MTLNOVEL Chapter 7: Chapter 6: The Trial of Kings
The stadium lights dimmed. The giant screen flickered, and a new message appeared.
"Congratulations to the final 3 teams. But the next battle will be different."
Renji Arata's heart raced. The air felt heavier. The crowd's excitement turned into a strange, tense silence.
"The next round is called: The Trial of Kings."
The players exchanged confused glances. Then the rules appeared.
Each team must choose one King.The King controls the team's strategy and calls the shots.The King must score at least one goal in the match. If not, the entire team is eliminated.
Renji's eyes widened. The pressure just multiplied. Being King meant everything rested on your shoulders.
"Only one team will survive this round."
The message hit like a thunderbolt. Two teams would be wiped out. Only the strongest would remain.
Back in the locker room, their team sat in silence. The weight of the decision loomed over them.
Riku broke the silence. "Renji should be King."
Renji's head snapped up. "What?"
Kaede nodded. "You scored the winning goal twice. You have the hunger and the skill."
Reo crossed his arms, smirking. "I don't like following orders… but I hate losing more. You're the best choice."
Renji felt the pressure building. But he also felt something else — excitement.
He stood up. "Fine. I'll be King. And I'll lead us to victory."
The screen showed their matchup.
Renji's team vs. Team Kurogami.
The name sent chills down his spine. Their King was Jin Kurogami — a cold, ruthless forward known as the "Black Reaper". He'd scored 8 goals in his last match.
Kaede whistled. "We're in for a fight."
Renji's fists clenched. "Good. Let's see who the real King is."
The match began. Kurogami's team attacked immediately. Their speed and coordination were terrifying.
Kaede intercepted a pass and sent it to Renji.
Renji surged forward — but two defenders closed in. He passed to Reo.
Reo danced past one defender, then another. He fired a shot — but the goalkeeper blocked it.
The crowd groaned.
Kurogami's team countered. Jin moved like a shadow, slipping past their defense. He received a perfect pass and shot — a bullet strike straight into the net.
0-1.
Renji gritted his teeth. "We won't lose. Not like this."
Their team pushed harder. Kaede passed to Riku, who sent a cross into the box. Renji jumped, heading the ball toward the goal — but it hit the post.
Frustration built. But Renji refused to give up.
He sprinted back on defense, stealing the ball from Jin. Their eyes met — and for a second, the world slowed.
"You think you're the King?" Jin's voice was cold.
Renji smiled. "I don't think. I know."
He spun away, launching a counterattack.
Kaede sent a long pass forward. Renji sprinted, the ball bouncing perfectly ahead of him.
A defender lunged — but Renji didn't slow down. He nutmegged the ball through the defender's legs and kept running.
The goal was in sight. The keeper rushed forward.
Renji stayed calm. One touch. One shot.
The ball sailed into the top corner.
1-1.
The crowd exploded. Renji's team roared in celebration.
But Jin Kurogami just smiled. "Now it gets interesting."
Time was running out. Both teams fought like beasts. Every tackle, every pass, every shot was desperate.
With five minutes left, Jin struck again. A lightning-fast dribble, a sudden cut inside — and a powerful strike.
1-2.
Renji's heart pounded. They were running out of time.
Kaede passed the ball to Reo. Reo weaved through defenders, sending a perfect cross into the box.
Renji was there. But so was Jin.
Their eyes met again.
Both jumped, both reached for the ball — but Renji wanted it more.
He headed the ball down, smashing it into the net.
2-2.
The final minute. Jin attacked again, his team pushing with everything they had.
But Hiro tackled him at the last second, stealing the ball.
He passed to Kaede. Kaede to Reo. Reo to Renji.
The goal was wide open.
Jin rushed back, but he was too late.
Renji shot.
The ball flew, cutting through the air like a missile.
GOAL. 3-2.
The whistle blew.
Renji fell to his knees, exhausted. They had won.
Jin walked up to Renji, eyes cold. "You're strong. But this isn't over."
Renji stood up, smiling. "I hope not. I'm just getting started."
The screen flashed. Only 1 team remained.
They were going to the final round.
Renji looked at his teammates. "Let's finish this. Let's become the best."