Ethereal ✦ Blue Lock

08||Into the inferno

Chapter 8: Aiza vs. Barou: Who's More Dramatic?

Song: Unstoppable

I'm invincible, yeah, I win every single game.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ───

Aiza's POV:

Barou glared at me, his eyes full of disdain. "You think this win matters? You're just a pawn. Without those nobodies backing you up, you'd be crushed. Your strength isn't yours—it's borrowed."

I leaned in with a smirk. "Funny, I didn't see anyone stopping me from scoring. Maybe you were too busy waiting for a miracle."

Barou's sneer deepened. "I don't need anyone to win. I make my own plays, score my own goals. That's real strength. What are you without them? A wasted talent, hoping someone will carry you."

I crossed my arms and shot back, "You talk a lot for someone who didn't score today, King. Guess playing alone has its limits, huh?"

His sneer turned darker. "Limits? You're the one with limits. You think hiding behind a team makes you strong? When they slip, you'll be exposed for the weak player you are. No goals, no victory. Just a flame that burns out when the wind changes."

Everything started to blur, my mind repeating, "I'm not weak... I won't lose... It's your kingdom that's in ashes... now mine... I won't lose... I won't lose..."

I slowly opened my eyes. I was leaning back in a chair, the light catching my gaze. I adjusted my eyes and lifted my head to meet the person in front of me.

Shoulder-length brown hair, eyes shut tight, and an ugly, fake smile plastered across their face. Wearing a 'Z' jersey—pathetic, useless.

"So, will you accept my offer?" he asked, grinning like a fake saint. "I'll give you intel on Team Z, and you let me score a hat trick." What on earth is this clown talking about? He kept talking, his smile getting faker with every word.

"It's a pretty sweet deal, right?" he added at the end, still grinning like he won the lottery.

"What a joke," I said, raising my arms and stretching them out. The Wanima brothers were sitting next to me, happily eating steaks from their points after winning their match. "I'm out," I added, turning toward the gate.

"w-wait I still have more disc-"

"How weak and pathetic can you get? If I were you, I'd quit football already and save yourself the humiliation," I turned my back and walked away, his shouts fading behind me. He wasn't even worth my time, so I didn't bother listening.

I strolled through the corridor, finally pushing open the door to Team Z's training field.

How am I weak? I thought. I score goals on my own. Sure, I use my opponents and teammates to set up chances, but I still get the job done.

"Yo, it's been a while, big bro," I called out, my gaze landing on the tall, muscular figure standing alone in the vast field. The moment he heard my voice, he turned toward me, his eyes widening just slightly, the change barely noticeable but enough for me to catch.

"Ryouta?" he murmured, his voice low but tinged with recognition.

"Yup, that's right," I said with a grin, watching him closely. "Wanna go one-on-one?" The challenge hung in the air between us. Louis was the strongest player I knew, the one I'd always faced off with growing up. If I could beat him today, maybe that would prove I could score on my own—without anyone else setting me up. That had to count for something, right?