June 23, 2014 – Barclays Center Executive Suite
Michael stepped into the luxury suite and immediately felt the shift.
It was quiet. Too quiet.
A leather couch faced the skyline. Two men stood by the glass.
David Griffin. And LeBron James.
LeBron turned first. Smiled. Extended a hand.
"Michael."
Michael shook it. Firm. Measured.
"LeBron."
David Griffin gestured to the couch.
"Let's talk."
They all sat.
LeBron leaned forward first. "Let me be straight. I didn't ask Cleveland to draft you."
Michael raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't ask you to clear the lane either."
LeBron grinned. "You got edge. Good."
Griffin stepped in. "We believe this can work. LeBron leads now. You take the torch next."
Michael didn't blink. "I'm not here for 'next.'"
The air tightened. LeBron finally leaned back.
"Then earn it. Because I'm not stepping aside unless someone makes me."
Michael smiled. Slow. Controlled.
"Then you better not blink."
[System Notification: High-Level Rivalry Flagged – Legacy Fork Unlocked][Fork Paths: 1) Shared Dynasty – Co-Leadership, 2) Solo Ascension – Supplant the King]
[Choice is not immediate. Your actions will determine the future.]
Michael closed the system screen. He already knew his answer.
July 3, 2014 – Summer League Camp – Cleveland Facility
First official workout.
Media everywhere. Pressure dialed to max.
Michael showed up an hour early. Beat reporters barely had time to set up before he was hitting fadeaways and working out footwork drills with surgical precision.
Other rookies tried to keep up. They couldn't.
Scrimmage time.
Michael got the inbound. One dribble, stepback three. Splash.
Next play, he stripped a second-year guard and windmilled on the break.
By the third possession, the crowd stopped whispering.
They were watching the #1 pick own the floor.
[System Notification: Professional Breakout Performance][Template Progress: 78.44% → 79.16%][Trait Progress: Killer Instinct II → III (In Progress)]
Post-practice, assistant coach Mike Longabardi pulled him aside.
"You're not scared of the stage."
Michael wiped sweat from his chin.
"Was born on it."
Longabardi grinned.
"Keep this up, and Cleveland won't know who their real franchise guy is."
Michael turned toward the exit. Voice low.
"They'll know by Christmas."