MTLNOVEL Chapter 31: Clash of Egos
The stadium was electric. Cheers and shouts echoed across the field as the two teams stepped forward. But something was different this time — the field wasn't full.
Only six players stood on the pitch.
Renji's eyes narrowed. "A three-on-three match?"
The stadium screen lit up, and the mechanical voice made the announcement.
"For the final match of Phase One, the format will be 3v3. Victory conditions: Most goals scored. Individual rankings will heavily determine eliminations after this match."
Kaede cracked his knuckles, grinning. "Heh. Less people. More room to dominate."
Riku, standing calmly at Renji's side, adjusted his gloves. "Don't get careless. With fewer players, mistakes become more costly."
Renji's gaze locked onto their opponents — and his heart began to race.
Team Yamada:
Yamada Kensuke — A powerhouse forward with a brutal shot and insane physicality.Sora Itsuki — A tactical genius and master passer, known for his vision and control.Kaito Shiba — A wildcard winger with unpredictable dribbling and speed.
"They've got no weak links," Riku observed. "We're going to need perfect coordination."
Renji nodded. "Then let's make this our battlefield."
Team Kurogami:
Renji Kurogami — The relentless striker with unmatched willpower and evolving technique.Kaede Arata — The powerhouse forward known for his strength and risky, explosive shots.Riku Saionji — The strategist and playmaker, with vision sharper than anyone else's.
The whistle blew.
And the fight began.
Sora Itsuki took control immediately, his footwork smooth and effortless. Kaede charged in — but Sora flicked the ball past him without even looking.
"Too slow," Sora said coolly.
Renji moved in fast, but Sora passed.
Kaito Shiba caught the ball and vanished. His speed was ridiculous — his dribbling wild and unpredictable. Renji chased, but Kaito spun and slipped past him.
"Damn it!" Renji hissed.
Yamada Kensuke was waiting. Kaito passed — and Yamada struck.
BOOM!
The shot was a cannon.
Riku barely managed to deflect it — but it still smashed into the post.
Renji didn't wait. He sprinted for the ball and broke into a counterattack.
"Kaede!" he called.
Kaede was ready. Renji's pass flew — and Kaede fired.
CRACK!
The goalkeeper never saw it coming.
1-0.
The stadium erupted.
But the match was far from over.
Sora smirked. "Not bad. Let's see how long you last."
The game had just begun — and it was already a war.
O