Chapter 1: The Promise

VANTA LEAGUE

The sunset painted the empty football field in shades of orange and gold. The old nets moved softly with the wind while the sound of laughter echoed across the grass.

“PASS THE BALL!” shouted Jino Genesis.

“I am passing it!” yelled Gray Retch before launching the ball far above the goal.

Jino stared at him in disbelief.

“That was a shot!”

“It almost went in.”

“It almost hit a bird!”

Near the goalpost, Zeo Jinaki walked toward the ball calmly before kicking it back to them.

“You both suck,” he said.

Gray laughed. “That’s why you’re the goalkeeper.”

“I’m not even a goalkeeper.”

The three looked at each other for a moment before bursting into laughter again.

The field was small. The grass was uneven. Half the stadium lights barely worked.

But to them, it felt like the biggest stage in the world.

Gray suddenly picked up the ball and held it against his chest.

“One day,” he said confidently, “we’re gonna become the best strikers on Earth.”

Jino smirked. “Obviously. With me carrying the team.”

“In your dreams.”

Zeo crossed his arms. “You idiots better not forget me when you become famous.”

Gray extended his fist forward.

“Promise?”

Jino immediately joined.

“Promise.”

After a small sigh, Zeo joined too.

“Promise.”

The sunset shined behind them as the three stood together smiling.

None of them knew how much their lives were about to change.

Years later.

The roar of a stadium shook the air.

Regional Finals.

The scoreboard displayed:

2 — 2

Only minutes remained.

One victory separated them from the national tournament.

Sweat rolled down Gray’s face as he looked around desperately for an opening.

“Gray!” Jino shouted while running between defenders.

Gray reacted instantly.

He pushed forward.

One defender passed.

Then another.

The crowd exploded with excitement.

Only one player remained.

Gray moved the ball to the side and prepared to shoot—

—but suddenly, the ball disappeared from his feet.

A defender stole it cleanly.

Counterattack.

Too fast.

Too sudden.

Zeo rushed toward the goal line, trying to stop the final shot.

The striker fired.

GOAL.

3 — 2.

Silence.

The referee blew the whistle moments later.

Game over.

Their dream was gone.

The locker room felt empty.

Rain hit the windows softly while nobody spoke.

Jino stared at the floor silently.

Gray sat against the wall, frustrated.

Zeo removed his gloves slowly before speaking.

“We were close.”

Gray clenched his fists tightly.

“Close isn’t enough.”

Nobody answered.

Then suddenly—

The television inside the locker room turned on by itself.

Static filled the room.

The three looked up.

A dark symbol appeared on the screen.

VANTA

A distorted voice echoed through the room.

> “To the players who failed today…”

Gray’s eyes narrowed.

> “Do you still wish to become the greatest striker in the world?”

The screen flashed images of massive stadiums, elite players, and unknown teams.

Jino slowly stood up.

Zeo stared at the television silently.

The voice continued:

> “Then abandon your excuses.”

The screen darkened again.

> “Your career begins now.”

The room fell silent.

Gray slowly stood up and looked at his friends.

For the first time since losing…

his eyes burned with determination again.

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