Interlude: Snow Festival (V)

BAM!

Aestrea dashed forward, his silver hair flowing behind him as he raced toward the ball.

His teammate, Lance, had just barely managed to stop a Gold Team defender from stealing it.

But now—

Lucas was approaching.

Fast.

"Pass it!"

Lance didn't hesitate.

With a swift kick, he sent the ball flying toward Aestrea.

And at the same time—

FWOOOSH!

A gust of golden mana surged.

Lucas closed the distance in an instant.

His foot collided with Aestrea's mid-air.

"!!"

BOOM!

A shockwave exploded from the impact.

The ball wobbled, thrown slightly off-course.

Aestrea gritted his teeth, pushing harder—

But Lucas pushed back.

Their eyes locked.

For a brief moment, it was like the entire field disappeared.

Nothing else mattered.

Just them.

A Dead Extra.

A Protagonist.

BAM!