Gilded Ashes - Chapter 20: Duelists

In a world where beast masters rule by taming magical creatures and competing in thrilling tournaments, becoming the most celebrated sport, Eratz seemed destined for greatness. Surrounded by friends and family, his path was set until a shocking betrayal shattered his dreams.Fueled by the pain of his betrayal, Eratz looks up at the night sky, finding a new purpose. He vows to rise from the ashes and conquer the beast master world, determined to become the greatest and reclaim his lost honor.

He hated everything I was, but I searched for affection in every cruel glance he gave me.“There were so many things I wanted to say to you, but even writing them feels impossible. Because I know that if I were to put down the words I keep in my heart, you'd only say it's natural, after all, I’m just a stupid, self-centered person, like you often said.But I'm not. And that’s why I won’t bare my heart to someone who never truly knew me. Because... you wouldn’t trust the sincerity of a stranger. Right?But I did.You were the stranger whose sincerity I believed in.So I’m stepping away from being the person who embodies everything you hate—because I hate those things too.Maybe in another life, I’ll get to tell you who I really am.”

Rio Lance is a Ferrari engine with square wheels.He can run the 100 meters in 10.8 seconds, but he possesses the ball control of a traffic cone.In the ruthless world of Spanish football, he’s a “kick-and-run” merchant destined for the Sunday leagues.But fate has a different transfer deadline day in mind.With Girona FC bleeding out in the La Liga relegation zone and an injury crisis wiping out the first team, the manager needs a miracle. He needs a winger. Tomorrow.Rio knows he’s doomed to fail the trial. He’s fast, but he can’t shoot, pass, or dribble to save his life.That is, until his phone glitches out and installs a mysterious app.[Connection Established...][The Football Legends Chat Group!]King_10: “A new rookie? He looks clumsy.”Hand_Of_King: “Clumsy? I like his attitude.”Total_Football_14: “Stop bickering. We have one night to turn this sprinter into a footballer.”Rio isn't hallucinating. He’s just been added to a group chat with the digital echoes of Pelé, Maradona, and Cruyff!They are bored. They are critical. And they are willing to share their GOAT-tier abilities but only if Rio can survive the pressure.With Maradona’s [La Gambeta] feint loaded into his muscle memory and Cruyff’s [Clockwork Eye] guiding his vision, the fastest kid in Spain is about to stop running away from the ball and start running the game.The first mission is simple.Save Girona from relegation, or get banned from the Chat Group forever.***Let's get this novel up there! Drop your Golden Tickets and reviews, and enjoy a ride that won't disappoint!