"Cyrus couldn't wait three days. He's going to make his move at the League tournament."
Red clenched his mask in his hand. "You're his target?"
"I am." Lin Hao handed Red his phone. "Morty said at least three squads have infiltrated the outskirts of Silver Town. One of Team Galactic's four commanders is leading them."
"Which one?"
"Mars."
Red fell silent for two seconds. "Mars handles direct combat. If she's here..."
"Then Cyrus isn't far behind." They exchanged a look.
Lin Hao slipped his phone back into his pocket. "Come on. Let's go back and get ready."
Three hours later, fifteen minutes before the semifinals began. At Ring One in the Main Stadium, even the aisles were packed. Spectators crowded the second-floor railings, holding up their phones to take pictures. The air was hot and thick with the smell of popcorn and sweat.
Lin Hao stood in the passage leading out of the waiting area. May stood beside him, her arms crossed over her chest and her jaw tight. "Have Morty's people arrived?" she asked softly.
"They've secured the perimeter." Lin Hao watched the stadium entrance. "But Morty can't stop Cyrus."
"Then what do we do?"
"Wait for him."
May stared at him for several seconds, her tone changing. "You're doing this on purpose."
"What?"
"You knew Cyrus was coming, and you're still competing." Her voice trembled slightly. "You're using yourself as bait."
Lin Hao turned to look at her. "You're getting smarter."
"Don't change the subject." May took half a step forward, blocking his path. "What if he brings something you aren't prepared for?"
"Then I'll improvise." Lin Hao stepped around her and walked on, patting her shoulder. "Don't worry. I'm ready."
May opened her mouth, but before she could get the next words out, he was already gone.