The cold Utrecht wind swept across the academy field again as the sun still hesitated to emerge from behind the gray clouds. Today wasn't recovery training anymore—but rather a full-on training session in preparation for the second U-18 match this weekend. The players' spirits were high, as if Richard's debut yesterday had ignited an internal rivalry.
Richard stood on the sidelines, tying his rope tightly. His body still felt lighter than usual—the effects of Micro Stamina Regen Lv.1 were working smoothly, making muscle soreness subside faster than the other players.
Dhio patted his shoulder.
"Bro, are you ready for the morning training?"
"I'm always ready," Richard replied calmly.
"Wow, you're acting cool."
Rafi approached, rubbing his arm. "It's insanely cold. This cold pierces to the bone."
Dhio pointed at Richard. "Look, he's like a living ice cube. He hasn't complained since yesterday."
"I'm used to it," Richard replied with a smile.
Before they could continue, a sharp whistle cut through the air.
"Everyone gather!"
Coach De Vries stood in the middle of the pitch, clipboard in hand, his face as serious as ever.
---
Briefing — The Competition Officially Begins
"Good morning. We have four days until the second match," said De Vries.
"This time, the opponent has an aggressive press and fast wingers. So today's training will focus on decision-making, first touches, and movement without the ball."
He looked at each player one by one.
"And about this week's starters…"
The atmosphere immediately became tense.
"…nothing is certain yet."
Several players' eyes went straight to Richard.
It was understandable. His debut goal had put the left winger's position on the line.
De Vries continued, "I will evaluate everyone from today's training until Friday. Anyone can be dropped to the bench if they perform poorly."
Dhio whispered to Richard, "This means you could be dropped too."
Richard just nodded. He knew that. And it just gave him a boost of adrenaline.
---
First Session — Brutal First Touch Drills
Coach Bram began leading the technical session.
"Okay, we'll start with first touch control. The ball will come from three directions. You have to control, turn, and pass within two seconds."
Two seconds.
For a young, mentally immature player, this was hell.
Richard stood in line, taking his place. When his turn came—
BRUP!
The ball was launched quite hard from the machine.
Richard blocked with his right foot, turned, and passed to a small target. Pinpoint accuracy.
"Too safe," Bram said. "Repeat."
The machine shot two balls at different angles. Richard controlled quickly, his left foot automatically adjusting his body orientation—the effect of Spatial Awareness allowed him to "feel" the direction the ball was coming from even before he actually saw it.
"Better," Bram said. "But you can be faster."
Meanwhile, on the other side, a player—Maarten, a reserve winger who played the same position as Richard—bit his lip in frustration. He was a season veteran of the U-18 team, but suddenly the spotlight was stolen by an Indonesian player.
His gaze darted toward Richard several times.
An internal rivalry began to emerge.
---
Quick Passing Session — Rivalries Emerge on the Field
Training progressed to rondos and quick passing grids.
Richard joined a group with Maarten, Jari, and Dhio.
"Quick move! Quick pass! One touch!" Bram shouted.
The ball flowed. Richard sent a one-touch pass to Dhio, turning, creating space. Dhio returned the ball. They moved efficiently.
It was Maarten's turn.
Richard passed the ball to him, slow enough to be easily controlled.
But Maarten deliberately held on too long—waiting for Richard to approach—and then delivered a powerful pass to his chest.
THUD!
Richard held the ball with difficulty, but managed to control it.
Dhio hissed. "Hey, relax, bro."
Maarten feigned innocence. "Sorry. Miscontrol."
But his eyes said otherwise.
The drill continued. Maarten again passed the ball too quickly to Richard. This time, Richard anticipated it, controlled it with his shoulder, and then delivered a quick, accurate pass back… straight to Maarten's feet.
Maarten was startled, almost slipping.
Richard stared at him for a moment.
"The ball can be fast without being rough," he said flatly.
The other players whispered softly.
The rivalry had officially begun.
---
Small-Sided Game — De Vries' Assessment Begins
After a short break, De Vries took over.
"We'll play 8 vs. 8. Focus on quick transitions," he said.
"And I'll be watching each of you in great detail."
The voice made everyone tense.
Richard was on the red team, Maarten on the blue team.
The game began.
Richard received the ball from Rafi. He scanned quickly—two defenders closing in from the front, one from the side.
He immediately cut in and sent a through pass to Dhio.
"Nice!" Dhio exclaimed before shooting—unfortunately, it went wide.
A few minutes later, Maarten received the ball on the left side. He aggressively drove past the defender. He then delivered a powerful cross into the middle.
But the cross sailed wide.
De Vries wrote something on his clipboard.
Maarten bit his lip.
The next minute, the ball bounced toward Richard. He controlled it calmly, then sent a soft chip pass to Rafi, who cut inside.
GOOOL mini-game.
De Vries looked directly at Richard.
"Good. Simple, effective, fast."
Two words of praise from the head coach were worth gold.
Maarten stared, his jaw clenched.
---
After Training — A Mini Evaluation from De Vries
The session ended. The players collected their cones and vests. But before they dispersed, De Vries called out:
"Richard. Maarten. Come here."
The pitch fell silent. The two competing wingers were called together.
The two stood in front of the coach.
De Vries looked at them in turn.
"The left wing position is one of the most competitive on this team. You two are strong candidates to start the second match."
Richard remained calm.
Maarten straightened his back.
"But today…"
He looked at Richard.
"…Richard was more efficient."
Maarten clenched his fists.
"But remember, training isn't over yet. Tomorrow could change."
Both players nodded.
"Go get some rest. Tomorrow will be harder."
Those were words that sounded like a bad omen.
---
Afternoon in the Dorm — The System Rains Down Tasks
After showering and eating, Richard returned to his room. He sat on the bed and opened the system notification that had just appeared.
Ding! Skill Advancement Triggered: Spatial Awareness Lv.1 → Lv.2
New effect: Increased scanning speed +8%, body orientation precision before receiving the ball increases.
Ding! Rivalry Detected: Maarten van Oort
Challenge Quest Unlocked:
"Secure the Left Wing: Outperform Rival in 3 Consecutive Trainings"
Progress: 1/3
Richard let out a long sigh.
"This is… getting more exciting."
He closed his eyes and let his body sink into the small dormitory mattress.
Tomorrow would be harder.
The competition is fiercer.
And De Vries is definitely testing them to the bone.
But Richard smiled faintly.
"If you want to be a Prodigy… you have to withstand this much pressure."