Striker Genesis: E.O.S (Evolution of Strikers)

The celebration didn't last long.

The moment Renji Arata and his team stepped off the field, they were met with silence. No cheers. No applause. Just the cold, watchful eyes of the organizers.

A man stood at the center of the hallway — tall, built like a statue, his face hidden behind a sleek black mask. His presence alone sent a wave of tension through the air.

"Congratulations," the man said, his voice smooth and unreadable. "But this was only the first stage."

Renji's fists clenched. "What do you mean? We won the final round."

The man chuckled. "Final? You misunderstand. The real battle… begins now."

The ground beneath them shifted. The wall behind the masked man split open, revealing a dark tunnel. The air grew colder.

"Welcome to the next phase of Striker Genesis."

They followed the masked man into the tunnel. The further they went, the heavier the air felt. A strange pressure settled on Renji's shoulders — not fear, but something darker. Anticipation.

When they emerged, they stood in a massive underground arena. The field stretched out endlessly, surrounded by towering steel walls. High above, screens flickered with unfamiliar faces.

But one thing stood out: the sheer number of players. Hundreds of them, each one radiating intensity.

Reo whistled. "Looks like we're not done after all."

Renji's eyes narrowed. "Good. I want more."

The screens lit up. The same cold voice echoed through the arena.

"Stage Two: The Clash of Shadows."

The rules flashed across the screen.

100 players. Divided into 10 teams.Every team fights for survival.Eliminate or be eliminated. Only the top 3 teams will advance.

Renji felt his blood stir. This wasn't just football anymore — this was war.

Their team's first opponent was announced: Team Fenrir.

As they took their positions, Renji's eyes locked onto their captain — Kaito Renzou. A towering beast of a player with a reputation for crushing his opponents, both physically and mentally.

The whistle blew.

Kaito's team attacked like wolves. They didn't just play rough — they played dirty. Elbows, shoves, brutal tackles. The referee didn't intervene.

Renji took a hard hit to the ribs, but he got back up. Reo was slammed into the ground, but he kept moving.

"They want a fight?" Renji growled. "We'll give them one."

Kaede intercepted a pass and sent it flying downfield. Renji chased it, but Kaito was already there. The two collided — a brutal clash of speed and strength.

Kaito smirked. "You're not fast enough."

Renji grinned through the pain. "I don't need to be fast. I just need the ball."

He twisted, using Kaito's own momentum against him. The ball broke free — and Renji was gone.

He cut through the defense like a knife, eyes locked on the goal.

The keeper rushed out. Renji didn't hesitate. A quick feint — and the keeper went the wrong way.

Renji struck.

1-0.

But Team Fenrir didn't back down. They came harder, faster.

Kaito stormed through their defense like a wrecking ball. His shot was a cannon blast — unstoppable.

1-1.

Kaede took the next hit, barely able to stand. Riku's ankle twisted on a dirty tackle.

But they didn't stop fighting.

With minutes left, the score remained tied. Renji's body screamed with exhaustion, but his mind stayed sharp.

Kaito charged again, his eyes burning with rage. Renji met him head-on.

The impact was brutal. Both players went down.

But Renji didn't let go of the ball.

He forced himself up, vision swimming. Kaito was on him again, but this time, Renji was ready.

He dodged. Spun. The goal was in sight.

He fired.

The ball rocketed into the net.

2-1.

The whistle blew. Victory.

Kaito stalked up to Renji, his face twisted with fury.

"This isn't over."

Renji's eyes burned. "It never is."

As Team Fenrir walked off the field, Renji looked at his team. They were battered, bruised — but still standing.

And this was only the beginning.