The whistle blew again, and the match resumed. Tang Sun Moon's agility and precision had already established Grade B's dominance. Within moments, he scored three goals with such astonishing speed that the score flipped heavily in B Grade's favor. Six to zero. A Grade could barely manage two.
Levi, Rong, and Ren exchanged glances, worry etched across their faces. Ren clenched his fists, a line of tension cutting across his forehead.
"We have to act now… otherwise we'll lose completely."
Levi turned toward War. Fear flickered in War's eyes, but he mustered a small, reassuring smile.
"Don't worry. Even if we lose today, we'll still be friends. You're like a brother to me, Levi."
He stepped forward, enveloping Levi in a quick, firm hug. The simple act gave Levi a surge of courage. He placed a hand on War's shoulder, taking a deep breath, and focused.
The game resumed. Levi controlled the ball with masterful precision. A sudden burst of speed, a careful feint, and then—a magnificent, powerful strike sent the ball crashing into the goal.
Nova's eyes widened, then narrowed in anger. She shot a sharp glance at Tang Sun Moon.
"You could have stopped him! Why did you let Levi score?"
Tang Sun Moon tilted his head slightly, his mysterious smile growing.
"Nova," he said slowly, each word deliberate, "the real 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 what I will give Levi."
His gaze lingered on Levi, calculating, patient, almost predatory.
The score was now tied. Both teams had nine goals each. The final goal—the deciding strike—would determine victory or defeat. A tense five-minute break was announced, allowing both teams to catch their breath. The chilly air brushed over the players, but adrenaline and sweat set their bodies ablaze.
Nova approached Tang Sun Moon urgently, her face set in steel.
"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 eyes flicked to Eren for a moment, as if weighing his next victim. Then, with slow certainty, he replied,
"No… I want him. At all costs."
Nova's tone rose in frustration.
"Then do something, or else—"
Tang Sun Moon ignored her completely. He moved silently, deliberately, toward Levi. A bottle of hot water in hand, he took a casual sip and let a small amount spill onto Levi's feet.
Levi's skin burned immediately. He stepped back sharply, shouting,
"Are you insane? Can't you see what you're doing?"
Tang Sun Moon leaned forward, calm yet menacing.
"A mistake… but next time, there will be no mistakes," he whispered, his voice laced with quiet venom.
The match resumed. All eyes were on the ball. Levi advanced, controlling it expertly, aiming for the goal. But in an instant, Tang Sun Moon's foot collided with Levi's, a deliberate strike. Levi lost balance and fell heavily to the ground. Pain shot up his ankle, searing and sharp.
Before Levi could recover, Tang Sun Moon seized the ball and scored with lightning speed.
A stunned silence blanketed the field. No one moved. The echo of the final goal lingered like a heavy fog.
Nova approached Tang Sun Moon with a light, mocking laugh.
"To be honest, I didn't expect such a clever plan… I'm impressed, Leader."
The match ended. Both teams stood in silence, catching their breath, minds spinning. Then Tang Sun Moon stepped forward, calm, deliberate, commanding.
"So, Levi… according to the rules, I have every right to take a student from your section."
War bowed his head solemnly.
"I know, Levi… you tried. But I'm not angry. We were and will be friends."
Eren stepped forward, but War placed a firm hand 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 sat down on a chair, every movement deliberate, every detail perfect. The demon prince aura was unmistakable—deep, piercing blue eyes, black shirt and pants, slightly curled hair, a small glinting earring, a shining watch, white shoes that seemed to swallow the light. His presence was a storm contained in elegance.
Levi, refusing to remain silent, spoke firmly.
"Change the roles. I'll come to your section. I'm ready to give up my position as group leader. What do you want?"
Nin stepped forward anxiously.
"Leader… tell me the truth. What's going to happen?"
Brade's brow furrowed.
"Nova… we all know you know what the leader plans. Now tell us."
All eyes fell on Meng, sitting quietly in the corner. Brade's voice turned sarcastic.
"Meng… you're from the same section. You know what this is all about."
Nin and Seo stared daggers at Meng, expecting a confession. The pressure mounted so intensely that Meng slumped on the bench, trembling.
"Please… I don't know," he whispered.
Tang Sun Moon's steps were slow, deliberate, full of ominous conviction. He stopped in front of Levi, his dark calm unshakable. His voice was low, venomous.
"Levi… the student I want is not War… it's Eren Yeager."
Levi's eyes flared with a storm of rage. Without thinking, he swung a fist at Tang Sun Moon.
Tang Sun Moon countered instantly. Their hands collided, and the tension in the room spiked. Anger, fear, and raw adrenaline clashed in a violent surge.
Tang Sun Moon's voice was sharp, venomous.
"If Eren doesn't come with us… then War will. Decide now, Levi. And I promise this—I won't leave either of you alone. I'll make sure you both regret the breath you take."
Levi's fists shook. His breathing was rapid, chaotic. A complex mixture of helplessness and rage filled his chest.
War stepped forward.
"Okay… I'll go to B Grade."
"No!" Levi's voice cracked.
"You won't go. I won't let you."
War's eyes softened, a bitter truth lingering.
"Someone has to go, Levi… right?"
Eren stood silently, absorbing the tension, then spoke slowly, deliberately, with the weight of the moment in his voice.
"Okay… the decision has been made."
All eyes snapped to him. Levi's shock was evident.
"Eren… what are you saying?"
Tang Sun Moon's devilish smile deepened.
"So… Eren Yeager… what's your choice?"
Eren's voice was steady, unwavering, carrying an unspoken resolve.
"I will go to B Grade."
Ren grabbed his shoulder in disbelief.
"Are you insane? No one wants to go there… and you're volunteering?"
Wrong, Won, and War tried to reason with him.
"This isn't right!"
But Eren's decision was firm, eyes burning with determination.
Levi's grip tightened on Eren's hand, his chest pounding.
"I won't let you go."
Tang Sun Moon, ever confident, grabbed Eren's other hand. A cruel, triumphant gleam danced in his eyes.
"Eren will come with us. And now… there's nothing you can do, Levi. He has made his choice."
Tang Sun Moon's smile was devilish, almost predatory, as he looked at Eren. Victory was already his, etched into the way he carried himself, the glint in his eyes.
The tension in the room was suffocating. Levi's heart pounded like a drum. Eren's calm bravery clashed with Tang Sun Moon's calculated menace, creating a storm that promised to change everything.
The next move, the next confrontation—would decide not only the fate of the game but of their very lives.
To Be Continued…