The locker room of the Azure Legends smelled faintly of liniment, leather, and nervous sweat. The walls were pale, almost sterile, but the chatter of the boys painted it with color. Jerseys hung on hooks, some still damp from earlier drills. Water bottles clattered against the benches as players prepared for the coming league.

Kael sat in the far corner, his long blue hair draping over his face, as calm as ever. He leaned back, almost uninterested, while the rest of the team argued about formations and roles.

"We don't have the defense to withstand Thunder Hawks' strikers," muttered Bryan, the captain. His short, spiky hair stuck out in every direction, sweat already glistening on his temples.

"Then what? We play full defense and pray?" another boy said, tossing his shin guards onto the floor. "That's suicide. Everyone knows Thunder Hawks haven't lost a league opener in three years."

Murmurs of agreement filled the room. The boys weren't confident; that much was clear.

Finally, someone turned to Kael. "Hey, new guy, you've been quiet all week. Got any ideas?"

Kael slowly raised his head, strands of hair slipping aside just enough to reveal the faintest glint of jade skin beneath. His voice was soft, almost careless.

"Just pass the ball to me."

The room fell silent. Every eye darted to him in disbelief.

"What did you say?" Bryan's brows knitted together.

Kael shrugged. "Pass me the ball. I'll handle the rest."

The silence broke with laughter. Some laughed out loud, others smirked, shaking their heads.

"Bro, you've barely practiced with us," one defender scoffed. "You think you can just… win on your own?"

"Do you even know what you're saying?" Bryan demanded. "This isn't street ball, this is the league. Thunder Hawks will eat us alive if we play selfishly."

Kael tilted his head, indifferent to their reactions. "I'm not saying I'll be selfish. I'm saying—if you trust me enough to get me the ball, the game won't go the way they think."

Bryan wanted to argue, but something in Kael's tone, that unshakable calm, made him pause. Does he actually believe that? Or… does he know something we don't?

The room didn't buy it, though. The laughter lingered, and Kael let it wash over him without flinching.

---

Meanwhile: The Thunder Hawks

Across campus, in a darker, louder locker room, the Thunder Hawks were in no mood to overthink. Their captain, Damian, stood at the center with his boots laced tight and his confidence higher than the ceiling.

"Don't waste energy planning for Azure Legends," he told his team, tossing the ball from hand to hand. "They're trash. Everyone knows it. The only reason they even have an blue-haired freak on their team is because no one else would take him."

The others chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah, but keep an eye on him," another player added. "The dude's weird. He doesn't play like a normal newbie."

Damian smirked. "Let him do whatever he wants. We'll crush them before halftime."

To them, the match wasn't preparation—it was a warm-up, a chance to flaunt their dominance before facing real competition.

---

Tuesday Morning: Match Day 1

The school field was unrecognizable. Flags bearing the colors of all ten teams flapped in the crisp morning breeze. Stands were packed with students, teachers, and even locals who'd come to watch. Vendors sold snacks at the gates, and chants echoed across the field.

The first match was already underway.

Silver Blades vs Crimson Horns

Silver Blades, dressed in gleaming white, were known for their sharp, precise passes. Crimson Horns, in their blood-red kits, were infamous for brute force and rough tackling.

The game was brutal from the start. Crimson Horns dominated physically, knocking players down like bowling pins, but the Blades sliced through them with quick one-touch passing.

By halftime, it was 1–1. Tension grew, chants split the crowd in half, and every crunching tackle made the students roar.

In the final minutes, Silver Blades pulled off a breathtaking counterattack—four passes in ten seconds, ending with a curling shot into the net.

"GOOOOAL!" the commentator screamed as the crowd exploded.

Final score: Silver Blades 2 – 1 Crimson Horns.

The Blades leapt into each other's arms, celebrating. The Horns stormed off, furious at their own wasted chances.

---

Shadow Fangs vs Steel Breakers

Next came the Shadow Fangs, a team of sly, strategic players in sleek black kits, against the Steel Breakers, a bulky squad who prided themselves on never backing down.

This match was slower, more tactical. Every move felt like chess. Shadow Fangs played defensively, waiting, waiting… and then striking with sudden bursts. The Breakers, however, used sheer stamina, pressing high and slamming into every challenge.

The game dragged into overtime with a 0–0 scoreline. Just when it seemed destined for penalties, the Fangs slipped through with a sneaky through-ball and a last-minute strike.

"Unbelievable finish!" the commentator yelled.

Shadow Fangs 1 – 0 Steel Breakers.

The stadium buzzed with awe. Two matches, two incredible results—and now, only one game mattered.

---

The Build-Up

Back in the Azure Legends locker room, the air was different. The noise from the stadium leaked through the walls, vibrating in their chests. The team was restless.

"You heard the crowd," one boy muttered. "They're expecting a massacre."

Another rubbed his hands nervously. "Thunder Hawks are already warming up. They look scary."

Kael, tying his boots slowly, didn't flinch. His voice cut through the anxiety like a knife.

"Just pass the ball to me."

This time, the boys didn't laugh. They exchanged uneasy glances, but deep down, something in his quiet certainty had started to worm its way into them.

Bryan stood, clapping his hands. "Alright, listen up. No matter what happens, we fight as a team. We'll give it everything. And if Kael wants the ball…" He looked at Kael, then sighed. "We'll see."

The bell rang.

Outside, the roar of the crowd was deafening. The announcer's voice thundered through the speakers:

"Ladies and gentlemen, the final match of opening day—Thunder Hawks versus Azure Legends!"

The players lined up in the tunnel. Thunder Hawks, tall and confident, smirked at their opponents. Azure Legends, smaller and uncertain, tried to stand tall.

Kael adjusted his jersey, hair falling over his eyes, his expression unreadable. Samantha watched from the st

ands, heart racing. He's not normal… but he's not afraid either.

The whistle blew.

And the league had truly begun.

---

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