Episode 15: The Bloodbath Match
Jaden stood on the pitch, heart pounding. This wasn't just another training session. This was an elimination match.
Twenty players. One brutal game.
By the end of it? At least five of them would be cut.
Vance's voice echoed across the field.
"No refs. No stoppage. You play until I say it's over." His cold gaze swept over them. "Make one mistake, and you're out. I don't give a fuck about excuses."
Jaden clenched his fists.
This wasn't just football anymore. This was survival.
The Teams
The players were split into two teams of ten. Jaden barely glanced at his teammates—he was too busy scanning the enemy lineup.
Blaine was there.
So was Leo.
And standing beside them? Ryo Tanaka.
Jaden exhaled sharply. Shit.
Ryo was different. He wasn't like Blaine—just another brute trying to dominate with strength. Ryo was smart, fast, and surgical with his movements.
Jaden had seen him play before. And now? He had to go against him.
Leo walked up, smirking. "Looks like we're enemies today."
Jaden didn't smile. "Try not to cry when I score on you."
Leo laughed. "Cocky. I like it."
The whistle blew.
Game on.
A War on the Pitch
The ball moved fast. Faster than normal.
No one played safe. Every tackle was a battle. Every dribble was a fight for survival.
Jaden barely had time to think before a midfielder slammed into him, knocking him off balance.
No foul. No whistle.
Right. No rules.
Jaden growled, pushing himself up. He wasn't going to get knocked around like some weakling.
He sprinted forward, his eyes locked on the ball—just as Ryo intercepted a pass with a ridiculous first touch.
Damn.
Ryo darted through the midfield, cutting past players like they weren't even there.
Jaden moved to stop him— but Ryo saw it coming.
He flicked the ball up—over Jaden's head.
Before Jaden could react, Blaine was already there, smashing a volley into the net.
1-0.
Blaine turned, grinning. "That all you got, Carter?"
Jaden exhaled slowly. He wasn't going to lose. Not to these assholes.
The Equalizer
Jaden's team kicked off again, moving faster. More aggressive. They knew if they didn't score soon, someone on their team would get cut.
The pressure was suffocating.
Jaden found an opening. A perfect run into the box.
His teammate sent a long ball over the defense.
Jaden sprinted forward, eyes locked on the ball. Timing had to be perfect.
He jumped—his body twisting in the air.
Boom.
His foot connected. The ball rocketed into the net.
1-1.
Jaden landed hard, rolling onto the grass. Pain shot through his ribs—but he didn't care.
He had scored.
He pushed himself up, turning to meet Blaine's glare.
Jaden smirked. "That all you got?"
Blaine's jaw tightened. Now it was personal.
No More Weakness
The match continued, turning more violent.
Jaden's legs burned. Every second felt like war.
His teammates were struggling. Some were slower, weaker, barely keeping up.
Jaden clenched his jaw. This was why people got eliminated.
If you weren't good enough, you were dead weight.
The game entered the final minutes. 1-1.
One goal could decide everything.
The Final Moment
Ryo got the ball.
Jaden moved instantly.
He didn't wait. Didn't hesitate.
He tackled hard.
Too hard.
Ryo went flying.
Jaden's foot slammed into the ball, launching it down the field.
His teammate caught it.
A breakaway. A chance.
Jaden sprinted forward, ignoring the burn in his lungs. He was going to win this.
His teammate crossed the ball into the box. Perfect delivery.
Jaden lunged—diving header.
The ball smashed into the net.
2-1.
Whistle. Game over.
Jaden stayed on the ground, breathing hard.
He had won.
But who would survive?
The Cuts Begin
Vance walked onto the field, arms crossed.
"Good game," he said. "But not good enough for everyone."
Silence.
Vance pointed at three players. Jaden's teammates.
"You're out. Pack your shit."
They went pale. Just like that, their dreams were over.
Jaden exhaled. He had barely survived.
Then—Vance turned to Blaine's team.
He pointed at two more players.
Including Mason.
Blaine's teammate. His guy.
Mason's face twisted in shock. "No way. I—"
Vance cut him off. "I don't give a shit. You're gone."
Blaine's expression darkened. Jaden smirked.
Blaine had just lost an ally.
Good.
Vance turned back to the survivors.
"Tomorrow, we go again. More cuts. More pain." His lips curled. "Welcome to Iron Stride."
Jaden exhaled slowly. One battle won. A hundred more to go.
But as he turned to leave, he felt it again.
That familiar gaze.
He looked up—and saw Blaine staring at him.
Blaine didn't speak. Didn't move.
He just smiled.
Jaden's stomach twisted.
This wasn't over.
Not even close.