Chapter Three: The Embers Ignite

He rose onto his toes and tapped it backward. The ball sailed over every hand to the right wing. Su was already there. She released before the final light. Red clock. Clean basket. 74–72. The old gym held its breath for half a second, then erupted. Chen leaped onto the scorer’s table. Gao and Zhao stormed the court. Ma Yan embraced Han, who was crying openly. Su merely raised her right hand toward the Skyvault observers in the highest row. “Did you get that on camera?” she asked. Lu’s phone chimed with league confirmation: NORTHPORT EMBERS—REGISTRATION APPROVED. Then an unknown number sent another message. Mr. Lu, knowing too much about certain medical results may be unhealthy. Withdraw now while you still can.