MTLNOVEL Chapter 36: Clash of Instincts
The field was a battlefield of pure tension. The silence stretched between them like a wire ready to snap. Every movement, every breath felt heavy — because everyone knew the next goal could decide everything.
Renji wiped the sweat from his face, his mind racing. He glanced at Kaede and Riku — both were exhausted, but their eyes still burned with determination. Across from them, Sora, Yamada, and Kaito stood ready, their own hunger unmistakable.
The whistle blew.
Sora started with the ball, his control as precise as ever. He kept it close, his body relaxed, his eyes scanning the field like a predator.
Renji moved in first. He closed the gap fast, but Sora didn't flinch. At the last second, Sora flicked the ball sideways — a quick one-touch pass to Kaito.
Kaito burst forward like a bullet.
Kaede moved to intercept, but Kaito's movements were unpredictable. He used a La Croqueta, swiftly shifting the ball from one foot to the other, slipping past Kaede's challenge with ease.
"Too slow!" Kaito laughed, sprinting into open space.
Renji gritted his teeth and fell back to cover. Sora and Yamada were pushing forward as well, creating a dangerous three-man attack.
"Riku! Stay sharp!" Renji called out.
But the attack came faster than they expected. Kaito launched a powerful cross from the right wing — and Yamada was already in the air.
Renji's eyes widened.
"A header…!"
Yamada's towering form rose above them all. He met the ball with incredible force — and Riku reacted in an instant.
The goalkeeper lunged, his fingers brushing the ball just enough to deflect it.
The ball rebounded — and fell right at Sora's feet.
Without hesitation, Sora struck. A low, precise shot — aimed for the bottom corner.
But Renji was already diving in.
His body hit the ground hard, but his foot connected with the ball just in time, sending it rolling away from danger.
"Counter!" Renji shouted.
Kaede didn't wait. He picked up the loose ball and took off. His speed was incredible — but Sora was already on him.
Kaede pushed forward, but Sora matched him step for step. Their battle became a blur of fast touches and sharp turns.
And then Kaede saw it — a tiny opening.
He nutmegged Sora with perfect precision and broke free.
"Renji!" Kaede called.
Renji was already in position. Kaede sent a low pass, and Renji controlled it smoothly. Yamada was coming at him fast, but Renji didn't panic.
He feinted left — and cut right in one sharp motion. Yamada stumbled just slightly, and that was all Renji needed.
The goal was within reach.
But Kaito was closing in from the side.
Renji had seconds.
He planted his foot and shot — but instead of power, he aimed for finesse. A curled shot, arcing toward the far post.
The ball spun beautifully — but Sora was already diving.
Fingertips brushed the ball.
The sound of the deflection echoed through the empty field.
The ball hit the post — and bounced back into play.
Renji's heart sank — but Kaede was already there.
Kaede struck without hesitation — and this time, there was no stopping it.
4-2.
The silence was broken by the sound of heavy breathing and the thud of footsteps as both teams reset.
But the match wasn't over.
And Renji knew their toughest challenge was still coming.