MTLNOVEL Chapter 5: Chapter 4: The First Elimination Match
The massive doors of the EOS training facility opened. A bright floodlight shone on the players, casting long shadows. The air was thick with tension.
Renji Arata stood at the entrance, heart pounding. This was it. His first real test.
A booming voice echoed from the stadium speakers."Welcome, challengers! The first elimination match begins now."
A massive digital screen lit up, displaying 100 players.
"Only 50 will remain after this match. The rest… are out."
A wave of murmurs spread through the players. Some clenched their fists. Others swallowed hard.
Renji looked around. Everyone here was strong. Faster. Sharper. He could feel the pressure pushing down on him.
But pressure creates diamonds.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and whispered to himself."This is my chance. I won't waste it."
The Rules
The screen flashed again, revealing the rules.
5 vs 5 matches.Win, and you stay. Lose, and you're eliminated.Only the top 50 players move forward.
No second chances.
A deep voice spoke again. "Pick your teams. You have 5 minutes."
The stadium turned chaotic. Players ran, shouting for teammates. Stronger players formed groups fast. The weak were left scrambling.
Renji scanned the field. He needed a team. Fast.
Then, a hand grabbed his shoulder.
"Arata, join us."
It was Kaede Sora, a midfielder with insane ball control. Beside him stood Riku Tanaka, a tall striker with a deadly shot.
Renji nodded. "Let's win this."
Two more players joined them—Hiro and Kenta, both defenders. Their team was set.
Time's up.
The screen showed the matchups.
Renji's team was up against a team led by Shinji Roku—a brutal forward known for crushing defenders.
"Let's destroy them," Shinji smirked, cracking his knuckles.
Renji felt a fire ignite inside him. No fear. Only focus.
Kickoff: The Battle Begins
The whistle blew. The match started.
Kaede took possession, dribbling past two players. He passed to Renji.
Shinji rushed toward him. Fast. Aggressive.
Renji took a step forward, feinted right, and spun left. He broke past Shinji, sprinting toward the goal.
The crowd roared.
A defender charged at him. Renji saw Riku running upfield. Perfect timing.
Renji chipped the ball over the defender's head. Riku caught it mid-air and slammed it into the goal.
1-0.
Their team cheered. But Shinji just smiled.
"Not bad. Now, it's my turn."
The Predator Strikes
Shinji's team restarted. The ball went straight to him.
He charged forward, muscles tensed like a wild beast.
Kenta blocked his way, but Shinji didn't stop. He spun, cut inside, and blasted the ball toward the net.
It was a bullet.
Hiro jumped to stop it—but the ball was too fast.
GOAL. 1-1.
Renji clenched his jaw. Shinji is strong. But I won't back down.
The Last Five Minutes
The clock was ticking.
Both teams fought like warriors. Tackles, sprints, passes—it was chaos.
2-2.
3-3.
Final minute.
Renji's legs burned. His lungs screamed for air. But he couldn't stop.
Kaede stole the ball and sent it toward Renji.
This was it. The final play.
Shinji came charging at him. A monster hungry for victory.
Renji had to think fast. If I pass, they'll block it. If I shoot now, it's too far.
Then... an idea hit him.
He slowed down. Just a little.
Shinji lunged, expecting a fast sprint. But Renji stopped instantly—just for a split second.
Shinji stumbled forward.
That was all Renji needed.
He cut past him, eyes locked on the goal.
The goalkeeper rushed forward, but Renji stayed calm.
With one final breath, he flicked the ball up…
And bicycle-kicked it into the net.
GOAL! 4-3.
The whistle blew.
Game over.
Renji fell to his knees. His body was exhausted, but his heart was on fire.
They won.
He survived.
Shinji stared at Renji, then smirked. "You're good. But this was just the beginning."
Renji stood up, wiping sweat from his forehead. He looked at the screen.
50 names remained. His name was one of them.
He clenched his fist.
"I will become the best."
The real battle had only just begun.