MTLNOVEL Chapter 22: The Final Fourteen
The air inside the waiting room was thick with tension. Fourteen players sat in silence, each one aware of the stakes ahead. Every match, every battle had brought them here — the final stage.
Eizen's voice crackled through the speakers.
"Congratulations. You've survived the second stage. But survival isn't enough. Only one of you will become the world's greatest striker."
The screen above flickered — and names began to disappear.
Kaito Sora — Eliminated
Akira Hoshino — Eliminated
Jin Arata — Eliminated
One by one, the fallen were erased. The room grew quieter with every name.
When the list stopped, only fourteen names remained.
Renji Kurogami.
Riku Takane.
Kaede Aizawa
.Reo Hisame
.…and ten others — each a powerhouse in their own right.
Eizen's voice returned. "Welcome to the Final Stage. From this point on, every match will push you beyond your limits. Prepare yourselves — because only the strongest will remain standing."
The screen shifted — and a single message appeared.
Final Stage Selection Begins Now.
The door ahead slid open. Beyond it… was the unknown.
Renji stood first. Without a word, he walked forward — and the others followed.
The real fight was about to begin.