Chapter 16: The Duel – Part 2

The deafening roar of the crowd shook the stadium as Mia's goal gave Rosario High the lead. Yet, the game was far from over. Lio's breath came in sharp, shallow gasps as he jogged back to his position, his gaze locked on Chris, who stood tall on the opposite side of the field, unfazed. The calmness in Chris's eyes unnerved Lio—it was the same look from years ago, the one Chris wore right before he pulled off a game-changing move.

Lio clenched his fists. This is different, he told himself. He wasn't the same player from back then. He had been reborn, stronger and more determined than ever. But so had Chris.

The whistle signaled the restart of the game, and with that, the real war began.

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Madeira Strikes Back

Madeira High didn't waste a second. The moment the ball was in play, their pace increased to a level Rosario had yet to experience. Leon, their midfielder, took control, his movements so smooth it seemed like he was gliding through Rosario's players. Lio could see it now—Chris had developed a team that played like a finely-tuned machine, every part moving in perfect harmony. He had remembered this pattern from their past matches, but Chris had clearly sharpened his team's game.

Kaito sprinted upfield to press Leon, but it was a feint—Leon shifted the ball between his feet, his gaze already seeking out Chris. Lio read the play immediately. They're going to target Chris.

Lio shot forward, cutting off the passing lane. But Leon was ready. He flicked the ball with the outside of his boot, sending it over Lio's head in a perfectly arced lob. It landed at Chris's feet.

Chris didn't miss a beat. He tore past Mia, his speed like a blur. The air around him crackled with energy as he unleashed his power, the same drive Lio had come to know well. Every move was deliberate, every shift in his body language designed to throw Rosario's defense off balance.

"Cover him!" Kaito shouted, desperately trying to close the gap. Lio was already on the move, but Chris had anticipated it.

With a snap of his leg, Chris launched the ball toward the top corner of the goal. The shot was impossibly fast, like a bullet of pure magic. Time slowed as Marco, Rosario's goalkeeper, stretched out to block the shot.

The ball collided with the crossbar, and the stadium gasped in unison as it bounced back into play. Chris was already positioning himself for the rebound, but Lio was quicker.

I know this move. He had seen Chris pull it off before, years ago. In his previous life, it had worked flawlessly. But not this time. Not with Lio's memories guiding him.

With an explosive burst of speed, Lio intercepted the ball before Chris could react, sending it upfield toward Kaito.

Chris locked eyes with Lio, a flicker of surprise crossing his usually calm features. "You're prepared," Chris murmured, his voice barely audible over the crowd.

"Always," Lio responded through clenched teeth.

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A Test of Wills

The game shifted to a grueling back-and-forth, with neither team able to secure an advantage. Every time Rosario pressed forward, Madeira's defense, led by the towering Alexei, would shut them down. Likewise, every attack by Madeira was met with fierce resistance from Kaito and Mia, who, despite their fatigue, fought on with everything they had.

Lio couldn't help but notice the difference in Chris's teammates. Alexei was a beast on the field, his tackles precise and his physicality unmatched. Leon, with his nimble footwork, moved like water, slipping past Rosario's players with ease. Chris had surrounded himself with a team that amplified his strengths, just like in the past. But I'm not the same Lio anymore.

In a rare breakaway, Kaito managed to steal the ball from Madeira's midfield. His speed was impressive, but it was clear he was running on fumes. "Lio!" he shouted, sending the ball rocketing toward him.

Lio sprinted toward the pass, feeling the familiar surge of magic tech activate in his legs. His Thunder Strike ability amplified his every movement, and in that moment, the world seemed to slow. He lined up his shot, aiming for the top corner.

But Chris was there.

In a blur, Chris closed the distance and intercepted Lio's shot with a perfectly timed block, the ball bouncing back into play.

How? Lio thought, his mind racing. Chris had just matched his Thunder Strike—something no one had ever done before. Lio gritted his teeth as Chris launched a counterattack, sending the ball hurtling toward Leon, who was already deep into Rosario's half.

"Kaito, Mia, hold the line!" Lio shouted. But deep down, he knew Chris had the upper hand. He had studied Lio's moves, just as Lio had studied his. This was going to come down to something more than just skill. It was about willpower.

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Chris's Revenge

Leon lobbed the ball over the defense, and Chris sprinted ahead, leaving the Rosario defenders scrambling to keep up. Marco braced himself as Chris approached the goal, his eyes locked on the ball.

This time, there was no hesitation. Chris unleashed a strike so powerful it seemed to warp the air around it. The ball rocketed past Marco and into the back of the net, equalizing the score.

The crowd erupted, and Madeira's supporters cheered wildly. Chris turned to face Lio, his expression unreadable, but there was no mistaking the message in his eyes. This isn't over.

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The Final Push

With the game now tied at 1-1, the pressure was mounting. Rosario was exhausted, but Lio knew this was their last chance. There were only minutes left on the clock, and they couldn't let it go to extra time.

"Push forward!" Lio yelled, rallying his team. Kaito, drenched in sweat, nodded, while Mia gritted her teeth and positioned herself higher up the field.

As the final minutes ticked away, Lio saw an opening. Kaito intercepted a careless pass from Madeira's defense, and without missing a beat, sent the ball hurtling toward Lio.

This was it.

Lio's legs burned as he sprinted toward the ball, his Thunder Strike ability coursing through his veins. He could feel Chris on his heels, but this time, Lio wouldn't be stopped. With every ounce of strength he had left, Lio unleashed his most powerful Thunder Strike yet. The ball flew through the air, crackling with energy.

The Madeira goalkeeper dove, but he was too slow. The ball slammed into the back of the net, sealing Rosario's victory.

The final whistle blew.

Lio collapsed onto the field, his body completely spent. But as the roar of the crowd washed over him, he knew one thing: they had won. Chris stood a few yards away, his expression stoic, but Lio could see the RAGE in his eyes.

This wasn't just a win—it was the start of something much bigger.