(How is he here? Wasn't he on Rin's side just now?)
(Wait—when Rin used Loki's bicycle kick, I didn't see Luna anywhere.)
(That's it! Luna must've seen through our movement—he predicted Rin would take the rebound!)
(Then Adam blocked it, and Luna moved in advance to where the ball would land—right in front of me!)
(Damn it, there's still a chance! Even if he stops it, as long as I can block his pass...)
Ryūma Banjō quickly pushed himself off the ground, just as Leonardo Luna's voice rang out again.
"Go for it, boy!"
Before Ryūma could react, Luna swung his foot and sent the ball sharply to his left.
The next second, a figure burst forward to receive it at incredible speed.
(Loki!?)
Seeing this, Ryūma instinctively turned and shouted,
"Quick! Stop him, no matter what!!"
"Hold him off until I'm back!!"
Even as the words left his mouth, Julian Loki had already exploded forward, charging straight toward the Red Team's goal.
Without needing instructions, Yoichi Isagi and Seishiro Nagi rushed to intercept him.
"Nagi, stay close behind me—don't drift too far!"
"Got it."
As they sprinted toward Loki, they worked out a quick interception plan.
They knew the two of them alone couldn't stop Julian Loki—only Ryūma Banjō could barely hold him off. Their only option was to stall him, to buy Ryūma the time he needed to return.
Unfortunately, Loki read their movements at a glance.
He didn't bother with fancy dribbles—just pure speed and sharp direction changes tore right through them.
"Damn it! My brain's reacting, but my body can't keep up!"
"Nagi!!!"
Yoichi shouted as Loki blew past him. But when he turned toward Nagi, his face darkened further.
Because the Loki who'd just slipped by him had already passed Nagi in the next instant.
"Ah, seriously can't stop him. He's way too fast!"
Nagi muttered helplessly—but before he could blink, a gust of wind roared past his ear.
In his vision, a figure wreathed in violet flames appeared out of nowhere.
"Ryūma!?"
Yes—Ryūma Banjō was charging at full speed, teeth clenched, eyes glowing deep purple, his entire body blazing like lightning as he chased after Loki.
Nagi sprinted after them too, watching Ryūma's back and thinking,
(Ryūma, don't lose!!)
Ryūma fixed his gaze on Loki's back, feeling the distance between them shrink with every stride.
(I can reach him!)
(Just a bit more—once I get close, he won't shake me off!!)
But Loki glanced back over his shoulder, a faint smile on his lips.
"You're really good. I hope we get to face each other again someday."
The words had barely left his mouth before Loki exploded with another burst of speed, instantly widening the gap.
"Wha—what!?"
Ryūma's stunned cry was swallowed by the echoing sound of impact as Julian Loki unleashed a powerful shot—slamming the ball straight into the Red Team's net.
GOAL!! Red Team 2 : 4 White Team
"Hey~ Loki~"
"You've scored two goals already! I want one too!"
Pablo Cavasoz pouted playfully, complaining at Loki.
Loki smiled helplessly. "Can't help it. Luna passed it to me."
Leonardo Luna walked over with a light grin. "Alright, alright. Let's wrap this match up."
On the Red Team's side, Ryūma hung his head, panting heavily as he muttered,
"Damn it..."
Seishiro Nagi and Yoichi Isagi came up beside him.
"You almost had it, Ryūma... but they're really strong."
"Yeah... this is the gap between us and the world's very best!!"
Jyubei Aryu pushed back his bangs and added,
"You were already looking cool out there. Now let me take on that tank."
Listening to them, Ryūma slowly lifted his head.
"Hah... for some reason, my blood's on fire!!"
His violet eyes burned fiercely as he looked toward the White Team laughing together across the field.
Since Ryūma had started playing soccer, this was the first time he'd been completely and utterly crushed.
Simply put—it was the difference in true strength.
"Nagi, Yoichi, Jyubei—this is the last play. Believe in me one more time."
"No, believe in Rin and me one more time. This time, we'll break through their goal!"
Rin Itoshi, ball in hand, walked toward the center circle.
"Enough talking. Let's go!"
"Yeah!!"
Red Team possession. Rin Itoshi takes the kickoff!!
After the whistle, Rin drove the ball forward alone, facing Leonardo Luna head-on.
But Rin had no intention of clashing with him. Just before contact, he decisively passed the ball to his left—
where Yoichi Isagi was already in position, ready to link up.
(Don't panic! Last time, I rushed and sent it too high, messing up Nagi's control.)
(This time, it has to be perfect. I can't waste our momentum here!)
But time wasn't on his side—Julian Loki was already closing in fast.
Yoichi glanced toward Nagi on the right, his mind racing.
(Not too strong. Height around two meters. Just a gentle—)
He suddenly froze, pupils narrowing. His mind sharpened to crystal clarity.
(I shouldn't pass there—this way!!)
He abruptly changed his motion mid-pass, flicking his right heel instead.
The ball shot toward his left rear—
where Jyubei Aryu was locked in a battle for position with Dada Silva.
For a split second, Jyubei froze. He hadn't expected Yoichi to pass to him, someone barely able to move freely.
But then their eyes met. In an instant, Jyubei understood.
"So that's it? Then let's do this, Yoichi!"
Without hesitation, Jyubei returned the pass perfectly in one motion.
The ball rolled toward Yoichi's path—just as Julian Loki darted in to intercept.
...
(35 Chapters Ahead)
p@treon com / GhostParser