Chapter 67 Football 67 The Answer to Victory
"This is the Blue Prison, a place for pursuing self-realization."
Before he could finish speaking, Suoh Hyo-hee suddenly leaped up, his muscular legs rising high like springs ready to be released, directly blocking the virtual player's face with swift and decisive movements.
Suoh Hyo-hee's deep green eyes burned with fierce fighting spirit, his sword-like eyebrows were slightly raised, his tightly pursed lips revealed a resolute determination, and a few strands of hair on his forehead were soaked with sweat.
He mimicked Amanominaka's movements and received the 'pass' from Amanominaka.
Suoh Koki's focused expression made it seem as if everything around him had ceased to exist. The puzzle of Amano Minakata in his mind had long been completely pieced together, and now it was waiting for him to use it to its fullest potential.
These movements were so familiar to him that he didn't need to "synchronize" them at all; he could perfectly reproduce every single movement of Amano Minakata.
Height, weight, flexibility, agility, muscle mass... these are the unique talents bestowed upon him by God, enough to make him stand out from the crowd.
Tick-tock, tick-tock.
Time keeps turning.
The match, which lasted half an hour, now has only ten minutes left.
Suoh Hyo-ki's body spun in the air, his entire body moving with his head down and feet up, as if he had transformed into an arrow released from a bow.
He wants to win!
It's not just about wanting Tenno Minaka to stay on the court, nor is it just about fulfilling the promise to 'become the world's best'.
And the initial wish—
Light.
The clear, bright gemstone refracts light to create new brilliance.
Whether it's the sun, the moon, the stars, or lamplight, their illumination allows the world to perceive the uniqueness of gemstones.
But not all gems shine, and not everyone has the discerning eye to recognize their value.
How can one prove their uniqueness to the world amidst a patch of dark mud?
Go and strike, go and crash.
A crisp sound indicates a gemstone, while a dull sound indicates a brick or stone.
Hardness is superior, while fragility is inferior.
"Bang--"
A crisp sound broke the brief silence on the field, accompanied by the powerful thud of a foot striking the football.
The gemstone was polished to a dazzling shine.
The moment his toes touched the soccer ball, Suoh Hyoki's eyes turned black, leaving only his green pupils glowing eerily as he stared intently at the goal.
The football, like a cannonball, hurtled towards the goal without any obstruction, drawing a perfect arc in the air.
A perfect world-class goal.
What was displayed before everyone was a precious, priceless emerald.
Off the court, Kira Ryosuke's gaze was completely drawn to the tense and exciting scene inside. His hands, which had been clasped to his chest, involuntarily and slowly lowered, his fingers trembling slightly.
His gaze followed the football like a shadow, and his feet seemed to move forward unconsciously, his whole body leaning slightly forward, as if he wanted to feel the tense atmosphere that was about to decide the outcome of the game more closely.
Kira Ryosuke's eyes gleamed with intense light, and his lips unconsciously parted slightly, as if he were completely absorbed in his work.
Of course, Kira Ryosuke wasn't the only one paying attention to this match; Eishin Shiba and Teijin Anri were also watching from outside the screen.
emperor
Anri's bright eyes were fixed on the screen, filled with amazement and admiration. She murmured to herself, "Is this the 'King' of Matsukaze Black King? It really is..."
Radiant!
At this point, a hint of disbelief was revealed in her eyes.
Sitting next to her, Eishin Shiba stared blankly at the screen, her glasses-wearing eyes fixed on it, a complex emotion revealed in her gaze behind the lenses.
At this moment, Eishin Shiba was completely immersed in his own thoughts, as if everything around him was irrelevant, leaving only the figure shining with light on the screen.
Suddenly, his glasses flashed in the light, and his expression returned to normal. His hands, however, were unconsciously clenched tightly together, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force.
It is no longer a rough stone with unlimited potential, but a well-polished gemstone, and it can even be more dazzling.
The soccer ball was powerfully kicked by Suoh Hyoki, and the instantaneous burst of power seemed to have an unstoppable momentum, drawing everyone's attention.
In an instant, all the virtual players shot towards the ball that would decide the outcome of the game, like arrows released from a bow.
Aside from Amanomichi, he stared at Suoh Koki, who was hovering in mid-air as he shot, his expression complex.
As Suoh Hyo-hee watched the soccer ball approaching the goal, a smile curved upwards at the corners of his mouth.
He too leaped to the highest point.
up,
up,
up.
Thump thump.
My heart is beating.
It seems that something has broken through.
That's passion.
Am I... also infected by that intense atmosphere?
It was as if a small pebble had been thrown into Ten no Michū's heart, causing ripples to spread and even stirring the once calm lake of his heart.
Suoh Koki wasn't the only one who felt this way.
But Tenno Minaka didn't like his current mood.
The heart was tightly coiled by a cold, venomous snake, the excruciating pain feeling as if it were being split in two, one large and one small. The smaller part was so tightly bound that it was almost detached from the main body, even to the point of necrosis.
In the final moment, it throbbed violently.
One after another.
The powerful rhythm made my whole heart tremble slightly, as if it wanted to break free from this suffocating restraint.
Anxiety and confusion were mixed with excitement and enthusiasm from the outside world, like drops of red on a white sheet of paper.
This is not pure.
You will either experience ultimate pleasure or endless sorrow.
But at this moment, Tenno Minakata felt his mood was stuck in a limbo, which made him very uncomfortable.
Amano Minaka hates being surrounded by such negative emotions.
His lips turned down, and a dark glint flashed in his golden eyes.
down,
down,
down.
Not only was my mood mired in this gloomy quagmire, but my ability to move was also seemingly drained away.
Ten no Michū's expression gradually returned to its usual indifferent state, completely concealing all his emotions.
He stood quietly in place, neither chasing after the decisive ball like the other players, nor making any attempt to stop it.
Because this shot is definitely not going to go in.
Suoh Hyo-hee's shooting form was off.
Just as Suoh Koki was familiar with Amanokinaka, Amanokinaka was just as familiar with Suoh Koki.
As Suoh Hyoki remained suspended in mid-air, his body began to fall uncontrollably from the sky, crashing heavily onto the grass like a bird with a broken wing.
Suoh Hyo-hee fell heavily onto the grass, splashing up some grass clippings.
Ten no Minaka frowned slightly as he watched this scene.
It seems that no matter how many times I reminded him, he still didn't listen to me.
Her tightly pursed lips trembled slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end it only turned into a barely audible sigh, dissipating into the noisy and tense air.
— In the end, the football failed to enter the goal.
Just as the ball was about to break through the goal defense, the blue virtual player pounced out like a blue lightning bolt, his movements agile and sharp, as if he were breaking through the wind.
"Bang--"
A deafening, thunderous sound suddenly rang out, echoing through the silent yet tense space, making one's eardrums ache.
The black and white ball, carrying immense force, slammed into the virtual player's shoulder, the impact seemingly sparking invisible flames. The ball's trajectory was then altered by the force, it veered sharply, whistling past Kira Ryosuke like a cannonball, the force of the impact sending his hair flying backward.
With a loud crash, the soccer ball slammed into the wall, leaving a deep dent in the hard surface. The surrounding air seemed to vibrate from the powerful impact.
The impact of the immense force caused Kira Ryosuke, who was standing to the side, to experience tinnitus instantly; he felt a buzzing sound in his ears.
Thankfully, the goalkeeper is a virtual player from Blue Prison; if he were a real person, his clothes probably wouldn't be able to move.
The green team gets a corner kick.
The green team's virtual player raised both hands high and threw the ball forcefully, sending a brand-new soccer ball flying towards the field. Before the ball even hit the ground, the blue team's virtual player intercepted its path, firmly controlling the ball at his feet.
A gentle breeze blew towards Tenno Minaka, flipping his hair back and obscuring his expression with its dark blue strands.
Things must be done step by step, and people must be dealt with one by one.
First, resolve the issue (this match), then resolve the person (Suoh Hyo-hee).
The soccer ball was lifted high by the blue virtual player, tumbling in the air as it flew towards the direction where Ten no Michū was.
Amano Minaka raised his head slightly, his golden eyes gleaming, clearly reflecting the image of Suoh Koki chasing after the soccer ball.
Suoh Hyo-hee's forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat that slid down his cheeks. His eyes were filled with his dedication and desire for football. His figure, charging forward without regard for anything else, made it seem as if the whole world had turned into just that football.
In that instant, it was as if a floodgate of memories had been opened in Tenno Minaka's mind, and all the bits and pieces of his past memories about football rushed in like a tide.
Sadness, joy, excitement, regret... flashed before his eyes like scenes from a movie. All the emotions intertwined and finally condensed on this small green field at this very moment.
The soccer ball traced an arc through the air before precisely touching Tenno Minaka's toes. The touch was neither too light nor too heavy, exactly the same as when he first encountered a soccer ball as a child.
At that moment, Tenno Minaka trembled slightly, as if time itself had stood still.
In his memory, he caught a pass from his father as a child. In reality, he caught a pass from a virtual player.
Different sizes, same force.
The burning sensation traveled from the toes of my foot that touched the football to my entire body.
How can I describe it, and how can I preserve this passion and dedication?
Let's stop here for now!
Amano Minakata, like a blue lightning bolt, sprinted towards the Green Team's goal with the soccer ball.
The football rolled rapidly under his feet, whistling as it scraped against the ground, like a wolf king standing atop a mountain, summoning his pack to charge at their prey.
That's more like it!
Seeing Ten no Minaka's obviously serious expression, Suoh Koki felt both excited and wary. A slight smile played on his lips, and his eyes were full of anticipation for the upcoming contest.
He quickly exerted force with both legs and rushed towards Tennominaka like an arrow, trying to block his advance.
Amano Minaka stood on the field like the leader of a wolf pack, directing the actions of the virtual players.
Under his skillful maneuvering, the black and white ball darted east and west, tracing graceful paths in the air and on the ground.
The trajectories intertwined, gradually forming a dense net that trapped the Green Team players within it, leaving them spinning around aimlessly, exhausted and unable to find a way out.
Ultimately, the football seemed to be given a mission, and it landed steadily at the feet of the blue team's number 11.
"You're going to lose, oh no."
Before he could finish speaking, Suga Hyo-hee suddenly exerted his strength and slammed into the virtual player blocking his way.
With a loud "bang," the solid body collided violently with the virtual player.
Suoh Hyo-hee's shoulder slammed into the virtual player, his muscles tensing from the force, the veins on his arms bulging, his whole body leaning forward, using the powerful momentum to actually knock the virtual player away.
After breaking through the obstacles, Suoh Hyoki, like a lion charging into the enemy ranks, rampaged through the giant net-like defenses.
"It seems that the illness really left a deep shadow on you, to the point that you are afraid to make any physical confrontations again."
Sla—
The giant net was torn apart.
"You are indeed very strong, but you are missing one of the most important things."
Suoh Hyo-ki's gaze grew increasingly resolute, his forehead already covered with fine beads of sweat that slid down his cheeks, but he didn't bother to wipe them away. He just stared intently ahead, as if he wanted to crush all obstacles in his path.
The python has been spotted.
Upon hearing these words, Tenno Minaka's body suddenly froze, as if he had been frozen in place.
"That is the relentless pursuit of a striker."
With all other players having fixed stats, no matter how exquisite the pass, it won't lead to victory; only a fearless striker can lead the team to win.
What is the winning answer?
It is [shooting], it is [self], it is [selfishness], it is the philosophy unique to [Blue Prison].
You must shoot, no matter where you are.
Seize every opportunity to shoot.
Seeing that Suoh Kōki was rushing towards them, Ten no Minaka quickly went to meet him, trying to block his path.
However, Prince Xiaoxi's speed was too fast and his momentum too strong, and the two collided instantly. Tenno Minaka felt a huge force rushing towards him, and his body flew backward uncontrollably, crashing heavily onto the grass.
He landed on his back, wincing in pain and his face contorted in agony. He instinctively braced himself with his hands on the ground, trying to struggle to his feet, but a wave of dizziness washed over him, leaving him momentarily unable to muster any strength.
"Wang Xiaoxi needs a yellow card warning."
The electronic referee's voice rang out.
But at this moment, Suoh Hyogi seemed to hear nothing at all, his eyes fixed only on the soccer ball and the goal in front of him. He gritted his teeth and ran straight ahead without regard for anything else.
The rushing air blew his hair back, and a few strands of hair on his forehead were soaked with sweat, sticking to his face and obscuring his vision, but this did not affect his determination to move forward in the slightest.
Suoh Hyo-hee seized the opportunity and swiftly intercepted the ball. Without the slightest hesitation, he leaped high into the air, adjusted his posture in mid-air, and kicked the ball with all his might towards the goal. The ball, carrying his burning passion and determination to win, whistled towards the goal like a cannonball.
This time, what remained on Amanomi's face was not indifference, but panic and longing.
His golden eyes widened in disbelief, filled with resentment. His pupils contracted sharply, as if he couldn't believe what was about to happen. His lips trembled slightly, and large beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead, sliding down his cheeks and wetting his dark blue hair.
He turned and chased after [victory].
Even if the ball goes in, even if he can't stop it, he still runs towards it at this moment. It's as if as long as he keeps chasing, there's still a sliver of a chance to turn the tide.
"Whoosh—"
The football flew through the air in a perfect arc and into the net without any suspense.
1:0
The numbers on the scoreboard froze instantly, signaling the end of this intense match.
"...I...I won?"
Suoh Hyo-hee stared wide-eyed at the scoreboard in disbelief. His brain was instantly flooded with blood, and his face, already flushed with excitement, turned even redder, with the veins on his forehead bulging faintly.
A wave of intense fatigue washed over him without warning, leaving him feeling utterly weak. A wave of dizziness washed over him, and everything before his eyes began to blur.
In a dizzying moment, Suoh Hyo-ki felt his legs go weak, and his body uncontrollably collapsed onto the grass.
"Bang!"
Suoh Hyo-hee fell heavily onto the grass, the sound particularly abrupt in the now quiet arena.
On the field, Amano Minakata and Kira Ryosuke were instantly stunned, their eyes widening in shock and panic. They paused almost simultaneously, then, as if realizing something, rushed towards Suoh Koki, who was lying on the grass, without hesitation.
Kira Ryosuke was faster, rushing to Suoh Koki's side and quickly crouching down to carefully pick him up.
His arms trembled slightly, the trembling passing through his body and reaching Suoh Hyoki, as if he were holding not a person, but an incomparably precious yet fragile treasure.
Kira Ryosuke's face turned deathly pale, and his lips were bloodless. His light brown eyes were filled with terror and worry, and beads of sweat rolled down his forehead, dripping onto Suoh Koki's face.
"Yun, medical staff, doctor."
Kira Ryosuke's voice trembled noticeably.
Because of his panic, he could not even speak properly, and his originally clear words became fragmented.
"Operator! Doctor!"
He shouted loudly while anxiously looking around, his panicked eyes searching for a lifeline. Every second of waiting felt like an agonizing ordeal.
Tenno Minaka also rushed over, his chest heaving as he gasped for breath. His face was filled with undisguised panic and anxiety, but he seemed at a loss, standing there blankly as Kira Ryosuke held Suoh Koki and called for a doctor.
...
When the doctor examined him and said, "You're just tired, there's nothing serious," Kira Ryosuke's heart, which had been hanging in his throat, finally felt like it had found its home and slowly settled back into his stomach.
Even so, he was still filled with lingering fear, his face was still a little pale, and his lips were trembling slightly. The terrifying scene of Suoh Hyo-hee fainting kept flashing through his mind. That horrifying image was like an inescapable shadow, looming over his heart.
"Ryosuke."
Amano Minaka frowned, her eyes filled with worry, and she quickly walked to Kira Ryosuke's side, calling out in a slightly anxious voice.
His gaze never left Kira Ryosuke, his golden eyes filled with concern and unease, his lips slightly parted as if he wanted to say something to comfort him, but he didn't know where to begin.
"...I'm fine."
Kira Ryosuke only came to his senses when he heard Amano Minaka's shout. He tried to force a smile to reassure the other person, but the smile seemed somewhat forced, and the slight upward curve of his lips carried a barely perceptible tremor.
He looked up at Tenno Minaka, his eyes still showing lingering panic. His once bright eyes now appeared somewhat dim, and beads of sweat continued to pour from his forehead, sliding down his cheeks and dripping onto the ground.
His arms were still trembling slightly, as if out of control. Even though Kira Ryosuke tried his best to calm himself down, his body betrayed his inner tension and lingering fear.
After a long silence, Kira Ryosuke finally spoke, "Given your personality, you probably really won't be playing soccer anymore, right?"
Kira Ryosuke stared intently at Amano Minaka, his brows furrowed slightly, as if waiting for the other's answer, or perhaps already guessing the answer but simply wanting confirmation from Amano Minaka.
Upon hearing this, Tenno Minaka froze, as if someone had struck a nerve. He lowered his head slightly, avoiding Kira Ryosuke's gaze.
He remained silent for a long time, never saying a word, just standing there quietly.
Seeing Amanominaka's state, Kira Ryosuke knew he had guessed correctly. But he couldn't let Amanominaka leave the court like that.
As a longtime friend, I naturally know his true thoughts.
How can we so easily give up the vows we made in our youth with dreams in our hearts?
Moreover, if he really gives up football, he will definitely give up everything related to football as well.
Thinking of this, Kira Ryosuke gritted his teeth and decided that he had to persuade Amano Minaka no matter what. So he quickly said, "If they withdraw from the competition like this, Kurona and the others will lose a chance and go straight to 2 vs 2. What if they lose..."
Kira Ryosuke's voice trembled slightly, and his speech unconsciously quickened. He didn't finish his sentence, but both of them knew what it meant.
If that happens, then the Heavenly Guardian will be the culprit that makes all their previous efforts and sacrifices futile.
"I see."
Tenno Minaka slowly raised his head, a dark glint flashing in his golden eyes, as if he had made a decision, his gaze revealing a helpless understanding.
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