SWNOVELXO Chapter 6: Chapter 6: Unleashing Ego
Chapter 6: Unleashing Ego
The roaring echoes of victory still vibrated through the Blue Dawn dorms. The Devil's Match was over. Blue Dawn had emerged victorious by a single goal—Rudou's goal. A solo break down the left wing, past three defenders, and a curling shot into the top corner had sealed it in the 89th minute.
He didn't smile.
Because even in triumph, he wasn't satisfied.
> [Victory Bonus Applied: x2 Ego Multiplier Active – 48 Hours]
[Updated Ego Points: 184]
[Rank: 1]
[Hidden Trait Progress: 3% – True Striker's Ego]
Takumi slapped his back as they entered the rest zone, sweat still dripping from their brows.
"Top of the board, huh?" Takumi smirked. "Now you've got a target on your back."
"I want it there," Rudou replied. "Let them come."
---
10:00 PM – Private Simulation Room
While others rested, Rudou pushed deeper. He used the system's private training simulations—high-speed virtual opponents, tactical pressure drills, ego reflex response.
His body screamed.
But the system fed off it.
> [New Skill Unlocked: Predator Instinct Lv.1 – Temporary +5 Finishing in Final 10 Minutes of Match]
[Skill Type: Clutch Egoist]
[Emotion Linkage Detected – Ego Level Increased]
He collapsed onto the mat, vision blurred, arms trembling. The Ego System hovered above him like a god watching its chosen disciple.
> [You are beginning to understand.]
[You are beginning to become.]
---
The Next Morning – Ego Boardroom Briefing
All players were summoned. The room was a white hexagonal hall, lined with digital screens. Standing in front of them was someone none of them had seen before.
A tall man in a grey suit. Black gloves. Grey-white hair. Sharp, piercing eyes that didn't blink once.
> "My name is Kaguro Rin," he began. "I am the architect of the Ego System. I designed it… for monsters."
The room fell silent.
> "You think scoring goals is enough? You think the rankings matter? The truth is, this system isn't for strikers. It's for egos. The moment you hesitate, you break."
He turned toward Rudou.
> "Tell me, Rank 1. What are you willing to do to stay on top?"
Rudou stood.
> "Anything. As long as I don't lose myself."
Kaguro's eyes lit up.
> "Interesting. But you will. Eventually."
---
Training Phase: The Mirror Match
For the first time, players were pitted against AI copies of themselves—perfect replicas, controlled by the system, designed to exploit every weakness.
Rudou faced himself.
Literally.
Same stats. Same style. Same tricks.
And the mirror-Rudou was faster.
The first round ended with Mirror-Rudou scoring twice and shutting him out.
> [System Message: YOU ARE NO LONGER THE BEST YOU]
[Temporary Ego Drop: -5 Confidence]
[Warning: Regression Risk Detected]
Frustration boiled inside him. But then he remembered Mizuki's eyes—cold, sharp, heartless.
Was that what he needed?
---
Afternoon – Takumi vs. Takumi
Meanwhile, Takumi faced his own copy and began laughing mid-match.
"You copy my moves, but not my heart."
He shifted his style—less predictable, more chaotic. Nutmegged his own double. Twisted behind and scored a backheel.
> [Trait Evolution Detected: Maestro → Chaotic Conductor Lv.1]
[New Bonus: Randomness Factor +4 in Possession]
[Rank Up: Now #2]
Takumi walked out, sweating and smiling.
He hadn't won by being the best. He'd won by being unreadable.
---
Late Night – Rudou's Second Attempt
Rudou entered the mirror room again, shirtless, eyes wild.
> [Custom Override Activated: Aggression Protocol Enabled]
[Ego Boost: Finishing +6, Sprint +5, Tactical Memory -2]
[System Warning: Reckless Mode Engaged]
He didn't try to out-think his double this time.
He tried to break him.
He charged headfirst, forced physical contact, abandoned finesse for raw pressure. He didn't pass. He didn't stop.
He devoured.
3–1. He beat himself.
> [Aggression Trait Fragment Acquired: Apex Predator (Locked)]
[Ego System Response: Primitive Ego Rising]
[New Status: Dual Style Available – Classic / Savage]
---
Final Ranking – End of Mirror Phase
1. Rudou Kagemori – 212 Ego Points
2. Takumi Arata – 195 Ego Points
3. Shun Mizuki – 190 Ego Points
4. Ryoga Tendo – 162
5. Daigo Sano – 158
---
Hidden System Announcement – Only Sent to Rudou and Takumi
> [SYSTEM UNLOCKED: PATH OF THE ORIGINAL EGO]
[YOU TWO HAVE BEEN SELECTED AS "EGO SEEDS"]
[DECISION POINT WILL ARRIVE IN 10 MATCHES]
[ONLY ONE OF YOU WILL ASCEND TO THE TRUE SYSTEM]
[THE OTHER WILL BE ERASED]
Rudou stared at the screen.
He didn't blink.
He just whispered: "Bring it."
And so did Takumi.
But neither of them knew what "erased" really meant.