Trial Game I

The first game was over and the next was about to begin. Groups 2 and 4 were gathered near the sideline, tightening their laces, adjusting their shin guards, and preparing for their moment under the scouts' watchful eyes.

Seung-Hyun, the technical director's spoiled son, was already causing a scene.

His target this time was a Japanese striker named Takeo Hashimoto, a quiet but confident 17-year-old known for his precise finishing.

"If you won't let me play as striker, then say goodbye to your chances of playing for FC Seoul," Seung-Hyun sneered, his arms crossed and an air of entitlement radiating from him.

Takeo narrowed his eyes but didn't rise to the provocation. "The position isn't yours to claim. It's earned," he replied, his voice firm.

Seung-Hyun scoffed. "Earned? Look around. You think you're better than me? My father owns this program. I'll play wherever I want, and you'll do what I say if you know what's good for you."

The tension in the air was palpable, and a few players exchanged uneasy glances.

Lucas, sitting nearby, watched the exchange with disbelief.

How does someone like him even belong here? he thought, his fingers tightening around the hem of his purple bib.

He knew Takeo's calm demeanor only added to Seung-Hyun's frustration, but Lucas couldn't shake the feeling that this kind of attitude could derail the entire team.

"That's enough," Kyung-Sam, the oldest player on Group 2, stepped in, his voice authoritative.

"This isn't about who plays where, it's about showing what we've got. Let your skills do the talking, not your mouth."

Seung-Hyun huffed but didn't respond, stepping back reluctantly.

Takeo nodded.

The matter, at least for now, seemed settled.

Lucas adjusted his bib and rose to his feet as the players began taking their positions on the field.

This is it, he thought, taking a deep breath. I've worked for this moment. It's time to show them what I can do.

On the sidelines, Dong-Yul shifted slightly in his chair, his expression unreadable as he scribbled something on his clipboard.

Lucas noticed the scout's gaze flicker toward him, lingering for just a moment longer than the others.

He's watching me, Lucas realized, his heart pounding in his chest. I can't afford to mess this up. I'll make sure he remembers my name.

With the whistle in hand, the referee took his place at the center of the field.

Dong-Yul leaned back, his sharp eyes scanning every movement, but it was clear to anyone paying attention that the boy from Seoncheok district was the one he was most curious about.

Pweeeet!

The whistle blew, and the game kicked off with Group 4 taking the ball first.

Since this was a 7v7 match, the smaller number and fluid positioning gave the players more freedom to showcase their versatility.

Lucas started in his usual right-wing position, his sharp eyes scanning the pitch.

On the left was Seung-Hyun, already dragging his feet after a few steps, while Takeo Hashimoto led the attack in the striker role.

Behind him, was Kyung-Sam who worked tirelessly to link play with two defenders holding the backline.

The 2-3-1 formation gave the team some structure, but it was clear that individual brilliance would decide the game.

Group 4's midfielder controlled the ball early, dictating the tempo and probing for gaps.

Lucas darted up and down the right flank, staying wide to stretch the defense and waiting for his chance to make an impact.

"Press! Don't give them space!" Kyung-Sam barked from midfield, his voice cutting through the chatter.

Lucas noticed an opportunity as Group 4's defender hesitated while receiving a pass. He surged forward, closing the gap with speed.

Thud!

He intercepted the ball cleanly, using his first touch to push it ahead. The crowd on the sideline murmured with interest.

Lucas dashed down the right wing, glancing up to assess his options. Takeo was in the box, pointing to where he wanted the ball.

Adjusting his run, he sent in a low-driven cross.

Whoosh!

Takeo met the ball with precision, his right foot striking it cleanly.

Thwap!

The shot skimmed the ground and headed straight for the corner of the goal, but the Group 4 keeper reacted quickly, diving low to parry it away.

"Unlucky!" Kyung-Sam shouted. "Keep going!"

The ball rolled out for a corner. Lucas jogged over to take it, feeling the weight of Dong-Yul's gaze on him from the sidelines.

Stay calm, focus

He raised his hand, signaling his intention to the team before whipping the ball into the box.

The cross curved dangerously, and Kyung-Sam, who had surged forward for the set piece, leaped into the air. His timing was perfect as his head met the ball with a powerful strike.

Thud!

The ball ricocheted off the crossbar, narrowly missing a goal. Group 4's defenders scrambled to clear it, but Lucas was already back in position, ready to intercept any loose passes.

Meanwhile, on the left side, Seung-Hyun lagged behind the play, hands on his hips.

"Seung-Hyun, come on!" Kyung-Sam yelled, frustration evident in his tone.

Seung-Hyun waved him off lazily, muttering something under his breath.

Lucas clenched his teeth but shook it off, refocusing on the game. The ball was back in play, and Group 4 was pushing forward. Their midfielder threaded a clever through-ball into the path of their striker, who burst past the defenders.

Lucas sprinted back, dropping deep to help. He slid in at the last moment, knocking the ball out of play before the striker could shoot.

"Good work, Lucas!" Kyung-Sam called out.

Dong-Yul scribbled something on his clipboard, his expression unreadable but his focus sharp.

8 minutes in, the intensity of the match was picking up, with both teams vying to impress the scouts.

Lucas had already made a solid impression with his interception and precise cross, but the team's cohesion was shaky, mostly due to Seung-Hyun.

On the left flank, Seung-Hyun was moving sluggishly, barely keeping up with the pace of the game. His lack of effort had already left gaps on their side of the field.

"Seung-Hyun! Cover your man!" Kyung-Sam shouted, his voice filled with irritation.

Seung-Hyun rolled his eyes, jogging half-heartedly toward the nearest opponent.

Lucas, who had been tracking back, glanced over and immediately noticed the danger.

He's not marking properly. They'll exploit that.

Sure enough, Group 4's midfielder noticed the opening and launched a diagonal pass to their winger, who was unmarked thanks to Seung-Hyun's laziness.

The winger controlled the ball and took off down the right flank, his speed catching the defender off guard.

"Drop back! Seung-Hyun!" Kyung-Sam yelled again.

Instead of sprinting back to cover, Seung-Hyun waved dismissively. "It's not my job to defend!" he shouted, completely ignoring the urgency of the situation.

Kyung-Sam gritted his teeth and bolted toward the winger, but it was too late. The Group 4 player reached the edge of the box and sent a low cross into the danger zone.

The ball found their striker, who easily slotted it into the bottom corner.

Pweeet!

The referee blew the whistle, signaling the goal.

"Are you serious right now?" Kyung-Sam barked, marching toward him. "That was your side! You just let them walk right in!"

Seung-Hyun shrugged. "It's just a trial game. What's the big deal?"

"The big deal," Kyung-Sam snapped, "is that we're here to prove ourselves! Do you even care about this team, or are you just here because of your dad?"

Lucas watched the exchange in silence, his frustration bubbling beneath the surface.

This guy is unbelievable. How does someone like him even get a chance here?

On the sideline, Dong-Yul didn't react outwardly, but his pen moved quickly across his clipboard.

"Focus up!" Kyung-Sam shouted, clapping his hands to rally the team. "We're not out of this yet. Lucas, stay sharp on the right. We'll fix this."

Lucas nodded.

If I want to stand out, I can't let someone like Seung-Hyun drag us down. I'll show them what I can do.