack appeared and swatted it away.
A rejection from above.
Zack reacted instantly, grabbing the loose ball and firing it out to Haizaki Shogo on the wing. But Haizaki didn't attack. Instead, he lightly tossed the ball inside to the unguarded Jason Silver.
Jason's eyes lit up.
Now!
He jumped for a powerful dunk.
"BOOM!"
But Jack appeared again. His electric gaze flashed as he activated his No Fly Zone once more, meeting Jason in mid-air and blocking him again. The ball flew away.
This time, Velia caught it.
Haizaki immediately rushed in. They collided, fighting for control for five seconds before Haizaki ripped the ball free and turned to attack. Velia froze for a second before scrambling back on defense, but it was already too late. Haizaki had entered the paint.
He leapt.
A solo dunk attempt.
Three steps.
Like a dragon surging out of the sea.
Unstoppable.
But Jack was still there.
His electric eyes flared as he jumped again.
No Fly Zone activated.
A massive hand descended from above, reaching for the ball. It was about to stop everything.
But Haizaki's expression remained calm. No fear. No hesitation. Only silence.
Break it.
In mid-air, he suddenly twisted. The ball shifted behind him—
A pass.
Jason Silver arrived from behind. He rose with explosive force—
And slammed it down.
"BOOOOOOM!"
The entire basket shook violently. The rim screamed under the pressure, the sound echoing like metal being torn apart.
Haizaki landed. Jason landed. The two exchanged a high-five before calmly turning back. Even Nash smiled faintly from the perimeter.
That's the rhythm.
Meanwhile, Haizaki glanced at Jason.
A simple-minded powerhouse. Easy to read. Easy to provoke. But also… perfect for breaking defenses.
The game continued, and Jabberwock's momentum had fully stabilized. But something strange was happening to Haizaki's body. His right hand trembled slightly, and his breathing grew heavier.
Too many Zone activations… too many stacked abilities…
Zone.
Man-and-ball unity.
Immovable King Form.
Even the imitation of the Belial Eye—
All of it had been pushed to the limit.
Haizaki exhaled slowly before calling out, "Nash."
"Hmm?"
Nash looked up from his bag. His sharp eyes immediately noticed Haizaki's condition. Without saying a word, he walked over and helped adjust Haizaki's equipment before quietly returning to his own preparation.
After a while, Nash asked softly, "Need help standing?"
Haizaki shook his head. "No. Just overdid it on the last play. My right hand won't cooperate for a while."
Nash nodded.
He understood.
He had been there before.
Fifteen minutes later, Haizaki's condition improved. The players walked back onto the court together, exchanging handshakes with the Serbian Eagles.
"You're strong, Haizaki Shogo."
"You're not bad either. That Sky Restriction thing is annoying as hell."
Jack's voice carried a heavy presence. Then he suddenly laughed.
"That comment I like."
Velia also shook Haizaki's hand.
"You're strange… and dangerous. I won't forget you."
Haizaki smiled faintly. "Your eyes are pretty useful. A little annoying though."
Velia chuckled. "I'll take that as praise."
Then came Levic. He stared at Haizaki for a moment before speaking.
"You remind me of someone I know."
"Oh?"
"I'm looking forward to when we meet again."
Haizaki tilted his head slightly.
"Your friend, huh?"
"Yes."
"Then introduce me sometime."
Levic smiled faintly.
"Sure. If fate allows it."
The handshake line continued.
But one thing was clear—
This match had not merely ended a game.
It had created monsters who would never forget each other.