Chapter 282: A Blaze of Glory
"Oh my God, my God, oh my God!"
"What are we witnessing?"
"Touchdown! Oh my God, touchdown!"
"Lance scores! Lance scores! It's a game-winning touchdown!"
"Incredible! Un! Be! Liev! Able!"
"This wasn't a Hail Mary. What we just witnessed in the final seventeen seconds wasn't a Hail Mary at all. It was a 35-yard pass from Smith to their star running back, Lance, followed by a relentless drive downfield!"
"Three broken tackles!"
"A solo dash of 25 yards to the end zone, bulldozing through Watt, tossing Mitchell aside, shaking off Hilton — sheer power and will, carving his way to a touchdown!"
"A game-winner!"
"God, this was a game-winning touchdown in the dying seconds."
"The Steelers made a fatal mistake in the final defensive play."
"Tomlin misread Reid's strategy. Kansas City used a shotgun formation with deep routes from the wide receivers, plus Lance acting as a decoy at the line of scrimmage. The Steelers abandoned the middle of the field, focusing entirely on a potential Hail Mary. That gap? It was fatal — and Lance exploited it perfectly."
"In the final seconds, the Chiefs' offensive strategy crushed the Steelers."
"No Hail Mary. And yet the Chiefs found a way to win in the face of impossible odds. A comeback victory sealed with a game-winning touchdown."
In the Arrowhead Stadium broadcast booth, Pasch had completely lost control. Words tumbled out of his mouth like a runaway freight train.
In the ESPN studio, Bart sat pale-faced, wobbling in his seat. His blank stare reflected utter disbelief. It was as if someone had stolen his soul.
"Lance!"
"Lance! This rookie running back, this year's third overall pick, who transitioned from MMA to football in just one year — the first-ever Asian player selected in the NFL's first round. Critics have questioned him from day one. But now? It's time to end that debate."
"Not just consistent, but dominant."
"In today's game, Lance proved his value once again. Making his debut as a receiving threat, he shattered the Steelers' defense with a performance for the ages. He bulldozed TJ Watt, outmaneuvered Hayward, humiliated Mitchell, and outlasted Hilton. He carried the Chiefs to victory."
"When everyone praises Le'Veon Bell, it's time we start talking about Lance."
"He deserves that recognition. No doubt about it. Lance is the best rookie of the 2017 draft class. Period."
Bart: Please, stop! Enough! I can't take it anymore.
His dignity, his pride — crushed and ground to dust.
But Pasch was on a roll, showing no mercy. He poured salt into Bart's wounds, delivering more blows with every word.
"For years, we've talked about Kansas City's lack of explosiveness and toughness in critical moments. But now? Reid has found both. And the driving force behind that change? Lance."
"Wow. Just wow! The Chiefs have defeated the Steelers. Not only have they avenged last season's playoff loss, but they remain the only undefeated team in the league. Six wins in a row!"
"No one saw this coming before the season started."
"Wait, I need to catch my breath…"
Pasch finally paused, his face red from the non-stop commentary. He gasped for air like he'd just run a marathon.
Heh.
A deep breath — and then Pasch threw his arms around his head, unable to contain his excitement. His wide eyes stared at the screen as Arrowhead Stadium erupted into chaos.
"What are we witnessing? Oh God, what are we witnessing!"
BOOM.
The roaring crowd drowned out everything else.
In the end zone, Lance dropped into a forward roll. As his body twisted and spun, he clung to the ball with every ounce of strength, refusing to let go.
With a final burst of energy, he rose to his feet.
Behind him — danger!
Lance spun around, locking eyes with Hilton.
Hilton, furious, stumbled to his feet. His face twisted in rage as he stormed toward Lance.
The defensive back had played a flawless game — until that final moment. One mistake, one lapse, and all his efforts were erased.
But Lance didn't back down.
He stepped forward.
Eyes blazing, he moved toward Hilton with the force of a rampaging beast. His entire body radiated dominance, leaving no room for doubt.
"ROAR!"
The sound was primal, like a lion asserting its territory.
BAM.
The two collided, but it wasn't even close.
Lance's sheer presence sent Hilton reeling. The defender stumbled backward, shock and confusion etched across his face.
Lance? He just sneered. I knew you wouldn't dare.
Without another glance, Lance turned toward the crowd.
ROAR!
One roar.
ROAR! ROAR!
A second and third.
His bloodlust surged through Arrowhead Stadium, igniting every fan like a raging wildfire.
Back at the Old Oak Tavern, Charles West couldn't hold it in anymore.
BAM! He slammed both fists on the table, raising his arms high in triumph. His lips trembled, but he couldn't find the words to cheer. He simply stood there, basking in the euphoria.
And then—
"ROAR!"
With the referee's confirmed touchdown signal, the entire bar erupted.
Victory!
Comeback!
The Chiefs hadn't experienced a game like this in ages. It wasn't just a win. It was a battle of wills. Both teams had fought tooth and nail until the very end. The Chiefs, on the brink of defeat, clawed their way back from the edge.
Victory never tasted sweeter.
And the game itself? It was unforgettable.
The Old Oak Tavern buzzed with energy. People cheered, stomped, and hugged.
West? He stood frozen.
The emotions surged through him — overwhelming joy, disbelief, pride. His vision blurred with tears. He couldn't even muster a single word.
Every cell in his body screamed with exhilaration.
And yet, he just stood there, feeling the waves of happiness crash over him.
For a fleeting moment, tears welled up in his eyes. But the corners of his mouth curved into a smile.
West felt weightless, like he'd lost control of his mind and body.
But who cared?
Victory was theirs.