426-430

Chapter 426: Two Consecutive Wins! The Supreme Black Dragon Slash! 

The Radiance of Fortitude!!!  

The Greek team’s strategist on the court couldn’t help but shudder as he felt the overwhelming, oppressive aura emanating from Tezuka.  

Rumors had long circulated in the tennis world about an ultimate technique that had appeared many years ago—an evolution of the Pinnacle of Perfection, which branched into different forms depending on the player’s personality and style.  

Love. 

Solitude. 

Fortitude.  

These three supreme radiances were said to be the most powerful forces in tennis. Mastering even one of them could propel a player into the professional league, and with enough dedication, they might even reach the pinnacle of the sport.  

But the threshold for awakening such power was so high that most could only dream of it.  

Before this U-17 World Cup, only a handful of players—even among professionals—had ever achieved one of these radiances. Most of them wielded the powers of Love or Solitude.  

The Radiance of Fortitude? It was practically unheard of.  

Many top players had even declared that it might take another decade before someone capable of wielding Fortitude would emerge in the tennis world.  

Yet, ever since the Australia U-17 World Cup began, the impossible had been happening one after another.  

First, it was Kintarō Toyama and Shin Ishikawa. And now… Kunimitsu Tezuka had also awakened this supreme power?  

Larssen’s heart pounded with shock, a deep sense of defeat creeping into his chest.  

Japan hadn’t even fielded their warm-up players. Their captain—the one who had defeated Q·P—wasn’t even in today’s lineup.  

And yet, Greece, ranked 10th in the world, was struggling against them. Just when they thought they could turn the tide, another unforeseen variable had appeared.  

Thud. 

Thud. 

Thud.  

Suppressing his emotions, Larssen bounced the ball, forcing himself to stay calm. As Greece’s strategist, he knew his only job now was to avoid dragging Hermes down—and to exploit any advantage he could find.  

Boom!  

After serving, Larssen adjusted his stance, his sharp eyes locked onto Tezuka’s movements, searching for any opening.  

But then—  

Flash!  

A blinding white light erupted, flooding his vision. His mind went blank, his thoughts scattering.  

Thwack!  

The crisp sound of a racket striking the ball snapped him back to reality. When his vision cleared, he saw Hermes, bathed in golden radiance, locked in a fierce exchange with Tezuka.  

Boom! 

Boom! 

Boom!  

Their speed was unreal. Their reflexes, technique, and insight were all on another level—so far beyond normal players that even Sanada could only watch from the sidelines.  

"Tezuka…"  

Sanada clenched his teeth. Despite his own growth, the gap between him and his former rival had only widened. A surge of frustration and helplessness welled up inside him.  

Slap!  

He suddenly smacked his own face.  

"Sanada Genichirō, you fool! What the hell are you thinking?! This is a world-class match—are you really this narrow-minded?!"  

The stinging pain and his own self-reproach snapped him back to focus. Turning his attention back to the match, he began analyzing what he could do to contribute.  

Boom!  

A burst of white light erupted, its overwhelming pressure enveloping Hermes’ golden radiance.  

"Huh…? This feeling—"  

Hermes’ expression shifted. He could clearly sense his own aura being suppressed.  

"Is this the effect of that radiance?"  

He recalled Zeus and Larssen’s pre-match briefing on the Pinnacle of Perfection and its variations. If he remembered correctly, this particular radiance had the ability to weaken—even devour—an opponent’s aura and momentum.  

"You’re strong, I’ll give you that," Hermes admitted, locking eyes with Tezuka. "If we were the same age, I’d have no chance against you. But tennis isn’t about fairness. And I refuse to lose this match!"  

Boom!  

With that declaration, Hermes unleashed his full power, engaging Tezuka in the most intense battle of the match so far.  

Boom! 

Boom! 

Boom!  

But to his shock, even at his peak, Hermes couldn’t seize control.  

Tezuka’s technique was flawless. No matter how aggressively Hermes attacked, the ball always followed a predetermined path, returning straight to Tezuka’s racket.  

"That’s—!"  

Suddenly, Heracles, the bearded Greek player, widened his eyes in disbelief.  

"His footwork… He’s drawing a perfect circle on the court?!"  

Apollo and Orion, the Greek team’s previously arrogant middle schoolers, were equally stunned.  

"H-How is this possible…?" 

"Is he really just a middle schooler?!"  

Tennis was a world where strength commanded respect. The fact that this bespectacled boy could fight Hermes on equal footing meant one thing—his skill was already at a semi-professional level.  

The match raged on, each point fiercely contested. The score kept tying, then pulling ahead again.  

"15-15!" 

"30-15!" 

"30-30!" 

"40-30!"  

Finally, after the fifth serve, Japan secured their first match point in this doubles battle.  

"Hah…"  

At the baseline, Larssen felt the weight of the world crushing him.  

One more point.  

If they lost just one more point, the match would be over.  

Thud.  

The pressure was too much. His serve hit the net.  

"Fault!"  

The umpire’s call made the Greek team’s hearts clench. The tension was suffocating.  

But just then—  

Hermes stepped back and placed a reassuring hand on Larssen’s shoulder.  

"It’s fine. Leave it to me."  

His calm, confident gaze steadied his partner. Larssen nodded. Hermes was Greece’s most composed player—the kind who thrived under pressure.  

Boom!  

Regaining his focus, Larssen served again, this time with a sharp, twisting shot.  

But against Tezuka’s "Perfect Zone," such tricks were meaningless.  

Boom!  

The ball was returned effortlessly.  

Tap! Tap!  

Hermes, glowing gold, chased it down. True to his reputation, the more critical the moment, the calmer he became. His mind worked at lightning speed, analyzing Tezuka’s patterns while maintaining relentless aggression.  

Boom! 

Boom! 

Boom!  

Hermes was in the zone now. He could predict Tezuka’s moves, countering them before they even happened. Slowly, he was seizing control.  

"This is Greece’s pillar," murmured a spectator from another country. "Calm, composed, confident—with the leadership to unite his team. Hermes Kounelis is the perfect player."  

And it was true.  

Facing Tezuka’s flawless tennis, Hermes absorbed every detail, refining his "Olympian Golden Radiance."  

In that moment, he felt it—a door was opening before him. If he could step through, he would ascend to the realm of professional tennis, a level most high schoolers could only dream of.  

"I told you—I won’t lose!"  

With a flash in his eyes, Hermes unleashed a vicious shot aimed at Tezuka’s backhand.  

Boom!  

The ball landed, then spun sharply past Tezuka, hurtling toward the baseline.  

"What?!"  

In the stands, Momoshiro and Kaidō’s faces paled.  

"Did… Did Hermes just break through Tezuka’s Zone?!" Kikumaru exclaimed in disbelief.  

For a moment, it seemed true—the ball showed no sign of being pulled back.  

"Yes!" Larssen clenched his fist.  

If Hermes had truly overcome Tezuka’s technique, then victory was within reach.  

But then—  

Whoosh!  

A figure cloaked in black lightning appeared at the ball’s landing point.  

Sanada.  

He had activated his full power—*"Illusory Shadow"* and "Raging Thunder" combined at maximum output—allowing him to intercept Hermes’ shot.  

"RAAAAH!"  

With a furious roar, Sanada swung his racket, channeling dark energy into the ball.  

"Black Dragon’s Twin Slash!"  

"Useless," Hermes thought dismissively.  

He had already adapted to Sanada’s techniques. In his eyes, the only opponent that mattered now was Tezuka.  

Swoosh!  

Hermes moved effortlessly into position, preparing to counter.  

"ONE… MORE… TIME!!!"  

Sanada, gripping his racket with both hands, poured every last ounce of strength into the return, trying to force a third variation—a breakthrough beyond his limits.  

Whoosh!  

For a split second, the ball wavered unpredictably.  

"Huh?!"  

Hermes’ eyes widened.  

But then, the ball stabilized, returning to its original trajectory. It seemed Sanada’s third variation had failed.  

The Greek team sighed in relief. Victory was still theirs.  

But then—  

Hiss!  

The ball suddenly convulsed, its spin and speed exploding beyond all expectations. Before Hermes could react, it changed direction violently, streaking past him and landing squarely on the line.  

Boom!  

"Game, set, and match!" 

"Japan’s Kunimitsu Tezuka and Genichirō Sanada win, 6-3!"  

Thud.  

The ball rolled to a stop at Hermes’ feet.  

"H-How…?" Larssen’s mind reeled. "Did he really… pull off a third variation?!"  

"The Black Dragon’s Triple Slash?!"  

Even Japan’s team was stunned. No one had expected Sanada to break through his limits in such a crucial moment.  

But then—  

Hermes’ gaze shifted to Tezuka.  

"It was you, wasn’t it?" he said coldly. "That third variation wasn’t his doing. You implanted a hidden spin within the ball earlier—a deeper layer of rotation."  

Tezuka?!  

The crowd erupted in shock.  

"A hidden spin… I see!" Mitsuya suddenly realized. "Tezuka must have embedded the rotation two exchanges ago! When Sanada’s Twin Slash triggered it, the stored spin activated, creating the third variation!"  

The implications were staggering.  

To implant spin so precisely that it survived multiple returns was nearly impossible. But Tezuka was one of the few who could do it—because he had mastered both the "Zone" and "Phantom," fusing them into a single, supreme technique.  

"In that case…" Inui adjusted his glasses. "Tezuka used his Supreme Zone’s rotation, combined with Sanada’s Twin Slash. Meaning that final move was—"  

"The Supreme Black Dragon Slash!"  

Chapter 427: Oni vs. Zeus—Baring Fangs to the World  

"Captain Tezuka… and that Sanada."  

In the stands, Seigaku’s team members exchanged uneasy glances.  

On Rikkai’s side, Yanagi, Marui, and the others wore equally stunned expressions.  

"So…" Mizuki mused, twirling a strand of hair around his finger. "Does that mean these two have the potential for [Ability Resonance]?"  

If they truly synchronized, their Supreme Black Dragon Slash would undoubtedly become one of the strongest doubles techniques in the world.  

However, some remained level-headed.  

Given Tezuka and Sanada’s individual strength, it was unlikely they’d pair up again in the future—especially Tezuka. His performance today proved he was on par with Hermes, placing him firmly in the upper-middle tier of the global high school tennis hierarchy.  

With his youth and talent, unless the Japanese team’s coach had lost his mind, Tezuka would undoubtedly be prioritized as a key player for future development.  

"The Japanese team…"  

"They’re terrifying!"  

While the Japanese team celebrated, the Greek team’s morale plummeted.  

Apollo and Orion exchanged relieved glances. If Hermes hadn’t swapped their doubles lineup, they would’ve been the ones humiliated on the court today.  

On the court, Hermes and Lartius wore grim expressions.  

They had lost.  

Not only had they failed to turn the tide, but they’d also crushed Greece’s already slim chances of advancing. With two consecutive losses, their odds of making it to the next round were practically zero.  

"Sigh…"  

In the end, the two could only resign themselves to defeat.  

"Now, all the pressure falls on Zeus," Lartius muttered as they left the court. "Our margin for error is gone. If we lose any of the next three singles matches—"  

"Mhm." Hermes nodded grimly. "Ironically, Zeus’ original placement has become a liability."  

Initially, Zeus had positioned himself in Singles 3 to conserve energy for the next round. But with two crushing losses, that strategy now seemed laughable.  

Without Zeus anchoring a higher spot, Greece had no one left to counter Japan’s strongest players.  

"Next up: the Singles 3 match!"  

The announcement drew resigned sighs from the crowd.  

"Representing Greece: Zeus Iliopoulos (1st year high school)." 

"Representing Japan: Oni Juujirou (3rd year high school)." 

"Both players, please prepare."  

"Huh?"  

Hermes and Lartius blinked in surprise. "They also placed their ace in Singles 3?"  

A theory formed in Lartius’ mind—perhaps Japan had stacked their doubles lineup to secure quick wins, meaning their later singles players might be weaker.  

If so… Greece’s nearly extinguished hope flickered back to life.  

"Oni… senpai?!"  

This time, it was the Japanese team’s turn to be shocked. They stared at Oni, baffled by his placement in Singles 3. Unlike Greece, they knew their team’s depth—every remaining player was elite. There was no "stack the early matches" strategy.  

So why was Oni here?  

"Is this to snipe their captain?" Mitsuya frowned. "But how could Oni-senpai have known Greece’s lineup?"  

Blindly gambling on matchups was risky, yet Japan had secured two wins, and Oni had perfectly countered Greece’s strongest player.  

"Hmm…" Mitsuya, Inui, and the others fell into deep thought. The Oni Squad’s lineup clearly wasn’t as simple as it seemed.  

"So he was right after all."  

In the players’ area, Inui adjusted his oval glasses, his gaze flickering toward a black-haired boy lingering at the edge of the court.  

"That guy’s foresight is terrifying."  

The night before, Ishikawa had casually suggested Greece’s potential lineup—including Doubles 1 & 2 and Singles 3—during a conversation with Oni.  

At the time, Oni hadn’t committed. But now, it was clear he’d followed Ishikawa’s advice to the letter.  

Most crucially, placing himself in Singles 3 was a calculated move to crush Greece’s morale.  

Thud. Thud.  

Two figures stepped onto the court.  

From Greece’s side, a sunny, confident boy with an effortless charm that even the Japanese team found disarming.  

And from Japan—a towering, demonic figure with fiery red hair and an aura of barely restrained ferocity.  

They couldn’t have been more different in stature or demeanor, yet both represented the pinnacle of their teams’ strength.  

At the net, their eyes met, each instantly recognizing the other’s power.  

"Hello," Zeus smiled warmly. "I look forward to a good match."  

"I know you’re strong," Oni replied, his voice low and steady. Despite Zeus’s unassuming appearance, Oni didn’t underestimate him.  

In the European junior circuit, Zeus was a prodigy—already touted as the next world No. 1 in high school tennis. His skill bordered on professional level.  

"But," Oni’s tone sharpened, "this is where I shatter your myth."  

Gasps rippled through the crowd.  

"How arrogant!" 

"Does he have any idea who he’s facing?" 

"If Zeus defeats their captain, we might still have a chance—"  

The Greek players, like Hermes and Lartius, clung to this sliver of hope.  

"Very well." Zeus remained unfazed, his smile never wavering. "I’ll await your challenge."  

After the coin toss, the two retreated to their positions.  

"First set, one-game match!" 

"Game 1, Zeus to serve!"  

The referee’s gaze shifted to the Greek prodigy.  

Tap. Tap. Tap.  

Zeus bounced the ball lightly, his demeanor relaxed. Then—  

Whoosh!  

The ball soared into the air.  

Crack!  

A golden streak tore across the court.  

"Too fast!" 

"Is that Zeus’s serve?" 

"I can’t even see it!"  

Even players with elite reflexes—like Senri, Saeki, or Kikumaru—could barely track the blur.  

Boom!  

The moment the ball struck the ground, dust erupted, engulfing Oni’s massive frame.  

Thud!  

Yet, in the next instant—  

The dust split apart as a shadowy streak rocketed back.  

"He… returned it?!" 

"Just like that?!" 

"How many monsters does Japan have?!"  

Apollo and Orion scowled. "Don’t tell me this guy can actually pressure Zeus…"  

Zeus’s strength was beyond comprehension.  

Within Greece’s team, facing him meant inevitable submission. Behind that boyish smile lurked a monstrous instinct—one glance, and your tactics unraveled.  

"Hmph!"  

Zeus darted forward, his racket flashing.  

Crack!  

But the moment ball met strings, his smile faltered.  

"This power…?"  

His eyes locked onto Oni. "So he is that type."  

If before, Zeus had only suspected, this shot confirmed it.  

Swish!  

With a deft twist of his wrist, Zeus dispersed the force, redirecting the ball with precision.  

"Impressive technique!" 

"That’s Greece’s captain for you!" 

"Once Zeus gets serious, it’s over!"  

BAM!  

Another explosive return.  

Zeus countered, but the weight behind the ball made his grip tremble.  

"His power’s increasing?!"  

He’d faced power players before—none had ever pressured him. His insight neutralized their strategies, and his technique dismantled their strength.  

But this—  

BAM!  

Another earth-shaking impact.  

Zeus’s fingers stung.  

"He’s not just a power player…" His eyes narrowed. "He’s a superpower player."  

A single word’s difference, but the gap was monumental.  

Against normal power types, Zeus could play left-handed without breaking a sweat.  

But this—  

CRACK!  

The next shot ripped the racket from his hand.  

"0-15!"  

Silence.  

Then—chaos.  

Zeus massaged his wrist, a glint of realization in his eyes.  

"Oni Juujirou…"  

He finally understood.  

This wasn’t just a match.  

It was a declaration—a beast baring its fangs at the world.  

Chapter 428: Oni's Breakthrough vs. Zeus' Ultimate Trump Card  

"No way…"  

The Greek team—even Hermes—wore expressions of utter disbelief.  

"Lord Zeus' racket was knocked out of his hand?!" Orion's voice trembled. Just moments ago, he'd assumed Zeus would end this match within ten minutes. Yet now, their captain had been overpowered in the opening exchange.  

"Confirmed," strategist Lartius muttered, stroking his chin. "He's undoubtedly a superpower-type player. No wonder he leads this squad. In raw strength, he likely ranks among the world's elite high schoolers."  

Superpower-type?  

The Greek team paled.  

"Don’t panic," Lartius added calmly. "Zeus hasn’t even used 60% of his true ability yet."  

"Exactly," Hermes agreed. "What you just saw wasn’t even a warm-up for him."  

The team visibly relaxed.  

Thwack!  

Zeus served again—this time charging the net with blistering speed.  

"Incredible decisiveness!"  

"That’s Zeus for you—unshaken by brute force. If he secures the net, he’ll reclaim control instantly."  

Spectators nodded in awe. Despite Oni’s early dominance, Zeus refused to play passively. His aggressive positioning proved he intended to dictate the match.  

"But if that monster hits a body shot at close range—"  

"Fool," another scoffed. "You think Zeus didn’t account for that? His serve’s placement is calculated to prevent power returns."  

The critic hesitated, eyeing Oni’s hulking frame. Maybe the brute couldn’t counter with technique…  

Swish!  

Yet Oni’s racket flashed upward, lofting a flawless lob.  

"A lob?!"  

"Is he seriously challenging Zeus’ technique?!"  

The ball kissed the baseline.  

"30–0!"  

Even Greek players begrudgingly admired the shot’s precision.  

"Tch." From Japan’s bench, Ryoma smirked. "Only idiots think muscles mean no brains."  

Two years ago, Oni’s technical skill had surpassed most specialists. Now? World-class.  

Zeus’ assumption—that technique could neutralize power—was a fatal miscalculation.  

The Tide Turns 

"40–0!" 

"Game! Japan leads 1–0!"  

Silence.  

Zeus had lost a technical duel.  

Yet the Greek captain showed no frustration—only newfound respect.  

"Speed. Power. Technique." He analyzed coolly as Oni’s serves kept coming, each forcing him to grip his racket with both hands.  

By the second game’s match point, Oni threatened a 2–0 lead.  

Then—  

Hummmm!  

A radiant white aura erupted from Zeus, washing over the court like a spotlight.  

"What is that?!"  

Even Tezuka and Yukimura stiffened, their instincts screaming that their deepest strategies had been laid bare.  

"Omniscience and Omnipotence," Yanagi said gravely. "Zeus’ signature ability. He reads opponents like open books—predicting even subconscious decisions."  

"Mind-reading?!" Inui’s glasses fogged with sweat. If true, the match was already over.  

Boom!  

Oni’s serve rocketed toward Zeus—a violent strike with a wicked bounce.  

Yet Zeus moved, his racket intercepting with a surgeon’s precision.  

"He neutralized Oni-san’s power?!" Kirihara gaped.  

"Too perfect," Chitose muttered. "Like he foresaw every rotation."  

"Because he did," Mitsuya said grimly. "Omniscience doesn’t just predict—it calculates futures."  

Point by point, Zeus clawed back.  

"Game! 1–1!"  

The crowd stirred. Zeus had broken Oni’s momentum—but Hermes frowned.  

"Why did it take him this long?"  

"Superpower-types defy conventional counters," Lartius reasoned. "Even foresight has limits against raw force."  

Yet Zeus adapted, inching ahead to 40–0 in the third game.  

Then—  

Crack!  

Oni’s racket flashed, a golden afterimage streaking past Zeus’ frozen form.  

"40–15!"  

Zeus blinked, as if waking from hypnosis.  

"That light…" He’d seen footage of Ishikawa’s and Ryoma’s Pinnacle of Perseverance, but Oni’s was different—an unstoppable force that erased his omniscience.  

Like a guillotine severing foresight itself.  

"40–30!" 

"Deuce!"  

Japan’s bench erupted.  

"So this was Oni-san’s plan?!" Momoshiro realized.  

"Not just countering Zeus," Mizuki said, awed. "Using him as a whetstone to forge his own light."  

The revelation sent chills through the crowd. Behind Oni’s brutish exterior lay a strategist’s mind.  

"Then it’s over," Sengoku declared. Once Oni achieved his goal, the real slaughter would begin.  

BANG!  

Oni’s next serve ignited the air, trailing flames.  

Yet as the ball approached—  

Riiiiip!  

A prismatic explosion engulfed Zeus, his aura shifting into a kaleidoscope of colors.  

"That’s—!" Mitsuya’s voice cracked. "The Olympian Rainbow?!"  

Chapter 429: The Fear of Seeing the Truth—The Asura Demon God of the Abyss!  

Olympian Rainbow Radiance?!  

The moment Zeus’ body shimmered with a multicolored halo, the crowd’s focus sharpened.  

If Silver Radiance marked an elite high school player, and Golden Radiance signified the threshold of professional-level skill…  

Then Rainbow Radiance was something else entirely—a transcendent technique only those with extraordinary talent could comprehend.  

Mastering it meant Zeus had already stepped into the realm of professional tennis, much like Germany’s Becker—though he hadn’t officially turned pro yet.  

Players like France’s Camus and America’s Reinhardt stood at this level. And now, despite being only 15, Zeus Iliopoulos had joined their ranks.  

BOOM!  

A burst of prismatic light erupted.  

The ball—which had completely vanished from sight after Oni’s strike—was violently returned by Zeus.  

For an instant, the court glittered like a shattered galaxy, the dazzling spectacle making everyone feel insignificantly small.  

CRACK!  

A streak of rainbow light flashed past Oni, the ball ricocheting at an impossible angle.  

"Advantage, server!"  

The umpire’s call ignited the Greek supporters.  

"GREECE! GREECE! GREECE!" 

"ZEUS! ZEUS! ZEUS!"  

The chants roared like tidal waves. Meanwhile, players from other teams watched with deepening wariness.  

Zeus Iliopoulos.  

The rumors were true—this boy’s skill rivaled the world’s top high schoolers. Even among historical prodigies, he stood tall.  

"If Zeus wins this…" A rival player murmured, "Greece might actually turn this match around."  

"Even if they lose," another replied, "his talent has already caught the scouts’ eyes. His pro career won’t face obstacles."  

"True. But tennis only crowns one winner."  

Hermes nodded quietly. "His Radiance of Fortitude is still unrefined. For a temporary breakthrough to push Zeus this far… impressive."  

This wasn’t empty praise. Had Oni mastered Fortitude completely, Zeus wouldn’t have such an easy time.  

Yet that very thought seeded unease in Hermes’ mind.  

What if Oni evolved mid-match?  

Greece had already suffered two consecutive losses. Even the slimmest chance of advancing mattered—and every threat needed scrutiny.  

BOOM!  

Another rainbow-streaked return blew past Oni’s defenses.  

"Game! Greece leads 2-1. Change sides!"  

The gap widened. Rainbow Radiance had outshone Fortitude—for now.  

"Apollo!" Hermes suddenly barked at the younger player. "Warm up. Now."  

"R-Right!" Apollo stammered, scrambling to obey.  

The order sent a ripple through the Greek team. Hermes’ urgency confirmed it—they still had a shot at victory.  

As for Zeus?  

Nobody doubted him anymore.  

CRACK!  

Another star-like strike pierced Oni’s guard.  

"Game! 3-1, Greece!"  

The match seemed decided. Even Zeus felt a flicker of satisfaction—  

—No.  

His instincts snapped back.  

Zeus had fought over a hundred high-stakes matches. His Omniscient Eye had never failed him… until today.  

Oni’s essence remained unreadable.  

Two possibilities surfaced:  

• Oni’s will was ironclad, impervious to analysis.  

• He hadn’t shown his true strength yet. 

The second idea seemed ludicrous. If Oni was holding back now, after Zeus’ full assault…  

How monstrous was he?  

Logic favored the first explanation. Yet Zeus stayed wary. A will this indomitable could overturn hopeless odds.  

Thud. Thud. Thud.  

Bouncing the ball calmly, Zeus smiled like a friendly neighbor—while his Omniscient Eye silently enveloped the court.  

"Truth or bluff, it doesn’t matter."  

His grip tightened. "A large enough lead crushes all comebacks."  

WHOOSH!  

The serve launched like a meteor, rainbow light trailing behind it. The impact kicked up a dust storm, swallowing Oni whole.  

"Zeus’ Tennis Dimension!" Hermes’ eyes gleamed.  

This was a pro-level technique—where battles transcended physicality, fought in a realm of pure willpower.  

Hermes expected Oni to freeze, overwhelmed…  

CRACK!  

A dark streak tore through the haze.  

"He returned it?!"  

Had Oni entered the Dimension too? Or—  

"No." Hermes’ blood ran cold. "This is… worse."  

The ball hurtling toward Zeus wasn’t just powerful. It radiated abyssal dread.  

"Come!" Zeus grinned, swinging fearlessly. "Show me what you’re hiding!"  

—BOOM.  

The impact shattered his racket strings, the ball cratering the court behind him.  

Silence.  

Greek players gaped, their cheers strangled mid-breath.  

"0-15."  

The umpire’s voice echoed hollowly.  

Oni stood unmoved, his aura now unmistakable—a predator’s gaze from the abyss.  

"T-That’s impossible…" Orion croaked.  

Even Heracles and Evangelos stared, shaken. Zeus’ racket had been destroyed. Not just knocked away—obliterated.  

"Hyper-Gravity Dimension," Hermes uttered grimly.  

"Hyper-Gravity?!" Larssen’s jaw dropped. "Like Toyama’s?!"  

Rumors claimed Kintarō Toyama learned his gravity-defying tennis from Oni. Larssen had dismissed it—geniuses like Toyama didn’t need teachers.  

Now, the truth was undeniable.  

"If Toyama’s Hyper-Gravity came from him…" Hermes whispered, "then Oni’s mastery is on another level entirely."  

Fortitude was unrefined, but this?  

This was Oni’s domain.  

CRACK!  

Another return sent Zeus’ racket flying.  

"0-30!"  

Yet Zeus’ focus only sharpened. Uncertainty was worse than any power. Now that Oni had revealed his fangs—  

"Time to end this."  

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!  

The rallies escalated into a clash of dimensions.  

Oni’s Hyper-Gravity pressed Zeus relentlessly, but the Greek prodigy adapted, his Omniscient Eye dissecting every nuance.  

Pressure bred evolution—and Zeus was no exception.  

"Thanks to you," he panted, eyes blazing, "I’ve broken through."  

His vision cleared. The fog over Oni’s power lifted—  

—And what he saw froze his blood.  

Behind the smoke loomed a monstrous silhouette: a horned, fanged Asura, its aura drowning the court in hellfire.  

Chapter 430: Three Consecutive Wins – Defeating Greece  

BOOM!!!  

A deafening explosion echoed across the stadium.  

WHOOSH!  

In the next instant—  

The crowd’s eyes could only catch a blur of blue and white as a figure was sent flying backward like a broken kite.  

THUD!  

A heavy impact shook the air.  

Under the stunned gazes of the Greek team, Zeus’ body slammed into the wall behind him. His face paled, then turned ashen, before flushing a deep red.  

As he landed, his legs wobbled violently, his body swaying like a collapsing scaffold.  

"Game!"  

"Japan leads, 2-3!"  

The umpire’s voice rang out.  

For a moment, the stadium fell into silence. Every pair of eyes locked onto Zeus in disbelief. What kind of shot could reduce Greece’s captain—a player on par with professionals—to such a state?  

"Tch—"  

Then, Orion, Greece’s middle school representative, noticed something. His eyes fixed on the spot where Zeus had stood. As the dust cleared, a shattered crater came into view.  

Gasps rippled through the crowd.  

"Oh my god!!"  

"That’s insane!"  

"How can a tennis ball cause that much destruction?!"  

Many spectators, especially those unfamiliar with high-level tennis, felt their understanding of the sport shatter.  

"Captain!"  

Hermes called out anxiously as Zeus stepped back onto the court. "Are you okay?"  

Even a fool could see Zeus wasn’t unharmed. But Hermes, along with the rest of the Greek team, had lost their usual composure. They never imagined their invincible "God King" could be pushed to such limits.  

"I’m fine."  

Zeus waved a hand, forcing his usual calm demeanor. Yet his smile seemed strained, lacking its usual ease.  

And who could blame him?  

His mind was still haunted by the terrifying figure he’d glimpsed in the smoke—a monstrous presence, like a demonic god of destruction.  

"Oni Juujirou."  

Taking a deep breath, Zeus turned his gaze to the red-haired, fierce-looking man across the net.  

For the first time, he felt overwhelming pressure.  

His opponent’s strength was undeniably at a professional level. That monstrous "Demon God" power had shattered his Olympian Rainbow Light with terrifying ease—like a divine barrier being torn apart by black, magma-like arms.  

They were no longer on the same playing field.  

"His skill… He’s on par with the Big 4’s captains!"  

Zeus clenched his teeth.  

But as Greece’s last hope, he couldn’t afford to dwell on his own limits. Ignoring the pain in his chest and back, he steadied his stance and glared at his opponent.  

At this moment, he was ready to risk everything.  

BOOM!  

Ten minutes later, another explosive impact sent a figure hurtling out of bounds.  

THUD.  

A charred tennis ball rolled off Zeus’ racket.  

Two deep skid marks scarred the court—proof of his desperate resistance against Oni’s overwhelming power. A closer look revealed Zeus’ shoes were scorched black. The toll of enduring that shot was unimaginable.  

"Game, set, match!"  

The umpire’s voice boomed.  

"Japan’s Oni Juujirou wins, 6-0!"  

THUD.  

The moment the words left the umpire’s mouth, Zeus’ legs gave out. Only his racket kept him from collapsing entirely. His arms trembled violently, drained from the brutal exchange.  

"Z-Zeus?!"  

Apollo Stefanopoulos, who had just returned from warming up, froze at the sight. The pride of Greece’s middle schoolers felt his heart lurch.  

Wasn’t this supposed to be Greece’s comeback match?  

He had hoped to make a name for himself—to prove his family’s legacy as executioners. But by the time he arrived, it was already over.  

"Hm?"  

Suddenly, his eyes met those of a bespectacled boy with blue-black hair in Japan’s team area. A chill ran down Apollo’s spine.  

"That guy’s glare… It’s terrifying!"  

For the first time, he felt grateful Zeus had lost. If the match had continued, his fate might have been worse than the previous three players’.  

"Hah… hah…"  

Gasping for breath, Zeus forced himself to the net. Staring up at Oni, he asked, "Tell me… How do you compare to your captain, Ryoma Ishikawa?"  

Oni blinked. He hadn’t expected one of Europe’s top talents to ask such a question.  

He could’ve stayed silent.  

But seeing the desperation in Zeus’ eyes, he answered honestly:  

"He’s Japan’s strongest player. Without question."  

Zeus nodded solemnly, his expression turning wistful. Then, dragging his exhausted body, he trudged back to his team.  

"Captain!"  

Hermes stepped forward. "Losing is normal. Even Novak Djokovic doesn’t win every match. You’re only 15—your peak is still ahead!"  

He didn’t want this defeat to crush Zeus’ spirit before the next World Cup.  

"I know."  

Zeus shook his head, a bitter smile forming. "But Hermes… I was naive."  

"Captain?!"  

Hermes stiffened. The confidence that once radiated from Zeus was gone. The "God King" had fallen from grace, reduced to mere mortality.  

"Don’t worry. I won’t quit tennis."  

Zeus’ smile softened, his eyes alight with renewed determination. "Not when there are so many incredible players out there. How could I abandon something this exciting?"  

This loss had tempered him. His so-called "omniscience" had evolved into something greater.  

"I can’t wait."  

His gaze lingered on Japan’s team before drifting to where Ryoma and the other reserves stood.  

"This year’s Japanese team… is far more terrifying than anyone realizes."  

"The match between Greece and Japan concludes with a 3-0 victory for Japan. They earn 1 point in Group B."  

The crowd erupted in cheers. Greece’s side remained silent, but thanks to Zeus’ composed demeanor, their morale wasn’t completely shattered.  

"Let’s go."  

Zeus smiled faintly. "We should rest. We still have another match against Australia this afternoon."  

His teammates nodded. Though they knew Greece was likely out of the tournament, Zeus’ resilience kept their spirits from breaking.  

Meanwhile, Japan’s "Demon God" squad regrouped with Ryoma and the others. With no afternoon matches, the team returned to their hotel.  

Celebrating their first victory, the coaches relaxed the rules. Even Coach Mikuni made an exception, allowing players to explore Melbourne as long as they returned on time.  

Most of the team scattered across the city—though a few chose to keep training.  

"Mares? Are you there?"  

A silver-haired boy knocked on a hotel room door.  

"Come in."  

Inside, Mares sat reading a tennis magazine.  

"Senpai."  

Marui stepped forward, bowing deeply. "Before tomorrow’s match, I want to improve. I asked Ryoma for advice—he said only you can help me. Please… train me!"  

Mares’ brow lifted.  

"Ryoma said that?"  

Studying Marui’s determined eyes, he nodded.  

"Understood."  

4:00 PM – Melbourne Park, Court 14  

Host team Australia (ranked 18th) defeated Greece (10th) 3-1.  

The loss sealed Greece’s fate—three straight defeats, their worst World Cup performance yet.  

"It’s alright."  

Hermes rallied his team. "This experience will make you stronger for the next tournament!"  

Apollo, Orion, and the others perked up. Even their first-years found solace in the thought.  

Two years from now, with Zeus at his peak, Greece could challenge the Big 4!  

"Tch."  

A mocking voice cut through their hopes.  

"Pathetic. You couldn’t even beat our second-stringers, yet you’re dreaming of the future? How laughable."  

A spiky-haired Australian, JJ Gorgias, smirked at them, his spotted dog at his side.  

"What did you say?!"  

Apollo and Orion bristled.  

"Oh? Did I strike a nerve?"  

Gorgias grinned, relishing their anger. He loved provoking opponents before crushing them.  

"You bastard—!"  

Heracles stepped forward, glowering.  

"Or what?"  

Gorgias taunted, already envisioning their humiliation.  

But then—  

"Enough."  

A calm voice cut through the tension.  

Zeus met Gorgias’ gaze.  

"Our tournament is over. But yours isn’t. Shouldn’t you focus on that?"  

Gorgias scoffed. "Like I care about—"  

His words died in his throat.  

Zeus’ eyes locked onto his, an unfathomable pressure freezing him in place.  

"W-What is this?! I can’t move?!"  

For the first time, fear gripped Gorgias.  

This… This is the real Zeus Iliofotós?  

His brother’s warnings about Europe’s top talents suddenly felt all too real.  

"Let’s go."  

Zeus led his team away, leaving Gorgias shaken.  

Only one thought echoed in his mind:  

If even he lost to Japan…  

Gorgias’ smirk vanished.  

"I need to talk to Noah. Tomorrow’s match won’t be easy."