Chapter 15: The First Test (2)

David took his position as the second half began. The tempo had changed. His first-half performance had drawn attention—now, the opposition wouldn't let him breathe.

The referee blew the whistle, and the game resumed.

From the first touch, David felt the pressure.

A midfielder in white shadowed him closely, cutting off passing lanes. Another stood a few meters away, waiting to pounce. They were marking him tighter now.

A pass came toward David. Instead of controlling it, he let it roll past him and quickly turned—losing his marker with a simple movement.

The defender hesitated for a split second—just enough time for David to drive forward.

But before he could release the ball, a hard shoulder slammed into him.

Foul.

David staggered but stayed on his feet. The referee's whistle came late.

The defender smirked. "Still too slow."

David dusted himself off and took the free kick without a word.

As the game wore on, fatigue crept in. The pace slowed, but David's mind stayed sharp.

A loose ball bounced near the halfway line. Two players went for it—David and the opposition's captain.

The other player was bigger, stronger, but David was faster. He reacted first, tapping the ball forward before his opponent could reach it.

The captain lunged in, trying to stop him. David sidestepped just in time—smooth, precise.

Then he saw an opening.

With one quick glance, David sent a long pass curling over the defense. The striker sprinted onto it, controlled with his chest, and volleyed—

Goal.

2-0.

A few teammates patted David's back as they jogged back to their positions. No celebrations, no unnecessary words—just respect.

Final minutes. The white team pushed forward desperately, throwing bodies into the attack.

David tracked back, pressing high when he could. He wasn't just here to attack.

A late cross came into his team's box. Chaos. A scramble for the ball.

Then—a shot.

David's keeper dived but couldn't reach it.

2-1.

The momentum had shifted.

The final whistle blew minutes later.

Victory.

David exhaled as players exchanged handshakes. He had performed well, but he wasn't satisfied.

He had seen weaknesses in his game—things he needed to improve.

As he walked off the pitch, one of the senior coaches nodded at him.

"Not bad."

David met his eyes. He knew what that meant.

He had passed the first test.