San Francisco, 49ers Training Facility.
As dawn broke, an atmosphere of tension and despair hung over the training field. The three substitute players injured by Levi's uncontrolled impact had been rushed to the hospital. The demolished sideline bench structure stood as stark evidence of Levi's loss of control.
Head Coach Shanahan and the Team General Manager stared at Levi, who stood near the ruins, their faces pale with anger and fatigue.
Levi's face was etched with pain and self-reproach. He knew he couldn't explain this incident away with a "gas explosion."
"Levi," Coach Shanahan's voice carried an unprecedented level of disappointment. "Your three teammates—one has a broken collarbone, two have suffered severe comminuted leg fractures. Their season, perhaps even their careers, may be over."
"I... I apologize to them," Levi said hoarsely, his voice filled with remorse.
"What good is an apology?" the General Manager roared in fury. "Your Indestructible Body is meant to protect the team! Not to destroy your teammates!"
The GM pointed at Levi, his eyes filled with fear. "You are a ticking time bomb! The League requested a one-week suspension! But we have decided—indefinite suspension!"
"We cannot allow you on the field anymore! Who knows if you'll demolish the entire stadium the next time you lose control!"
Levi fell silent. He understood their fear. His power had exceeded everyone's grasp.
[Main Quest: Obtain MVP. Progress: Suspended.]
[WARNING: Host has been abandoned by the team. Main Quest is in deadlock.]
Just then, an icy voice echoed directly in Levi's mind.
"How does the anger taste, Levi Wang?"
It was Observer-03! He was communicating directly with Levi's brain via some form of remote frequency.
"Your lovely Dr. Sophie successfully triggered your 'self-destruct mode.' But unfortunately, you failed to atomize yourself in the apartment," Observer-03's voice was mocking.
"Your Indestructible Body only ensures your rage backfires on the most innocent people. Tell me, aren't you desperately wanting to punch the GM who just suspended you?"
Levi clenched his fists. He could feel the suppressed Critical Energy surge again, ready to move.
"Observer! What did you do to Sophie?" Levi roared internally.
"She is safe. At least until the 'heart-stoppage countdown' ends, she's safe," Observer-03 chuckled gleefully.
"Levi, I'll give you one last chance. Tell me how your 'Critical Threshold' operates, and how you predicted Ian's teleportation trajectory. In exchange, I will lift the threat on Sophie and let you return to the field."
Levi replied coldly: "Dream on!"
"Fool!" Observer-03's voice instantly turned sinister. "Do you think your petty strength can stand against me? You can't even control your own emotions!"
"You are not Indestructible! You are merely an emotion-driven, low-level Subject!"
"You will never master your rage!"
Observer-03's taunt successfully ignited the deepest core of Levi's self-respect.
Levi suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with a mixture of arrogance and extreme calm. He looked at the wreckage he had caused and had a sudden realization.
"Who says anger must lead to a loss of control?"
A faint red glow enveloped Levi's body! He deliberately summoned the chaotic Critical Energy within him!
[CONGRATULATIONS! Active Control of 'Emotion Drive' Successful!]
[System Upgrade! Rage is no longer a tendency for self-destruction, but a catalyst for power!]
[New Superpower: 'Emotional Lock' Unlocked! Host can maintain absolute calm and tactical thinking under extreme rage!]
Levi felt the explosive energy within him, yet his mind was crystal clear. Rage was no longer a destructive force; it was a weapon he could precisely control!
"Observer," Levi said calmly in his mind. "You made a fatal mistake."
"You thought my weakness was rage. But now, rage is my engine."
"You want me back on the field, don't you?"
Just then, Coach Shanahan's phone rang. After answering, his face turned exceedingly grim.
"Damn it! Commissioner Goodell issued the order himself!" Coach Shanahan yelled at Levi. "The League is giving you one chance for 'redemption'!"
"Next game against the Seattle Seahawks, you must play!"
"Why?" Levi raised an eyebrow.
Coach Shanahan despairingly held up his phone screen for Levi to see.
The NFL's latest official announcement read:
[In light of recent field violence, the NFL will introduce a 'Peace Promotion' initiative. The next game will be officiated by a Senior Agent from the 'League Security Bureau.']
"Senior Agent?" Levi scoffed.
His System instantly latched onto Observer-03's communication frequency.
"That's right, Levi. The 'Senior Agent Referee' for the next game is me," Observer-03's voice was laced with extreme malice.
"I have prepared your favorite hell mode. On the field, I will use the rules to legally destroy you!"
Observer-03's voice was brimming with confidence: "Your angry engine will only ensure you are crushed into a pulp by my 'Gravity Controller!'"
Levi's lips curled into an arrogant smile.
"Excellent."
Levi looked towards the wreckage he had caused, his eyes filled with battle intent.
"We'll see who the master of hell truly is, on the field!"