The Imperial Championship Finals—America vs Japan—had ended in a breathtaking clash. It was a brutal match that stretched all the way to a penalty shootout, where at last, America emerged victorious, securing their place as the No. 1 team in the world.
These were the words echoing from the broadcast of DDC News, which aired the finals of the Imperial Tournament live—the most prestigious international competition held every five years. The network was now deep in post-match analysis and debate.
As the reporters discussed the dramatic final, the conversation turned toward the future of the sport. Many legendary players were nearing retirement, and their absence would leave behind shoes too large to fill.
> "Players like Dimitry Isenov and Vonstar Senior can never be replaced. They're pure legends," said one of the reporters.
Still, the future wasn't bleak. A new generation was rising—young talents emerging every day, determined to live up to the legacy of their heroes.
> "Take Aezra, for example," the reporter continued. "He became the youngest player to debut professionally at the Imperial Cup 2024—just sixteen, and he scored seven goals in the tournament. Experts are already calling him an S-Class player in the making."
---
Ace turned off the TV and lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
He thought about the world he lived in—a world ruled by two things: money and the game.
In this world, there were only two kinds of people:
Those who chose education and normal jobs
And those who chose to become players
But players weren't normal humans. They were a different species altogether—superhumans with special abilities, loved, respected, admired by the world.
However, becoming a player wasn't simple. People were chosen by birth. Only 20% of the population possessed the rare potential needed to become stars.
There were six types of players:
E-Class – the lowest
C-Class – average
B-Class – valuable
A-Class – extremely valuable
S-Class – legendary
And above all: SS+ God-Class – a rank reserved for legends
In the history of the game, only two players had ever reached God-Class:
Dimitry Isenov, the "Star Shooter" and captain of Team America
Vonstar Junior, the "Celestial Scorer" and captain of Japan
---
Ace tossed in bed, sleepless. His eyes wandered to a photo of Vonstar Junior pinned to his wall.
He started crying.
> "Why can't I be like you?" he whispered through sobs. "Why is life so unfair?"
Ace was an orphan. His parents had died when he was just two years old. Yet, despite the pain, he'd found happiness with his friends at the orphanage.
Still, most of the kids bullied him for being talentless—except for one: Dominic, his best friend. They shared a bond like brothers.
But good days don't last forever.
Last week, a player selection test had been held at the orphanage. Everyone was excited. One by one, the children tested their potential on the scanner.
Many had C-Class, some lucky ones even B-Class.
But the biggest shock?
Dominic had A-Class potential. He was selected.
Every child with a good rank was adopted by major companies, trained to be future stars.
Everyone—except Ace.
Every time the machine scanned him, it showed only:
> ( ?????? )
No data. No reading. No potential.
He was labeled useless. The only one left behind.
Before parting ways, Ace and Dominic shared one last hug and wished each other luck. After that, Ace was truly alone.
---
Now, in the silence of the orphanage, he whispered to the darkness:
> "If only I had A-Class potential, this wouldn't have happened.
I'd be with Dominic…
I'd have a future.
Why does this always happen to me?
Why am I always the one left behind?
I feel like shit right now.
I just want to die.
If only I had another chance… I would prove the world wrong.
I'd take revenge on everyone who ever thought I was useless."
> (sob)
"If only… I was given one more chance."
---
Suddenly, a blinding light filled the room.
Ace covered his eyes. When the light faded, he blinked—and froze.
Something was hovering in front of him. Not a TV. Not a phone.
It looked like a holographic screen—a floating window from a video game.
A status screen.
Ace's heart pounded. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
Then came the notification:
---
> "Do you want to become the Monster of the Game?"
✅ Yes / ❌ No