The morning sun washed over the gates of Horizon High, casting golden rays across the campus.
Dirga stepped onto the grounds.
And there it was.
Bold. Proud. Fluttering gently in the breeze above the main building.
"Congratulations Horizon Basketball Team – Kyoto Regional Champions! See You at Nationals!"
His eyes lingered on the banner.
His chest tightened—just a little.
Pride? Relief? Maybe both.
He smiled. Not just with his lips, but with something deeper.
Sweet.
Sweet Horizon.
Each step through the courtyard felt… different.
The usual background noise—the chatter, the footsteps, the rustle of bags—faded slightly.
Eyes turned.
Heads nodded.
Some whispered.
Some pointed.
So this is what they call… the athlete effect?
He wasn't invisible anymore.
He wasn't "just a first-year" anymore.
He was Dirgantara Renji. Horizon's maestro. A piece of history walking the hallway.
"Hey."
A familiar voice came from his left.
Dirga turned—already guessing.
