The Curtain Rises
Chapter 11:
The final whistle blew. Sweat dripped from their brows. Room 109 walked off the pitch — not in celebration, but with heavy steps. They were surviving, not winning.
The doors led them into a circular lobby with a digital board glowing above. At its center stood Kiyoshi, arms crossed, eyes sharp.
He didn't welcome them. He didn't even look impressed.
"Those of you standing here… you've passed the first stage."
"Many didn't."
He paused.
"You're no longer 299. Numbers have dropped. Weak links… gone."
He clicked the remote.
'Phase 2 – Ego Formula: Rotational 3v3 Battles'
"From now on, training and matches shift to a new format: 3v3 matches, constantly rotating teams, evolving challenges."
"Each game is a test — of ego, adaptability, teamwork, instinct."
He pointed to the screen.
"You'll play, switch, adjust, and clash. Again. And again."
"Until only the sharpest remain."
The screen changed.
A packed stadium. Floodlights. Eleven elite figures on the pitch.
The German U-20 National Team.
"In 10 months… you will face them."
Whispers broke out across the room.
Kiyoshi raised his voice.
"No — not all of you."
"Only the few who survive everything ahead."
"Only the egos that rise above everyone."
He leaned in closer, eyes locked on the players.
"You think this is a talent show? A contract competition?"
He laughed coldly.
"A contract? Something like that doesn't exist here."
"You're not here to play. You're here to evolve."
"And you'll either grow fast — or rot."
The screen went dark.
Silence returned.
Then, a single word blinked on the board:
"MATCHES BEGIN IN 48 HOURS."