SWNOVELXO Chapter 4: Chapter 4: The Weight of Rank
Chapter 4: The Weight of Rank
The morning sun crept over the Chiba training complex, casting long shadows on the glass towers and concrete walls of the Ego Development Facility. The 50 remaining players awoke to a harsh new reality.
> [System Alert: Top 11 Ranking Will Be Publicly Broadcast at End of Each Matchday.]
[Motivation Protocol: Activated.]
Rudou Kagemori opened his eyes to the blaring sound of his alarm and the glowing blue interface hovering before his vision. The numbers were sharp. Burned into his brain.
> [Current Rank: #3]
[Ego Points: 98]
[Solo Striker Trait: Active]
He sat up slowly, heart already beating faster. Today was no ordinary matchday.
Because now… the world was watching.
---
Dorm Room 03-B
Takumi Arata stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his armband. Calm. Focused. He wasn't just Rudou's best friend anymore—he was his top rival.
> "Rankings change fast," he muttered. "Only one of us gets to wear that blue number one."
He pulled up his system interface.
> [Current Rank: #2]
[Trait: Maestro (Unlocked)]
[Hidden Pathway Progress: 12% – Precision Commander]
In the hallway, Rudou and Takumi crossed paths silently. No words. Just a nod. That same old tension was building again—like storm clouds forming above a battlefield.
---
Training Ground B – Match 2: Red Wolves vs. Azure Arrows
The captains lined up. This time, Rudou had been assigned captain of the Azure Arrows. Takumi was benched temporarily for player rotation — giving Rudou the spotlight.
But he wasn't alone.
On the opposing team stood Shun Mizuki, the current #1 ranked egoist. Calm, tall, and terrifying. He hadn't even smiled once since entering the facility.
And he was staring straight at Rudou.
> "Let's see if the little striker with big dreams can carry a whole team," Mizuki said, voice cold.
Rudou simply grinned. "You'll remember my name."
The whistle blew.
---
Kickoff – 0:00
The moment the match began, Mizuki's presence was overwhelming.
> His Speed? 90.
Strength? 88.
Aerial Ability? Maxed.
The system flickered every time Mizuki moved.
In just 6 minutes, he headed in a cross from 18 yards.
> [Shun Mizuki Goal – +18 Ego Points]
Rudou's team was shaken. Players hesitated. Passes went astray.
Rudou activated his trait — but his teammates weren't in sync with him. They didn't trust him yet.
So he adapted.
---
Minute 21 – Rudou's Awakening
Rudou intercepted a pass at midfield, turned, and sprinted forward alone. Three defenders closed in.
> [Solo Striker Trait Boost: Speed +7, Dribbling +5]
He dipped his shoulder, feinted left, spun right, and left them in the dust. The goalkeeper rushed out. Rudou chipped it delicately.
GOAL.
> [Goal Scored – +22 Ego Points]
[System Recognition: Critical Moment – Crowd Effect Simulation Triggered]
The arena's walls flashed. The crowd effect turned on. Artificial cheering roared from every direction. It didn't matter that the stadium was empty.
The system simulated praise to test ego growth.
> "We're not losing today," Rudou yelled. "Follow me or stay behind!"
That moment sparked something.
---
Minute 37 – The Azure Arrows Rise
Rudou started passing. Directing. Even sacrificing shots for assists.
A winger named Daigo Sano scored off Rudou's flick.
> [+8 Ego Points. Playmaker Bonus]
[+5 Team Coordination Bonus]
By halftime, it was 2-1 in favor of the Azure Arrows. Mizuki looked… annoyed.
And that was dangerous.
---
Second Half – Mizuki's Fury
Mizuki came alive. Every step was a threat. He dominated Rudou's defenders like they were paper.
> In 10 minutes, he scored twice more.
Hat-trick.
Rank #1 secured… for now.
But Rudou didn't give up.
---
Minute 74 – The Rebellion
With the score 3-2 and time running out, Rudou activated his emergency stat boost using 30 Ego Points.
> [Emergency Override: Solo Breakthrough Activated]
Speed +10, Finishing +10 for 2 minutes
He received a pass, spun around Mizuki, and rocketed the ball into the net.
3–3.
The crowd effect screamed again.
---
Final 5 Minutes – The Clash
Mizuki vs. Rudou, one last duel.
Mizuki burst through the defense with raw power.
Rudou chased with raw instinct.
They collided at the edge of the box.
Mizuki shot—
Blocked.
By Rudou.
The ball rebounded downfield. Time expired.
DRAW.
---
Post-Match Rankings Update
> 1. Shun Mizuki – 122 Ego Points
2. Rudou Kagemori – 120 Ego Points
3. Takumi Arata – 104 Ego Points
4. Ryoga Tendo – 91 Ego Points
5. Daichi Motonari – 87 Ego Points
---
That Night – Dorm Balcony
Rudou stood alone, sweat still drying on his skin.
Takumi joined him silently, watching the stars.
> "So close," Rudou said.
"You scared Mizuki," Takumi replied. "You're almost there."
"Almost isn't enough," Rudou said. "Next match, I'm going to be #1."
Takumi smiled.
> "Then let's make it a three-way war."
The Ego System buzzed in Rudou's mind.
> [Secret Condition Met: Consistent Top 3]
[Hidden Trait: Awakening Sequence – 1%]
He didn't know what was coming.
But the system was evolving with him.
And the ego inside was far from satisfied.
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