"That was incredible!"
"That high schooler really is amazing—he almost turned it around!"
"Nagai was still a cut above. His experience is just too seasoned."
Bai Ye slowly released the joystick, his chest heaving violently. Unwillingness, exhaustion, and a trace of indescribable relief tangled together in his heart.
He stood up and gave a deep bow to the screen, and to the audience seats as well.
Just then, Nagai Kenta had already walked over to his machine.
The man in the red-and-white baseball cap had not the slightest arrogance of a victor on his face.
He held out his hand.
"That was a wonderful match."
His voice was sincere, carrying respect for his opponent.
"You're the most tenacious opponent I've faced in this tournament."
"Your Andy has a lot of potential."
Bai Ye froze for a moment, then instinctively reached out and shook his hand.
Nagai's palm was broad and strong, with the thin calluses left by years of gripping a joystick.
"Good luck in the third-place match coming up."
Nagai patted Bai Ye on the shoulder and showed a faint smile.
"I hope I can go to the Budokan with you as Tokyo's representatives."
With that, he turned and walked toward the area reserved for the winners, leaving Bai Ye with a dashing back.
Go to the Budokan together...
Those simple words were like a warm current, instantly scattering most of the dejection in Bai Ye's heart.
He straightened his back again, fighting spirit once more burning in his eyes.
That was right. There was still the third-place match.
He still had a chance!
The third-place match was held shortly afterward.
Bai Ye's opponent was another player who had lost in the semifinals.
After that high-intensity, bitter battle with Nagai, Bai Ye felt as if both his mentality and