The whistle pierced the crisp morning air, sharp and unforgiving. The match resumed, yet the energy had shifted. Tang Sun Moon's presence loomed over the field like a silent storm, and Grade B's dominance was already undeniable. Within moments, his swift, precise movements had secured three goals in rapid succession, his feet dancing over the turf with calculated elegance. Six to zero. A Grade struggled to organize, barely managing two goals against the relentless tide.
Levi, Rong, and Ren exchanged tense glances. Anxiety carved lines into Ren's forehead, and he clenched his fists tightly. "We have to act now… otherwise we'll lose completely," he muttered, voice laced with urgency.
Levi turned toward War, who had masked his fear behind a faint, reassuring smile, though his eyes betrayed him. "Don't worry. Even if we lose today, we'll still be friends. You're like a brother to me, Levi," War said, stepping forward to wrap Levi in a firm, supportive hug. The simple act infused Levi with a surge of courage. He placed his hand on War's shoulder, inhaled deeply, and let determination anchor him.
The game began again, tension crackling in every pass and glance. Levi controlled the ball with unmatched precision, every movement sharp, calculated, and graceful. A feint here, a sudden burst of speed there—and then, with a powerful, fluid strike, the ball rocketed into the goal. The net rippled, and the field erupted in a mix of awe and exasperation.
Nova's eyes widened with shock, narrowing into slits of fury. "You could have stopped him! Why didn't you?" she hissed at Tang Sun Moon.
Tang Sun Moon's lips curved into a slow, predatory smile. "Nova," he said, each word deliberate, measured, "the true thrill of defeating an enemy comes when hope blossoms in his heart. When he believes everything is safe, everything is fine… and then—suddenly, that belief shatters. It breaks not only the body but the soul. His spirit crumbles, and recovery takes time. That is the gift I intend to give Levi."
His piercing blue eyes flicked to Levi, calculating every breath, every heartbeat, as if reading not just his movements but the very rhythm of his soul.
The scoreboard reflected the sudden shift: nine goals each. The final goal—the deciding strike—would determine victory or defeat. A tense five-minute break was announced. Players bent over, hands on knees, gasping for air. Cold wind brushed over their sweat-slicked bodies, biting at exposed skin, but adrenaline and focus burned hotter than any chill.
Nova approached Tang Sun Moon, urgency cutting through her sarcasm. "Tang… how long will you let him breathe? This is the last goal! It's now or never. Do you want the fight or not?"
Tang Sun Moon's gaze briefly flicked to Eren, his expression unreadable yet calculating, as though weighing the boy's potential as a pawn. Then, with slow certainty, he answered, voice calm and ominous: "No… I want him. At all costs."
Nova's frustration flared. "Then do something, or else—"
He ignored her entirely. Each step he took toward Levi was measured, deliberate. With a bottle of steaming water in hand, he took a casual sip, then allowed a few droplets to fall on Levi's bare feet. The reaction was instantaneous: Levi jerked back, a sharp hiss escaping his lips as searing pain lanced through him.
"Are you insane? Can't you see what you're doing?" Levi shouted, clutching his ankle, rage flashing in his usually composed eyes.
Tang Sun Moon leaned closer, voice a venomous whisper. "A mistake… next time, there will be no mistakes."
The match resumed. Levi advanced with the ball, determination carved into his every feature, but Tang Sun Moon's calculated strike collided with Levi's foot, sending him sprawling onto the turf. Pain flared, burning and sharp, yet his mind raced faster than ever. Before Levi could fully recover, Tang Sun Moon seized the opportunity, the ball rolling past the defense with brutal precision. Goal.
A stunned silence fell over the field, thick and suffocating. Every spectator froze, the echo of the final goal hanging like a heavy fog.
Nova approached Tang Sun Moon, admiration tinged with mockery. "Honestly… I didn't expect such a clever plan. Well played, Leader," she said, her tone laced with dangerous respect.
The match ended. Players from both teams stood, breathing heavily, sweat dripping and minds spinning. Then, in the stillness, Tang Sun Moon stepped forward, deliberate, confident, commanding.
"So, Levi… according to the rules, I have every right to take a student from your section."
War bowed his head, sorrow shadowing his features. "I know, Levi… you tried. But I'm not angry. We were and will always be friends."
Eren stepped forward instinctively, but War's hand landed firmly on his shoulder. "Eren… you don't know the full story. These rules aren't just rules… this is a game of power. There is nothing you can do."
Tang Sun Moon seated himself, every gesture precise, an aura of controlled menace radiating from him. His dark eyes, black shirt and pants, slightly curled hair, glinting earring, and pristine white shoes made him look like a storm contained in elegance.
Levi refused to remain passive. "Change the roles. I'll come to your section. I'm ready to give up my position as group leader. What do you want?" His voice was sharp, unwavering, despite the ache in his ankle.
Nin's anxiety manifested as a frantic step forward. "Leader… tell me the truth. What's going to happen?"
Brade's frown deepened. "Nova… we all know you know what the leader plans. Now tell us."
All eyes fell on Meng, who slouched silently in the corner, avoiding attention. Brade's voice, edged with sarcasm, demanded, "Meng… you're from our section. You know what this is all about."
Nin and Seo stared daggers at him, expecting confession. Pressure mounted until Meng's shoulders slumped, trembling. "Please… I don't know," he whispered.
Tang Sun Moon's steps were deliberate, heavy with intent, as he approached Levi. His calm, cold precision was unshakable. Voice low and venomous, he stated the inevitable. "Levi… the student I want is not War… it's Eren Yeager."
Levi's eyes flared with uncontrollable rage. Without thinking, his fist shot forward—but Tang Sun Moon countered instantly. Their collision sparked tension, a volatile surge of anger, fear, and raw adrenaline.
Tang Sun Moon's voice sliced through the charged air, venom sharp. "If Eren doesn't come… then War will. Decide, Levi. And mark my words—I won't leave either of you alone. You'll regret every breath you take."
Levi's fists shook, breathing ragged, chest a storm of helplessness and rage.
War stepped forward, voice calm but laced with resignation. "Okay… I'll go to B Grade."
"No!" Levi's voice cracked. "You won't. I won't let you."
War's eyes softened, painful truth evident. "Someone has to go, Levi… right?"
Eren stood silently, absorbing the suffocating tension. Then, voice deliberate, calm, carrying the weight of choice, he spoke: "Okay… the decision has been made."
All eyes snapped toward him. Levi's shock was palpable. "Eren… what are you saying?"
Tang Sun Moon's smile deepened, predatory. "So… Eren Yeager… what's your choice?"
Eren's eyes, unwavering, burned with quiet determination. "I will go to B Grade."
Ren grabbed his shoulder, disbelief and frustration etched across his face. "Are you insane? No one volunteers for that place…"
Wrong, Won, and War attempted to reason, voices rising in protest. "This isn't right!"
But Eren's decision was firm. Every syllable carried the weight of his resolve.
Levi's grip tightened on Eren's hand, chest pounding violently. "I won't let you go," he growled.
Tang Sun Moon, ever confident, took Eren's other hand, eyes glinting with cruel triumph. "Eren will come with us. And now… nothing can stop it."
The room held its breath. Levi's heart pounded like a war drum. Eren's calm bravery clashed with Tang Sun Moon's calculated menace, a storm of tension promising to alter the course of their lives forever.
The next move, the next confrontation, would decide not just the game, but the fragile balance of loyalty, power, and hidden desires.