Chapter Three: The Embers Ignite

That evening, the league announced a special qualification game. The Embers had to defeat last season’s quarterfinalists, the Black Tiger Mechanics, or financial-risk rules would keep them out despite their legal roster. Black Tiger was funded by a local manufacturing empire. All twelve players came from professional academies. Before tipoff, their coach shook Lu’s hand with a smile. “Coach Lu, surrender when you have enough footage. Our owner doesn’t like overtime.” Lu looked toward the stands. Three men wearing Skyvault credentials sat in the highest row. One was the assistant physician from his final examination. This was more than a qualification game. “Starters: Chen Ye, Lin Mo, Su Ji, Zhao Xiaobei, Han Zheng,” Lu said.