Striker Genesis: E.O.S (Evolution of Strikers)

Chapter 1: The Invitation

Renji Arata's heart pounded against his chest as he stood before the massive iron gates of the E.O.S. training facility. The air was thick with tension and anticipation — around him stood hundreds of other young strikers, each with the same determined fire in their eyes.

The facility itself was a fortress — towering walls of cold steel, cameras perched on every corner, and the faint sound of machinery humming from within. This wasn't a school. This was a battlefield.

A sudden hiss of hydraulics broke the silence, and the gates began to open. A wave of nervous energy rippled through the crowd.

"Step forward," a voice commanded from unseen speakers.

Renji took a deep breath and followed the crowd inside. They entered a vast, dome-like chamber — sterile, white, and featureless. Then, without warning, the lights dimmed.

A single screen flickered to life.

Shunji Kaizen's face appeared — his cold, piercing gaze seemed to lock onto every single one of them.

"Welcome to E.O.S.," Kaizen began. "You are here because you dream of greatness. But let me be clear — dreams mean nothing here. Only those with the strength, skill, and hunger to dominate will survive this program."

As his words settled, the floor beneath them suddenly shifted.

The room was splitting apart.

Before anyone could react, the ground tilted violently — sending Renji and the others sliding into separate corridors. Renji hit the ground hard, scrambling to his feet as alarms blared around him.

"Trial One begins now," Kaizen's voice echoed. "Survive… or be eliminated."

The corridor ahead stretched into darkness. Renji ran.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows — a player with a wild grin and eyes gleaming with madness. Without a word, he charged at Renji.

Instinct kicked in. Renji dodged, barely avoiding the outstretched foot aimed at his knees. It wasn't just a game — this was war.

He had no choice. If he wanted to survive, he'd have to fight back.

And win.