[Training Ground – KELANA WARRIORRS FC]
The sun hung low over the training field as a friendly match played out — but nothing about it felt "friendly."
Every single player's eyes were locked onto one boy.
Eric.
Once known as an average player, constantly overshadowed by juniors and left out of strategy talks — now moving like a completely different person.
With elegant precision, he weaved through two senior defenders as if they were mere cones on a practice drill. His foot flicked the ball upward in a smooth spin — a move so fluid it looked like magic — before it dropped gracefully at his teammate's feet near the goalpost.
GOOOOOAL.
Two seconds of stunned silence.
Then the entire pitch exploded with shouting.
"NO FREAKING WAY, ERIC!!!" yelled Wonbin, almost tripping over his own feet in disbelief.
Nike stood with his mouth wide open, finger pointing in pure shock.
"OMG, Samuel! You CAN'T let him beat you like this!!"
Samuel, leaning casually against the goalpost with arms crossed, didn't even flinch.
"Why should I compete with him?"
Wonbin clutched his head. "For fun, dude! Come on! Where's your pride as our striker?!"
Samuel narrowed his eyes, smirked slightly.
"But that technique… it's amazing."
Suddenly, a calm voice broke through the noise.
Leon stepped forward, arms crossed, eyes focused.
"That… is a technique famous in women's football. It's called…"
He paused.
"WITCH SPELL."
All heads turned. Silence fell again.
Leon glanced sideways.
"It belongs to Coach Alisha."
"HUHHHHHH?!? FOR REAL?!?"
The whole KELANA WARRIORRS FC squad gasped like a stadium crowd witnessing an unexpected hat trick.
---
[Sidelines – Coaching Staff Area]
Coach Noah stood still, arms by his sides, eyes wide open in disbelief.
Noah (softly, proud):
"That's… unreal. That's Eric?! And he learned that in just one week?"
He clapped a hand on the shoulder of the coach beside him.
Coach Alisha, composed on the outside, brought her hand up to cover her face. Her eyes shimmered, cheeks flushed.
Alisha (whispering to herself):
"…He actually pulled it off."
Hidden behind her fingers, a proud smile trembled on her lips. She never showed this kind of emotion — but now, she couldn't hide it.
Beside her, Coach Akira gently pressed his fingers to his chin, eyes soft and glistening.
Akira (warmly):
"Alisha… you taught him that technique?"
"I knew you wouldn't pass on Witch Spell to just anyone… but Eric. He really made it his own."
He smiled gently, eyes full of quiet admiration.
"I'm proud of you, Alisha."
Alisha met his gaze for a brief moment, and her faint smile said everything.
And then, a rich voice — deep and smooth — cut in from behind.
Ricardo, their Brazilian import coach, leaned against the wall with arms crossed.
Ricardo:
"Interessante… muito interessante."
A smirk tugged at his lips as he kept his eyes locked on Eric.
"this is so fun TROUBLEMAKER boy"
---
[Nearby – TOP 8 Player Seating Zone]
Armin sat frozen, jaw slightly dropped. He stared silently at the field, heart pounding.
Beside him, Ash gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder.
Ash: "Did you see that…? Like seriously, did you see that?"
Armin (softly):
"…Looks like we've got a new rival."
Ash grinned.
"Never thought I'd say this, but Eric… he's different now."
Armin closed his eyes briefly and exhaled.
"This just got real. I'm all in now."
---
[Post-Match Announcement – Center of the Field]
The friendly match ended.
Team A – 2 goals.
Team B – 1 goal.
The players gathered around, breathless and sweaty. Anticipation buzzed in the air like static.
Coach Noah stepped forward, clipboard in hand, and cleared his throat.
Noah (raising his voice):
"First off — congratulations, everyone. Your teamwork, growth, and energy this past week… it's been incredible."
He paused, letting the silence settle.
Noah:
"I know you're all waiting to hear the results. So here it is — the outcome of your hard work."
"…But unfortunately, I have to be honest with you."
His tone shifted. The air grew heavy.
Noah:
"Anyone whose name isn't on the list… will be cut from the club."
"WHAT?!"
Gasps and murmurs spread across the players like wildfire.
Coach Adrian stepped forward calmly, holding the final selection list.
Adrian:
"I'll announce the names now…"
He looked up, serious.
Adrian:
"TOP 18 players of KELANA WARRIORRS FC — the squad that will represent us in the next championship… and will officially stay with the club."
Everyone held their breath.
---
TO BE CONTINUED.