MTLNOVEL Chapter 17: The Gate to Evolution
The team's rest day ended in the most unexpected way possible.
The loudspeakers crackled to life across the entire facility, cutting through the lazy afternoon.
"All players, report to the central arena immediately. The next stage begins now."
Renji was already on his feet. "Looks like break time's over."
Kaede groaned. "We didn't even get 24 hours! I swear they want me dead."
"Maybe they're just weeding out the weak," Reo teased.
Kaede glared. "I will end you."
The team moved quickly, following the steady stream of players toward the massive central arena. When they entered, the sight stole their breath.
The arena had been transformed. The field was gone, replaced by a sprawling structure of metal and glass — a maze of towering walls and open spaces. Massive screens hung above, flickering with unreadable data.
But the real shock came when Eizen, the program's mysterious overseer, appeared on the balcony above them. His cold, unreadable gaze swept the crowd.
"Congratulations," Eizen began, his voice carrying effortlessly. "You've survived the first stage. But survival means nothing without evolution. And evolution… requires pressure."
The screens behind him flashed — and names began appearing.
"Welcome to the Apex Stage."
The arena erupted into whispers.
Renji's heart pounded. This was it. The next step.
Eizen continued, ignoring the noise. "In this stage, you will face not just opponents — but your limits. Your comfort. Your fear. You will be broken and rebuilt, or you will fall behind."
The screens shifted again, showing pairs of names.
"You will fight in Duel Battles. One-on-one. The winner moves forward. The loser… may never recover."
Kaede's face lit up. "Now this is what I'm talking about!"
Reo wasn't so thrilled. "One-on-one? That's—"
"—exactly what we need," Renji interrupted, eyes locked on the screen. He found his own name. And next to it…
Renji vs. Kaito Sora.
The room seemed to freeze around him.
Kaede whistled. "Man, you don't get any breaks, huh?"
Renji smiled. But it wasn't fear that filled him. It was excitement.
Let the next stage begin.