Dimensional Descent

James grabbed his helmet with both hands, dropping to his knees in despair. At a time like this, Leonel could only sigh.

However, under the silence of the arena, a resounding boom of two clashing bodies sounded.

Leonel grimaced, feeling his already fractured ribs break cleanly as his vision was filled with sights of the moon above.

It was then a loud whistle blew through the silence.

"Unnecessary roughness, roughing the passer, number 21. Half the distance to the goal, still first down."

Leonel landed heavily on the ground, grasping at his chest with his eyes squinting in pain.

The rookie stood over him in shock. At first, he had let his frustration get the best of him. He had never for a moment thought that James would drop such an easy layup of a pass, so he unleashed everything he had on Leonel, knowing they would lose the game. Never did he think that his actions would give the Royal Blues another chance with zero seconds on the clock.

The medics rushed onto the field. Despite the Royal Blues gaining new life, the stadium still remained silent. The sight of Leonel writhing in pain made many send furious gazes toward the rookie and James.

"Bennett, get the hell off the field! Rook, you're in."

Coach Owen coldly benched his Five-Star prospect. He didn't know what was wrong with James today, but he was clearly in his own head too much. It was impossible to use him for this final play.

The medics quickly lifted Leonel's jersey, undoing the bandage wraps from the first half to reveal ghastly purple and green bruises. It was simply impossible for a bruise to spread so quickly. The only explanation was that Leonel had suffered this injury very early on in the game.

"Don't." Leonel grabbed the hand of the middle-aged male medic who tried to take his pads off. "There's just one play left, I got it."

Coach Owen who had rushed onto the field frowned deeply, his arms crossed over his well-built chest and his mustache billowing.

The team stood around Leonel's slowly rising figure, solemn expressions on their faces. They knew that everyone made mistakes, but at the moment, they were having a really hard time forgiving James.

"What are you all pouting for? An injury timeout doesn't last forever, let's do this. Line up!"

Seeing Leonel's resolute attitude, the medics and Coach Owen had no choice but to jog off the field under the silence of the crowd. In those moments, the heavy breathing of the players who stood on their last legs was all that remained hanging in the air.

Leonel's fiery gaze lit a fire under them all, filling them with a strength they didn't know they had.

On the sidelines, Conrad looked on with a gloomy expression. Victory had been in his grasp, yet it slipped away, just like that.

Leonel slapped his hands together, standing behind his offensive line as though he wasn't injured at all.

"Blue 80. BLUE 80. Down set, HUT!"

**

in the locker room breathing heavily. The sounds of celebration surrounded him, causing a light smile to play his handsome features. Who knew how they did it, but the guys managed to get their hands on a few dozen

he could forcibly ignore his pain if need be as he did on the final game winning play, it was probably best he didn't move too actively,

and groaning, cap. You're not getting out of partying

of Leonel's O-lineman, Three-Star Center Milan Inga, slapped his shoulder without regard for his grimace. He swung back a flask of

come.

hopping in the showers one

sweaty pads and undergarments, taking his time. He planned on hopping into the showers last. Although he was pretty certain that Aina wouldn't come, he still had to put his best foot forward just in case. Luckily, he had already prepared a decent outfit. It wasn't as flashy as what those rich boys could bring out,

probably have to have one of the medics re-bandage this for me.' Leonel thought

sudden plop by his side, Leonel turned from his locker to see his coach half dozing off, a strong

laughed. "Coach, you're gonna get

though mockingly

how embarrassing. You

to the bright lights of the NAFL. This old

Your salary is enough to retire now and live a life of luxury until

witty comeback waiting for Leonel. But this

Thanks for choosing Royal Blue,

could have chosen Angel Wing, allowing him to attend the second ranked Academy. But, he chose Royal Blue

rat on your lip. If not for how fun it is to poke fun at

laughed uproariously, slapping Leonel's

your old

pain, Coach Owen

it while you

Coach Owen's last words. But, they were never intended for

locker to find his black bag. Pulling a familiar

knew, his father worked in a government division that focused on nutrition and enhanced nutritional supplements. The Ascension Empire believed that while their technology advanced rapidly, the human condition lagged behind. So this unnamed division worked toward maximizing human potential with

his father's creations. According to his Gene Assessment, he was slotted in to grow to six feet tall. But, after drinking this poison everyday, he superseded that by three inches and might very well gain another inch or two by the time

father was actually a Four-Star General. He only went on to work in this unnamed division after he retired from

aching ribs dulled down a bit. It would probably take a normal person about two months to heal, but Leonel would

only one remaining. Though he could have used the 'Refresh' ability of his watch, he

his time, he scrubbed every inch of his body before walking out with a towel around his waist and one hanging loosely over his

the towel through his hair, wincing as he struggled to keep his arms above his

he put on a pair of deep blue jeans, a skin-tight

kill me too much if I'm

shoulder. But the moment he turned,

are you moping around for?" Leonel smiled toward