At this moment, a clear 'ding-dong' sound echoed in Ryu's mind.
"The uncontrollable madness on the field leads to the evolution of monsters; countless eyes are fixed on you. In this environment, there are only two options: success or failure."
"The main quest officially begins."
"Main Quest One: Lead your current team through difficulties and defeat the opposing team."
"Reward: ??? (Substitute-level)"
"Main Quest Two: Crush the opponent's hope with overwhelming strength (requirement: at least one person scores 5 goals)"
"Reward: ??? (Professional-level)"
"Main Quest Three: Dominate the entire field in any future game, and even shatter the dreams of geniuses. Requirement: Achieve three consecutive wins."
"Reward: Demon King's Eye (???)"
Ryu licked his lips. These rewards were truly abundant... He had thought his system was merely in an observational state, but he didn't expect it to start getting serious now.
If only it had told him about this earlier...
Then he wouldn't have had to play soccer this way.
But it's not too late now...
And looking at the main quests, they don't disappear after he defeats one team; instead, he gets rewards for every team he defeats. This way, he doesn't have to painstakingly accumulate emotional points.
The only thing that puzzled Ryu was that since there were rewards, there should probably be penalties for failure.
However, after a few seconds, he didn't hear another 'ding-dong' sound.
Just then, the whistle blew outside.
"Ryu... it seems your attention is a bit distracted, huh?" Bachira asked, standing to his left.
Ryu snapped back to reality, grinning. Instead, he said, "Bach, are you planning to team up with these guys to deal with me?"
Bachira shrugged. "I didn't say 'team up.' All I care about is who can shoot. Didn't you say it yourself?"
"On this field, only those who shoot have the right to speak."
With that, he gave a sly smile. "So, Ryu, are you afraid I'll be taken away by others?"
The smile on Ryu's face gradually faded. He looked forward, licking the corner of his mouth. "I've already seen my path to success."
"Bach, if you can't keep up with me,"
"You'll eventually become an eliminated product of this game."
The next second, Ryu's figure shot out.
Bachira followed closely behind.
The war between Team X and Team Z was now extremely intense, as if they were slaughtering each other.
The ball was constantly being passed back and forth.
In the monitoring room, Ego Jinpachi ate his noodles, a smile playing on his lips as he watched the chaotic struggle.
"Isn't this a bit too cruel?"
"A game full of forwards, where everyone's journey from zero to one is this crazy. Ego, what exactly are you thinking?"
"Crazy?" Ego glanced at Anri beside him. "This isn't crazy. Everyone on the field is a knight fighting for honor. In this pyramid known for 'strength,' these people need to constantly climb."
"Every step will push countless people down."
"Those who fall, if they want to climb back up, it's the same."
"And whether it's me, or the current nation, or the world, we will only focus on the one standing at the very top."
Anri beside him sighed. "No need for so many grand theories. Can you finish your noodles first?"
With that, she looked at the players on the screen who were passing the ball in various postures.
"Speaking of which, this person from Team Z is indeed formidable."
"Whether it's his personal skill or his practiced movements, this guy... his level is definitely not low."
"I seem to remember this person... wasn't on the roster initially, right?"
Upon hearing this, Ego Jinpachi looked up, his gaze perfectly landing on the magnified face on the screen—it was Ryu. He chuckled, "Roster? I said before that Blue Lock never accepts the weak."
"As long as you have the ability, I can discover it."
"And this person is one of them."
"Special guest?" Anri was puzzled.
Ego Jinpachi said no more, his eyes seeming to be contemplating something.
On the field.
The ball finally reached Raichi's feet. His eyes were like a dog guarding its food, constantly aware of his surroundings. "Hahahaha... it's finally my turn!"
But the next second, the ball was kicked away from his feet.
"Nyah nyah nyah... wanna kick the ball?" Little Monk grinned cunningly, dribbling the ball towards the goal.
However, at the same time, before he could react, one of Team X's players directly blocked him, hooking his leg and stealing the ball.
"This is our only hope for victory."
"No way I'm giving it to you, bald monk!"
As he accelerated sharply, Little Monk looked bewildered and cursed aloud.
Not far away, Barou was already waiting for this ball.
Only if he got this ball could this game find its perfect end.
"Is that so?" A light voice sounded, and Barou's pupils widened. He saw a figure dart out from behind him, with a layer of black mist seemingly clinging to Ryu.
"Little Wolf, I'll take this ball without ceremony!"
The Team X player dribbling the ball in front hadn't even reacted.
Ryu had already arrived in front of him, snatching the ball with lightning speed. His speed was astonishing, like a bulldozer charging through the center of the field.
Those who tried to stop him were almost instantly bypassed by his agile body.
The threatening aura around him seemed to envelop the entire field.
"Damn it! Stop him!"
"If he scores, we lose!" The Team X members roared.
Barou's pupils were filled with murderous intent, looking as if he wanted to skin Ryu alive.
But Ryu ignored these gazes. He only felt joy... immense joy. The curses danced in his mind like stimulants.
Looking at the goal within reach.
With a 'bang.'
As the ball traced a beautiful arc.
It finally settled in the net, slowly sliding down.
Ryu looked back at Barou, who had stopped in place, and spoke softly, "Game over; the crown has fallen, king of a fallen kingdom."
Barou clenched his fists, his pupils contracting violently.
He stared at Ryu through gritted teeth, deep in thought.
The entire field fell silent.
Only Ryu was seen leaving the field alone.
The score was now 4:2; clearly the match was over, and Team Z had secured their first victory.
The next second, cheers erupted on the field.
Of course, those were the shouts of the victors.
Just then, Barou spoke fiercely, "Next time, I'll definitely crush you!"
Ryu paused his steps. "Is that so? I hope you can stand before me again before then."
.....
...
In Blue Lock Building Five, first match, Team Z won 4-2.