Halftime Score: Horizon 47 – Seiryuu 27.
A 20-point avalanche in just two quarters.
Horizon's players walked back to the locker room drenched in sweat—like soldiers returning from the front lines.
The mood? High.
The energy? Cautiously victorious.
But Dirga?
Dirga was pale.
He sat slumped against his locker, head tilted back, chest rising slow and shallow. His eyes weren't just tired—they were drained. His hair clung to his forehead, and though his breathing wasn't heavy, something inside him felt... hollowed.
That second quarter hadn't just cost him stamina.
It had cost him presence.
And then—
A soft chime in his head.
[System Notice: Item Available – Stamina Booster x1]
The translucent interface flickered before his eyes, unseen by anyone else. The icon pulsed faintly in the corner of his vision—inviting.
His gaze lingered.
Fingers twitched.
[Use now?]
No.
With a blink, he dismissed the window.
"Not yet."
"Save it… for the final battle."
