Chapter Four: The Center Without a Basket

The commentator who had mocked him fell silent before admitting, “He never attacked the basket, yet he dismantled Cape's entire paint.” [Han Zheng has achieved valid growth: expanding his offensive choices while fear remains.] [Wei Chuan has achieved valid growth: returning to formal competition and establishing team value.] [Ember Points +25. Host neural response restored to eighteen percent.] A loose ball flew toward the back of Lu's head. Without turning, he raised a hand and caught it cleanly. The gym froze, then someone shouted, “Black Tide King!” Lu returned the ball. Heat lingered in his palm. This was not nostalgia. His body was truly coming back.