Richard Departure

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Richard Collin

Profession-Athlete

Talent-perfect copy, subtle precognition

Personality-Adventurer

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While Harry Was Acting…

Back at school, football coach Jake Calloway was meeting with someone.

"So, you want to recommend this boy?" asked an unknown man, pointing at a photo of Richard.

"Yeah," Coach Jake nodded. "He's an excellent player who excels in every position—and he's a natural-born striker."

The unknown man leaned back in his chair. "Well, first, I need to see his match videos before I can decide if he's worth selecting."

"Alright," Jake said, handing over a DVD. "These are recordings of the matches Richard has played—take a look."

"I'll review them and contact you soon," the man replied, accepting the DVD.

After sometime In the Classroom, Richard was chatting with his teammate and close friend, Julius.

"So, what are you doing after school?" Julius asked.

"Nothing special—just practicing football," Richard replied casually.

Julius grinned. "By the way, my dad was talking about you recently with someone on the phone."

"What? Coach has been talking about me?" Richard asked, surprised—after all, Coach Jake Calloway was Julius's father.

"Yeah," Julius nodded. "I didn't catch everything, but I know it was about you."

Richard sighed, wondering what his coach could be discussing.

Just then, the teacher walked into the classroom.

"Everyone, get back to your seats," the teacher said firmly.

Richard and Julius returned to their desks, putting the conversation aside—for now.

A Few Days Later

After an intense training session, Coach Jake gathered the team.

"Good work today, everyone," he announced. "Rest well and be here on time tomorrow after school."

"Yes, Coach!" the players responded in unison.

"And Richard—come to my office," he added.

"Yes, Coach," Richard said, confused but curious.

After cleaning up and changing out of his gear, Richard made his way to the coach's office. Knocking on the door, he said, "Coach, it's me—Richard."

"Come in," Jake's voice called from inside.

When Richard entered, he noticed another man sitting with Coach Jake.

"Ah, Richard—take a seat," Jake gestured to the chair across from him.

"Let me introduce you two," Coach Jake continued. "This is Coach Tyler Grayson—he's the head coach of the U-17 national team for the USA."

Richard's eyes widened in shock.

"And this," Jake said proudly, "is Richard Collin—our star player."

"Hello, sir," Richard greeted respectfully.

"Hello, Richard," Coach Tyler responded, his expression calm and unreadable.

"Coach Tyler is interested in training you for the U-17 World Cup," Jake explained. "He wants you to join the national football academy."

Richard's heart pounded. "Really?" he blurted out in disbelief.

"Yes," Tyler said, his voice serious. "I've watched several of your match videos—you're phenomenal. I see great potential in you."

"Thank you, sir!" Richard said, excitement bubbling in his voice. "I'm ready for anything."

"Good," Coach Tyler nodded. "Let your parents know you'll need to stay at the academy for further training. If they agree, have them contact me." He handed Richard a business card.

"I'll let them know right away," Richard promised, holding the card tightly.

"I'm looking forward to working with you," Coach Tyler said, shaking Richard's hand firmly.

When Richard got home, his brothers were there, but their parents were busy—his father was at the office, and his mother had gone with Harry for his filming schedule.

Later that night, when both parents returned, the family gathered for dinner. After everyone finished eating, Richard waited for his parents to settle down on the living room sofa.

"Dad, Coach gave me a huge surprise today," Richard began, his excitement barely contained.

"Oh? What kind of surprise?" Anthony, his father, asked curiously.

Richard took a deep breath and explained everything—the meeting with Coach Tyler, the offer to join the national football academy, and the opportunity to train for the U-17 World Cup.

When he finished, Anthony leaned back, clearly impressed.

"That's a big deal," he said thoughtfully. "And what do you want to do?"

"I want to join Coach Tyler," Richard said, his voice firm with determination.

Anthony chuckled softly. "You boys never stop surprising me—first Alex, then Harry, and now you."

"I have no objections," he added, smiling proudly.

"Dad, but… I'll have to leave home for better training at the academy," Richard said hesitantly.

Anthony sighed, then nodded. "If this is your dream, I won't stand in your way. I want all my sons to pursue their passions."

"Thank you, Dad!" Richard said, his voice filled with gratitude.

"I'll speak with Coach Tyler tomorrow—" Anthony began, but Sarah gently placed a hand on his arm, stopping him mid-sentence.

"I'm worried about you," she admitted softly.

"Mom, I'll take care of myself," Richard reassured her.

"I know," Sarah whispered, her eyes glistening. "But I can't help worrying."

"This is your dream, and I won't stop you," she continued. "But promise me—you'll take care of yourself and call every day."

"I promise," Richard said, hugging her tightly.

"Alright," Anthony said warmly. "Get some rest—I'll handle everything tomorrow."

"Okay," Richard said, feeling both excitement and nervousness as he headed to his room.

A week later, the day arrived for Richard to leave for the academy.

Coach Tyler personally came to pick him up, and a sleek black car waited outside.

Coach Jake and Julius also came to see him off.

When Richard came downstairs, his entire family was gathered, including Coach Jake and Julius.

"Do your best out there," Jake said with a smile.

"I will," Richard promised.

"You're going first, but I'll join you soon," Julius said, pulling his friend into a tight hug.

"I'll be waiting," Richard grinned.

"Take care of yourself," Sarah said softly, tears streaming down her face.

"I will, Mom," Richard said, his heart aching as he comforted her.

"Be the best player out there and make us proud," Anthony added firmly.

"I will—don't worry," Richard replied confidently.

Finally, his brothers—the nonuplets—gathered around him. Without a word, they pulled him into a group hug, a meaningful smile passing between them, filled with unspoken support and dreams about the futures they each hoped to create.

After saying his final goodbyes, Richard got into the car with Coach Tyler.

As the car drove away, he looked back through the window, watching his family wave farewell.

Clenching his fists with determination, he whispered to himself,

"I will become the greatest player in the world."