The previous day, eight players had been chosen. But today, only ten would make the final cut. That meant some of them would have to leave the competition.
Coach Noah stood before them, his voice firm as usual.
> "I'm giving you one more week to train, so get to it! Fight for your place!"
Everyone: "YES, COACH!"
---
For the next seven days, the group threw themselves into training with everything they had. Sweat poured down their faces, and every muscle screamed in protest. But they pushed through. No one was about to give up now.
Alisha: "Run! RUN! FIVE MORE ROUNDS, LET'S GO!"
Yuuto (whispering to Wonbin): "We've already been chosen. Why do we still have to train so hard?"
Wonbin (whispering back): "They said it's for stamina. Gotta keep pushing."
Akira (shouting): "Come on, boys! You can do it! Just four more!!!"
As they ran, their legs burning with each step, the captain's voice rang out.
Captain: "Kelana Warriors FC!"
All members: "THE BEST!"
Captain: "Kelana Warriors FC!"
All: "THE BEST!"
---
The energy was infectious, but not everyone was enjoying the run.
Armin: "AHHHHHH! I don't wanna run anymore! I'm so tired!"
Ash: "Eh, come on, Armin! You can do it! Just a bit more!"
Armin: "It's been forever! I'm gonna die if I keep running!"
Ash: "Stop whining and just keep going! You've got this!"
Armin: "You're heartless!"
Adrian: "What are you two chatting about, huh? Run, I said!"
Ash and Armin: "Yes, Coach!"
---
In the afternoon, after the brutal training session with Coach Adrian and Alisha, Ash was summoned by Coach Noah.
Ash: "Why did you call me, Coach?"
Noah gestured to a video playing on a nearby screen. It showed a basic skill that Ash had executed almost exactly like Noah.
Noah: "Where did you learn this technique?"
Ash (eyes widening): "This skill? Instinct."
Noah: "What?! Instinct? That's something I've spent years perfecting!"
Ash: "Wow, so I'm a genius now?"
Noah: "Hah! You are, but I wouldn't say you're on my level yet."
Ash (grinning): "Well, Armin's the real genius here."
Noah (laughing): "Hahaha, true. But Ash, you're a genius in your own right too. Just a different kind of genius."
To be continued…