Blue lock: the true egoist

[3rd POV]

One week went by since Team X's last game together. 

Jude watched the remaining matches, and although there were a few surprising plays, especially from Yukimiya and Karasu who faced each other in the last game, Jude was both pleased and worried.

'They've both improved so much. I don't know if my appearance stimulated them to grow even further, but one thing's for sure, if I want to stand at the top I can't keep relying on strategies and tricks.'

Jude had enough self-awareness to know not to drown in his pseudo-success.

This was only the start.

Taking Team V by surprise using his acceleration was only possible for one game, if they were to play again…

Team V would most likely win. 

'But all that matters is that I completed the main quest.'

Indeed, Jude now stood at the top of the first selection. The only teams to survive, without much surprise, were Team X and Team V, who ended first and second respectively. 

In third place was Team W, from which only Otoya survived as the best striker of his team.

In the fourth and last spot, Yukimiya and Saramadara made it through. 

'My existence has already induced changes to the course of the story.' Jude pointed out.

Two players from Team W, which would under normal circumstances survive and go through to the second and even third selection, were now eliminated. 

The losing players' muffled cries could be heard from the hallway in which they gathered to pack their belongings, as to announce the official end of the first election.

But Jude was far more concerned by the holographic screen in front of him. 

[Congratulations on completing the main quest "On top of the first selection"!]

[You have received 30 random pro points!]

[You have received 20 pro points!]

This was to be expected, but what made Jude so intrigued was the small screen hidden behind it. 

'Did I use up a year's worth of luck? Isn't that a little too perfect? Is Santa giving me my gift a little too early?'

[Congratulations on clearing the first selection!]

[The special weapon "Greed (Z)" is triggered. An additional reward will be given to the host!]

[Special weapon ticket.]

The name speaks for itself. 

[Item: Special weapon ticket. 

Rank: Z. 

Description: A special item allowing the host to choose a special weapon from any of the players from the same block. 

Additional note: the special weapon's rank will go down by one compared to the original.]

'So I can basically copy a weaker version of someone's special weapon.' Jude was pondering the idea.

A special weapon was someone's identity and usually were the results of years of hard work and training.

Even in the past, Jude never received a special weapon so easily. 

'I won't complain though.'

A wide smile spread across Jude's face as he walked around the hallways, continuously activating his [Eyes of the Lord]. He could feel a slight headache coming in, but it was worth it. He didn't want to miss out on any hidden gem. 

After an entire hour of searching, Jude finally made up his mind. 

"There's definitely nothing better for me right now." His attention was directed to an A ranked special weapon. 

One of the highest Ranked he ever came across, even if he could only copy a lesser version, it would still be a B rank special weapon added to his arsenal. 

[Phantom Path:

Rank: A

A shadowy path appears in the user's view, allowing him to go in the opponent's blind spots and move unnoticed. The player's footsteps become almost inaudible, and his presence starts to fade when inside the path.]

It was none other than Otoya's strongest weapon, and the main reason why he was so dangerous. 

[Do you confirm choosing the special weapon "Phantom Path (A)"?]

[Yes] [No]

Jude immediately clicked on the screen. 'No regrets.'

[Congratulations on obtaining the special weapon "Shadow Walk (B)"!]

[Shadow Walk:

Rank: B

When off the ball, the player's footsteps become almost inaudible, and his presence is lessened.]

Jude smiled with satisfaction as he read the description of his new skill. 

'I was worried that the special weapon would change too much, but this is perfect for me. I don't plan on making off the ball movement the focus of my playstyle like Otoya would. All I need for now is a new weapon to mix into my arsenal.'

With this, Jude was almost ready for the Second Selection, but there was still one week of physical training, as well as many points he had yet to assign. 

[Player status:

Name: Jude Sanchez

Age: 16

Permanent titles: "Stamina Freak"

Temporary titles: "Osaka's Emperor"

Version: Professional

Total: D (52) 

Offence: D (54) 

Shooting: D (50) 

Dribble: D (52) 

Speed: D (53) 

Defence: E (47) 

Pass: E (46) 

Pro points: 20

Random pro points: 30

Special Weapons (6/6): Greed (Z), Eyes of the Lord (Z), Flow State (B), Shadow Walk (B), Emperor's Aura (C), Quick pass (D)]

Jude lost the "Team X's Striker" title since officially Team X no longer exists.

"It's a shame," but Jude wasn't too bothered. 

At the end of this one week, he was going to be reborn as a monster who can stand on equal ground with the strongest of Blue Lock. 

..

..

///////////////////

(One week later) 

"All participants who have passed, please wear your training suits and head to the center of the basement in your own stratum" Ego announced loudly.

Yanagi was the first to stand up. 

"It's finally over..." Miyata soon followed, the heavy eyebags resting under his eyes were enough proof of how hard ego's physical training was. 

The past week could only be called a living hell. Ego pushed everyone to their physical limits, and the physically weaker ones, like Miyata, had a way harder time enduring it. 

"I still can't believe we're finally moving on to the next stage. I wonder how the other stratums are." Akira voiced out as everyone began walking together. 

In those two months spent together Team X grew a lot closer.

They were as much of a team as any other high school team out there. They fell and grew together.

Now it was time to part ways. 

'I grew attached to each of them, but I knew that if I wished to reach the top, I would have to do it alone.'

Jude couldn't allow himself to get sentimental. 

Thanks to the continuous training, multiple quests, and the 30 Random Pro Points he used — Jude's stats grew at an astonishing rate. 

'As expected of Blue Lock.'

Jude went from an overall of 44 (E) to now 56 (D), he is now right behind Karasu and Hiori. 

'If I take into account my new Special Weapons, I'm already amongst the top players, but I still need to learn how to use them properly.'

Jude's thoughts were cut short. It was finally here, the door leading to the Second Selection. 

..

..

//////////////////////

Result of the random pro points: 

[Shooting power: 53->54

Shooting accuracy: 55->56

Short pass: 49->50

Long pass: 46->47

Volley: 56->57

Long shot: 53->54

Free kick: 50->52

Curve: 51->53

Penalty kick: 54->55

Weak foot: 52->54

Stamina: 61->62

Top speed: 54->56

Jump: 55->57

Composure: 56->57

Assertiveness: 58->59

Tactical coordination: 49->50

Sliding tackle: 49->51

Direct play: 50->51

Positioning: 53->55

Play field of vision: 53->55

Feint: 55->56]

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Author: Merry Christmas! A second chapter will be coming to celebrate!