A tied score of 2, the game enters its final game with both sides showing no signs of defeat! Squidcom made their move early and fought with tenacity in the first couple of games, however, Beacon Hills once again showed why they are the class of Inkopolis as they rallied in the following pair of games to tie up the series, all thanks to the brilliant leadership of Gin and maximum output from the others. To the eyes of those watching at home, this battle was a wonderful treat-especially to Siot and his crew who found the battles entertaining since it was living up to the expectations set by Siot himself; even Shiore couldn't help but crack a sweat watching the game since more than anything, she wanted to meet Azule and Squidcom on the big stage at Nationals and see for herself if he was capable of surpassing Sky. But that isn't all, as the games play by the day, their chances of improvement hang in the balance as the rankings adjust. As it stands, Squidcom are making progress to have their name mentioned at best for teams outside the allotted 128, but since they haven't had prior experience against these opponents, it works against them. For Beacon Hills, their spot is secured but their ranking could improve or suffer based on how the result of this game goes; as it stands, Beacon Hills is ranked 11th in Inkland and projected to move into the top 10 if they win the tournament, possibly taking the 5th spot if they play their cards right. That works wonders for them, since the importance of the ranking is more than just bragging rights, but it also gives a boost to teams in the tournament. For the Nationals drawing where the 128 teams will select their placement for groups, the highest ranking get priority to draw and have the bonus in advancement should it come down to a tie breaker that can't be decided by differentials. It means quite a lot to have such a bonus on one's side and thus, a bigger reason for them to push through and dispose of the first years.

Silvia's body huffs and puffs as she sat on the floor trying to catch her breath, exhaling weakly as her hands tremble on her thighs. Her teammates are drenched in sweat from head to toe, their arms and hands slippery as well. Platinum could barely keep his eyes open from the dripping drops intruding his eyes from his forehead, Alumia could barely keep herself up with wobbling knees as the wear and tear prove effective. Even Gin, their mighty captain, showed signs of fatigue though he did his best to hide it, relying on his experience to see him through this trial. Silvia raises her head and gives a long glance at Gin, unable to help herself as she got to see a rare side of him: His smile. For the first time in a long while, she saw a smile unlike the previous he ever shown when they won something really important, instead it looked as if he could finally let something go, but what it was, she had no clue.

"To think...he was capable! That bastard!" He laughed, spooking his teammates who couldn't ever recall him laughing so childishly. "That first year thought this far!"

"Wh-what's wrong Gin?" Silvia asked

"He didn't know if he was going to represent his school, nor did he know if he'd make it this far, yet he had the audacity-the boldness, to claim he'd take the throne from us. This brat..."

"I...don't get what you're trying to say." Platinum said

Gin smirks wiping away his sweat, "Don't you get it? He's the real deal. We're facing another Royale..." his eyes sharpen as his smile turns fiery; "Everyone, I think we caught him on the wrong day…" Their eyes widened, their mouths dropped, but none could muster the strength to continue and ask their question, that satisfied in their captain's eyes told them their answer. "I'm not saying that this is the end, but I think we have to be honest with ourselves: They're worthy." For Gin to have such thoughts and utter such words spoke volumes to how much that team had proved him wrong. Once again, he got to see firsthand the will of Squid Academy, and that there will always be someone within his generation that will prove monstrous. "Don't disappoint me, Azule Royale..."

The drops of sweat fall as she grits her teeth with furrowed brows and wavering eyes, her arms trembling and her legs stiff like cinder blocks. She couldn't move another step, she couldn't stand up straight, she couldn't hide the pain and frustration on her face as her goal at the end of the pathway looked out of reach. Her vision blurred and lips quivering, her body shakes as she grips the hands of Marigold-her confident gaze shaking her to the core. Even when she felt like giving up, resting her body and just calling it a day, there stood the most important people in her life ready to reinvigorate her determination. Up on the television fighting for their team's lives in the tournament stood her beloved band of friends fighting a battle for her sake. She couldn't give up on them, nor herself for that matter. Likewise her teammates are channeling that same emotion as the game reaches the dying moments with the score very much in favor of Beacon Hills-also having the tower in their possession as well. A splat from Platinum sent Azule back to spawn while Squidcom went on a temporary retreat to reconfigure a plan to seize the tower knowing they couldn't well wait on Azule to respawn to take the tower. Beacon Hills crowd the tower and make their push to put the game further out the reaches of Squidcom, but the squids in blue make a final push led by Reice. A vertical flick from up high, he disperses the cluster and immediately targets Silvia; Alumia and Platinum get doubled by Jory and Violet and Gin patiently awaits on the tower trying to apply pressure while advancing. A return to spawn leaves Azule frustrated, clenching his fists he punches the ground once, upset he allowed himself to be so open for a target at such a crucial time, but time is running out and he needs to get it together. He had everything to lose and even more to gain. No way could he let it end here after going this far, and yet, how could he? In what way could he manage to make a late return and somehow wrestle the tower away from them? There's no time left. A sense of despair creeping into his thoughts, they're immediately shut down by the haunting image of his crying sister buried in the snow and the sacrifices she just to suffer defeat at the hands of Beacon Hills. He knew she's there in the audience watching, waiting for his next move. He knew his family was also there cheering them on, and he knew there were hundreds to thousands of people calling for his name in the next round. This isn't his resting place. From just a look on the TV monitor, Sally's eyes wavered with life as she slowly grew a smile, returning her gaze to the task ahead. Go for it, Captain! Her heart shouted with conviction, knowing what will happen next.

In the stands, everyone is chatting away and giving their claims on what the ending of this battle will look like as the seconds die down, the idea of Beacon Hills winning becoming close to reality for them, but for Sky and those supporting Squidcom, they had to cancel out the noise. It was only a brief moment since his splat and respawn, but for Azule, it felt like an eternity-the previous reel replaying in his mind a dozen times over on his way back to spawn. Never again would he let Beacon Hills get the best of him, nor anyone for that matter. He shuts his eyes and calmly inhales, playing out the scenarios in his head of final dozen seconds left in the game. There's only one thing he can do at a time like this. He super jumps, shooting through the sky like a comet as he starts to glow blue. Everyone marvels at the sudden bursting blue light ripping through the air like a missile; his coordinates are on the farthest member-Violet. Everyone fighting their battle against Beacon Hills can feel a strong presence quickly approaching them, instinctively shifting their positions to make way for their captain; likewise, Beacon Hills could sense the terrible sensation that struck their backs and sent tingles down their spine. Azule arrives. A bright sky blue hue with piercing blue eyes carrying a vengeful glare, he was like lighting as he zipped from one inkling to the other. Platinum fell, followed by Alumia's explosion, and then Silvia's elimination. Almost in the blink of an eye, three members of Beacon Hills were eradicated by one inkling with only Gin remaining. The spectators rise to their feet in mass awe, with many finding it difficult to contain themselves after seeing such a spectacle; Sky herself, unconsciously rose to her feet much like the surrounding people who stood up one by one after seeing him take down each member. All in her head she can only think of one thought she imagined that her little brother must be thinking as he made his final prey on the tower brace himself. Only six seconds remain as the final showdown approaches…

Astonishing. Truly astonishing, Azule Royale. Gin recalled as he watches Azule scale the nearby terrain to take the leap towards him, avoiding all the shots Gin fired almost automatically as if his body was possessed. The curse of facing Midnight, as the final moments of a game draw near, that mode waits for the right moment to strike. A shadow covers his face with only his speared glare visible as he reaches the apex of his jump, reaching into his pocket for his sub weapon; Gin froze in place at that moment marveled by the sight of once again having himself pushed to the physical and mental limits against Royales. Unlike the desperation he saw from Sky when she nearly sacrificed her body, Azule carried a vengeful attitude that shook him to the core-the sharpness about him oozed a different level of confidence that left him speechless. He's the closest player to a threat he ever faced, and he was only a mere first year. He experienced fear when he faced the first Royale in the winter, and at the time he thought he'd overcame his biggest weakness in turn, but as he watches Azule falling ever closer to him with sharpness, he couldn't help but shiver unconsciously; even if his mind couldn't register this level of a sensation he felt, a fear that not even his body knew. Like a prey awaiting their final moments before being devoured, Gin's felt a cold sweat drop and his stomach knot. He grits his teeth and furrows his sweating forehead, his eyes focusing on the missile targeting on him. Unlike then, he now held the title as king, the supreme leader of example as the class of the country. His pride and reputation are on the line. Azule crashes into the tower, throwing a splat bomb beforehand. Blue ink scatters everywhere as regular time expires and the horns start sounding for overtime. Everyone breaks into a thundering roar as they're about to get treated to unimaginable ending; the rest of Squidcom are stunned by the sudden turn of events as they went from fighting with their backs to the wall on the verge of defeat to suddenly fighting for their lives in overtime-all thanks to one inkling. Overtime is called as Azule occupies the tower, but Gin isn't out of it just yet as he managed to dodge that attack by the skin of his teeth and relinquish the tower to Azule, but he knew that wasn't the end of the attack.

Machi brings her hand up to her forehead to wipe the sweat off her forehead, "Holy shi-"

"It's happening!" Bianca screamed at the top of her lungs giving a hearty fist pump.

The tower moves quickly as the rest of Squidcom occupy it on their way to the goal of 26, the number they needed to beat since that is the farthest Beacon Hills reached. While the rest of Beacon Hills are respawning and making their way to the tower, Gin is experiencing hell as Azule continues to hunt him down viciously by any means necessary from launching his tenta missiles to cutting off his route for escape by slowing him down with burst bombs and his timely rolls. Only seven points separate the two teams thanks to how quick the tower is moving. Beacon Hills finally arrive looking to wage a final stand. Squidcom answer back with a vicious cry as Reice takes the lead. Both sides have fire in their eyes for this final clash! Reice brings the frontal attack by the silver squids to a halt with just a flick of his roller and forces them to scatter, Violet follows by forcing them to dance for her as she aims for the ground they walk. But Beacon Hills are steeled to take the tower back in the dying moments and reject Squidcom's attempt at victory with Silvia igniting her resolve with a passionate cry for blood targeting Jory. Chaos ensues as the ink scatters everywhere to the cries lost in explosion, heard in the distance as the second fight reaches its climax as well. The wrath of Azule is apparent for Gin as he's forced to do the one thing he never thought capable: run. Azule's glowing eyes and hair that carry a suffocating aura of blood lust are thirsting after him like a homing missile as he desperately tries to create some space to launch a counterattack. A lasting scramble by the captain of Beacon Hills, he's forced to dodge the succession of attacks released by Azule as he fired his tenta missiles and attempted to cut off his speed by rolling close enough to launch the burst bombs. Never before did Gin think that there was someone else within the country capable of giving him this level of anxiety, his thoughts racing as the idea of Royale bloodline being his Achilles heel at the forefront as he does a quick turn around to face Azule. No more running, bring the fight to the attacker and reverse the momentum! If he can stop Azule here, he'll have just barely any time to super jump and save his team. But as Gin met Azule's piercing gaze, he felt as if his life was in peril. Blue daggers as sharp as a spear radiating nothing but hatred, Gin saw death in Azule's vengeful gaze as the first year neared him. A chilling sight to behold, Gin couldn't help but have a blank mind as the question coming to mind being what it was that made Azule this way. What hell did he survive to channel such emotion? A moment that contains anguish and despair alike, Gin's head raises as a lasting image is present to him: Azule was in midair with sharp eyes lock on him. Starting from just a few meters away, Azule dashed through the ink and did a double roll while inking the nearby walls in mid roll and then climbing up to gain enough momentum for a powerful drop as if going for a splashdown.

So you're serious about my throne, huh? He thought as he's forced to admire the surreal moment, meeting a distasteful end as he gets splatted to oblivion.

On the other side, the battle that was raging on also met its end as the whistle blew to signal the end of the contest with the surrounding area in anything but silver ink. A complete victory in the dying moments of the game, Squidcom seized the throne. After months of waiting for the revenge of that snowy day in December, finally it was over as closure arrived. From their struggles in local turf wars to improving their ranks to the harsh training sessions they underwent in their spare time, to the trials of the Ranks Wars overcoming wave after wave of opponents after their backs, to the Spring where their toughest battles are still to come, Squidcom have finally done the unthinkable and upset one of the best teams in the country. From 24 consecutive wins to 25, Squidcom have announced their arrival to relevance. A moment frozen in time for those who suffered the most during this journey, Sky brings her arm up to her face and covers her eyes as the weight of the moment finally captures her, holding her head up as her lips quiver, biting down and trying her hardest to hold back as her clenched fist represent the anguish she'd endured; that last play-that final war cry-that leap of faith her brother took, was all for her. At the center where Sally had been making progress, she's on the floor, shedding those same bittersweet tears being consoled by her sisters, unable to hold back the joy she felt in watching her teammates once again deliver on their promise. Just two more games...only a couple left...and their promise would be fulfilled. The power that each victory carried her will further, an inspiration, she had no choice but to answer their call and fight her own battles to reach them. A team effort, this victory meant more than just closure for revenge, but rather, reflects the bonds of everyone and their involvement with the members of Squidcom. This is one is for them, as well.

The place is in an uproar with a standing ovation due for both sides. A game for the ages, no supporter could complain about what was witnessed as both teams played their hearts out until the bitter end. A solemn nod from the sweating Beacon Hills to the exhausted Squidcom who hold out their hands for a handshake prompts even greater appraisal by the class of Inkopolis' best team, who unfortunately met their end at the hands of the hungrier Squidcom. Silvia praised Violet, Platinum gave respect to Reice, and Alumia and Jory already seemed like friends halfway into the game. Gin and Azule exchange powerful glares at one another, the scowling silver inkling unable to say anything as he tightened his grip on Azule's hand; Azule didn't bother trying to equal the power since he might crush his hand. Silvia nudges Gin with a pout knowing how prideful he could be, expressing her thanks to Azule in his stead, to which Azule gave a radiant response.

"It was an unforgettable experience. I look forward to hopefully playing you again at Nationals!" He said pumping his chest; Gin could only close his eyes and shake his head with a tiny smile.

Gin looks to Squidcom and then to their captain, "I'll reclaim my throne, so do your damn hardest to keep it warm for me until then." he said with a smirk, appreciating the chance to play a fun game for once.

"Let's meet again!" Beacon Hills expressed, showing thanks to their fans afterwards for coming this far to support them.

It was a disappointing result for Beacon Hills that couldn't be helped, Beacon Hills' supporters knew as much that their team played their all but it just didn't go in their favor this time. Instead of having a foul attitude after such a loss, they showed their respect to the celebratory side and wished them all the luck for the upcoming rounds, recalling a time when their school was once in that position. While the journey for Beacon Hills ends here, by no means would this defeat deal a heavy blow in the grand scheme of things, as they very much still one of the best in the country and on the continent. A close to the first game of the quarterfinals, the other powers react in their own way to the exit for one of their own and the emergence of yet another team capable of rolling with them. In the Fang's corner, Janice is fired up after seeing such a game, wanting to share a game of the same intensity when she faces Special Forces. Kippy and the Inkstinct are impressed by Squidcom's victory but for every aside from Kippy, they're stunned to see their target they predicted to face in the final got eliminated so early and by a team not even ranked on the leaderboard of the 128. Kippy was elated, hopping in place shouting at the top of her lungs that they needed to get to the finals under any circumstance and that Squidcom would be there waiting for them. Finally, she he dream match against Squidcom was almost within reach. However, in the corner of Special Forces, the air is different as Jin wore a mask of disgust instead as the result of his brother's defeat leave a bitter taste in his mouth to the point he didn't even want to communicate with his teammates before their big battle with the Fangs. As both teams are making their exit, the country reacts. Squidcom's popularity blossomed as they quickly became the most talked about subject on social media. For the afro octoling who was watching earlier, he couldn't contain his satisfaction as he once again got to see firsthand why this team was magical, and why their destiny to make Nationals this year would be an inevitable outcome. Satisfied with just that match alone, he makes his exit as the next game is called...

"Th-this isn't over yet!" Janice shouted defiantly, as she wipes the sweat off her forehead and arms, her body struggling to inhale as she's on the brink of fainting from exhaustion.

A series that tested the limits of the Fangs, they found themselves with their backs to the wall after having dropped their second straight game and were facing a potential sweep at the hands of the Special Forces, who looked unstoppable in the first two games. Though Squidcom of Squid Academy shocked the entire nation earlier in the day, by no means was the day concluded as the following match between the Fangs and Special Forces kept up just as much of an appeal as the showdown saw the fiery Janice of the Fangs battle against Jin of Special Forces. The second game was the closest the Fangs got to having a taste of victory after pushing Special Forces to the brink of defeat in overtime. In game 1 of splat zones, Special Forces threw the first punch and hit the ground running by taking possession and never looking back-thwarting off the Fangs' several attempts to capture the zones and shut them down in a knockout victory; though a knockout, the Fangs made it entertaining by playing Special Forces as hard as possible. In the second game is where the identity of the Fangs were revealed as they brought the fight to Special Forces and took the tower first. However, that wasn't enough to faze the Special Forces who continued to engage them in battle and prompted several changes of possession and the lead as well. As time reached expiration is when the critical moment approached. With only a few seconds remaining in the match, the Special Forces made their pivotal attack on the tower riding Fangs by swarming Janice-eliminating her swiftly and subsequently exposing the team to a powerful combination of specials between the Bubble Blower and Ink Storm. At the time, the Fangs were leading and riding to a potential knockout after amounting an impressive run, but from here onward in the dying seconds, the golden team fired back a surprise comeback in overtime to win it just a point over the Fangs. After a couple games, the moods between the two teams were polar opposites. On the side of the Fangs, there is desperation and fear masked behind the stubborn grin of Janice who knows her number might be up after enduring a battle against the Squidops, while on the side of Special Forces, they could feel their semifinal appearance secured just from a couple games. Like an open book, the Fangs were readable to the many teams scouting and observing the battle, highlighting the innumerable flaws of both sides but citing the errors of Janice. Even though she earned the praise of those watching, her teammates weren't so lucky as many critical players observing considered them to be the ones responsible for their losing position. To sum it up clearly…

"She's too good for that team of hers. She'll never beat a team like Special Forces with a squad like that. Hopefully at Nationals she offers more than what is seen here." Shiore comments as she takes her gaze off of the tv, brushing past her sister.

Shiori crosses her arms, "Pretty harsh. I like that Janice girl since she's like one of those old delinquents they portray in those eastern cartoons and comics. I wonder if she's sort of like a cool pirate. Like, scary looking but really a good natured person (for the most part)."

"The parentheses weren't needed for that aside and it doesn't matter what her personality is. With just a glance i can already tell she's gotten the short end of the stick. Most likely the team we see here are the strongest units they could assemble. At nationals, they'll need plenty more, and that's not enough considering who they'll be facing."

"Hmm. You should really stop doing that."

"I'm only speaking the truth."

"And yet you have such a soft spot for the Royales, hm? They don't seem all so impressive either, and yet you focus on them more than the Big Four of Inkopolis."

Shiore didn't even bother giving a sigh as a response, instead ignoring her sister and going about ehr business. Though her words were harsh, she spoke the truth. Shiore knew from experience that it'd take more than a core four to make a difference on grand stages of competition. All she hoped for was that Janice would take the experiences of the spring and effectively utilize it for a strong run in the summer. Much like she predicted, after just a trio of games played the series was decided as the Special Forces swept the Fangs. An entertaining series despite being one sided on the results, both teams show their respect after the game. Janice-uncharacteristically had few words to say, instead leading with a nod and thanking her supporters for sticking by their side. Even if their journey in the spring came to an abrupt end, their campaign was far from over-that much she assured them. With that, Special Forces will face Squidcom in the semis while the Inkstinct also advance to the semis.

That night, what should've been a night for celebration for the team who shocked the country instead turned in early as the main members were beyond exhaustion from the battle. Their next task for the new day will be to face the Special Forces, formerly the best team in Inkopolis and still highly regarded by a few as the true kings of Inkopolis, especially now that Gin and Beacon Hills were gone. A dream ending to the day and hopefully the first of many victories, Squidcom defeated Beacon Hills by a score 3-2.