As the crowd of players disperses after Zarerk’s ominous introduction, I catch sight of GGS1 again, standing near the entrance. His arms are crossed, his expression calm, but there’s an intensity behind his eyes. He’s watching everyone, probably sizing up the competition just like me.
I hesitate for a moment before walking over. I’m not sure why, but something inside me needs to settle things with him before this competition starts for real. As I approach, his gaze locks onto mine. There’s no hesitation on his part - just cold, quiet confidence.
“LuffyX,” he says, acknowledging me with a slight nod. His voice is calm, as if he’s not surprised to see me here.
“GGS1,” I reply, keeping my tone neutral. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”
He raises an eyebrow. “Really? After our last match, I’d be surprised if we didn’t end up in the same place.”
The tension between us is thick, but it’s not like before when we were on opposite sides of the field. This is different. Here, we’re not just opponents in a match. We’re competitors in something much bigger.
“Think you’ll make it through this?” I ask, my voice steady but laced with a challenge.
GGS1 smirks, his eyes narrowing slightly. “I know I will. I don’t plan on losing, not here.”
There’s a flicker of something in his eyes - determination, maybe. But there’s also a coldness there, like he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win. I feel a chill run down my spine, but I keep my expression firm.
“You were good in the final,” I admit. “But we still won.”
He shrugs. “One game. It doesn’t matter now. This is different.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. This isn’t about one match. This is about survival in a world where only the best move forward.
“Think you’ve got what it takes?” he asks, his gaze sharp, as if he’s trying to read me.
“I know I do,” I reply confidently. “I’ve beaten you once. I’ll do it again.”
There’s a brief silence as we stare each other down. Then GGS1 smiles - a small, almost imperceptible curve of his lips.
“Good,” he says. “It wouldn’t be worth it if the competition was easy.”
Without another word, he turns and walks away, disappearing into the crowd of players. I watch him go, feeling the weight of his words settle over me. This isn’t just a rivalry. It’s a battle for something much more.
As I stand there, the reality of Project Genesis sinks in even deeper. GGS1 and I - along with every other player here - are on a collision course. And there’s no room for mistakes.
Only one thing is clear: this is just the beginning.
YOU ARE READING
GNS: A Rising Striker
ActionWe follow LuffyX, a young and promising striker from Stuttgart. Who knows what unexpected turns his life might take?
