Chapter 1: The Whistle That Changed Everything
The monsoon sky above Dhaka cracked open, drenching the city in a torrential downpour. In a narrow alleyway behind a half-broken tea shop, a boy stood in soaked clothes, staring at a deflated football like it was the last hope in his life.
Rudro.
Fifteen years old.
Unranked.
Unknown.
But not for long.
He dribbled the torn ball between rusted tin cans, the puddles splashing against his ankles. His eyes burned with a fire brighter than any floodlight. He had no coach, no proper field, no recognition. But inside, he had something stronger than talent.
Ego.
---
Across the city, in an elite sports academy called Sparkwind, a girl sprinted across the field. Her feet danced on the turf like poetry, slicing through defenders with grace and fury.
Ariana.
Sixteen years old.
Ranked #9 in the National U17 Girls Team.
Feared.
Focused.
But not fulfilled.
Even with the spotlight on her, something was missing. The applause felt empty. She didn't want to just be the best girl player. She wanted to be the best. Period.
---
That night, both Rudro and Ariana fell asleep to the sound of rain. Two completely different worlds. One from the bottom. One from the top.
But their lives were about to change forever.
[SYSTEM ACTIVATED]
> Welcome, Player.
You have been chosen.
Welcome to the EGO SYSTEM.
Rudro jolted awake in his small rooftop room, blinking against the blinding holographic screen floating in front of him.
> Current Stats
Speed: 45
Stamina: 42
Dribbling: 49
Shooting: 39
Ego: 50
You have 100 Ego Points to allocate.
He rubbed his eyes. "Am I dreaming?" he whispered.
In a glass-walled dormitory across town, Ariana was having the same experience.
> Current Stats
Speed: 81
Stamina: 77
Dribbling: 85
Shooting: 76
Ego: 65
You have 100 Ego Points to allocate.
Ariana narrowed her eyes. "What kind of joke is this?"
> This is not a simulation.
From now on, every match, every goal, every decision — will affect your stats.
Do you want to rule the world of football?
Then become the ultimate egoist.
---
Day 1 - The First Test
In his school's dusty field, Rudro felt faster than ever. Every time he touched the ball, it obeyed him like a loyal dog. His dribbling sliced through defenders who used to laugh at him.
One of them cursed, "Oi, Rudro, where'd you learn that from?"
He smiled. "From the future."
Meanwhile, Ariana ignored her teammates' jealous glares during practice. She didn't need them. Not anymore.
She wanted to fight stronger opponents. Not just for trophies.
For evolution.
---
That Night: [New Quest Unlocked]
> Quest: Make the World Remember Your Name
Condition: Score 100 goals in competitive matches
Reward: Unlock Special Ability – Phantom Drive
> Quest: Break the Chain
Condition: Defeat someone with stats double your own
Reward: Ego Surge (+500 EP)
Rudro blinked at the screen and laughed. "So I get stronger by crushing people better than me?"
He liked this game already.
---
Three Weeks Later
The youth football trials for Project Zenith — Bangladesh's new elite training program — opened for applications. Only 50 would be selected nationwide.
Rudro stood in line barefoot among hundreds, his system stats barely breaking 60s.
Ariana stood in front of scouts, juggling a ball behind her back with her eyes closed.
"Why do you want to join?" a scout asked.
She smirked. "Because I'm bored of beating girls."
Silence. Shock. Disbelief.
---
[System Warning: Compatibility Detected]
> You are not the only Ego User.
Rival Detected: Ariana
Rival Detected: Rudro
Distance Between You: 7.2km
Fate Meter: 93%
Outcome: Collision is inevitable.
---
In their own worlds, Rudro and Ariana looked up at the sky the same night. They didn't know each other yet.
But fate already had them on a collision course.
One from the street.
One from the academy.
Two egos.
Two systems.
And only one throne.
---
[Hidden System Message Unlocked]
> You are not chosen to play football.
You are chosen to conquer it.
Welcome to the Era of Ego Football.
---
End of Chapter 1