The sun had barely begun to rise. A faint golden glow stretched across the horizon, casting long shadows over the EOS facility.
The EOS facility was unusually quiet.
Most players were still asleep, recovering from the brutal match against the World 11.
But today, the spotlight would be on a new battlefield—EOS Team 2 vs. The Old Legends.
For players like Sho Nakata, Daichi Fujimoto, and Isamu Oda, this was their chance to prove themselves.
In the training halls, the EOS Team 2 members were already warming up, preparing for the biggest challenge of their careers.
But one player had different plans.
---
While the others rested, Renji Kurogami stood outside a room.
He knocked.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
The door slowly opened, revealing Sunil Rajput—the World's No. 6.
His eyes were sharp, slightly annoyed from being disturbed so early in the morning.
"…What do you want?"
Renji didn't hesitate.
"Teach me your Key—Celestial Dominion."
Sunil blinked.
Then—he laughed.
---
Sunil leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms.
"You're serious? You're asking the world's No. 6 to teach you his skill like it's some after-school lesson?"
Renji didn't waver.
"Yes."
Sunil smirked.
"Kid, it's not that simple. 'Celestial Dominion' isn't a trick you can just copy."
Renji's eyes burned with obsession.
"Then I'll master it my own way."
Sunil sighed.
"Look, I don't have time for this. I'm here to relax, not train some random striker who—"
Renji cut him off.
"You're staying to watch today's match, right?"
Sunil raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah, so what?"
"You said it's not child's play? Fine. Then let me prove that I'm worth your time."
Sunil chuckled.
"You're persistent, huh?"
But he still wasn't convinced.
"And why should I teach you?"
Renji smirked and stepped forward.
"If you teach me your key, you'll see a glimpse of what I'll become."
Sunil raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly will you become?"
Renji's eyes flashed with ego.
"Your future rival."
Sunil went silent.
Renji smirked, taking another step closer.
"The future World Number 1."
The air around them grew heavier.
Sunil, a player ranked 6th in the world, was being challenged by someone far below him.
Yet—he didn't laugh.
He didn't mock Renji's words.
Because—he could see it.
The madness in Renji's gaze.
The same madness that all true top players had.
Sunil let out a long breath, rubbing his neck.
"…Tch."
Then—he smirked.
"Fine, kid."
Renji's eyes sharpened.
Sunil crossed his arms.
"But don't expect me to go easy on you. If you can't keep up, you're on your own."
Renji grinned.
"I wouldn't have it any other way."
The training began.
---
To Be Continued…