Chapter 6: Tryouts II

The buses took a left turn onto a smaller road and parked in a lot in front of two pitches with their own individual tracks.

Looking through the window of the bus, he could also see a tall mango tree where a group of men with face caps and note pads were sat under. Just from a glance he could guess they were coaches.

They were there for either two reasons. To carry the outstanding talents for themselves. Or to take the talents that the Siaone Academy didn't deem up to their standards.

The rest of the boys were fascinated by the small crown of men who were there to watch them.

Coach Idris and Coach Eze got down from the bus first and supervised the boys as they got down themselves.

Kaiser surveyed and could see that the boys had already formed little groups of their own and stood with each other.

It was expected though, they were young and wouldn't want to be by themselves. He on the other hand couldn't care less. All that mattered was the trial and he wouldn't get distracted-

"You're not going to say anything? Or you can't speak English?" Said a voice from beside him.

Turning around, Kaiser could see Joshua and his clique surrounding Malik and asking him an annoying amount of questions.

"Why aren't you answering? Joshua asked you a question and you're just looking at him? Don't you have any respect?" One of Joshua's lackeys, Solomon asked him.

"This guy thinks he's all that just because he played in Spain. Or maybe he only understands Spanish hahaha" Another lackey said as he grabbed his shirt.

Kaiser was observing the situation quietly, he could see Malik's face filled with anxiety.

" Leave him alone." Kaiser heard himself say. He regretted it immediately, not because he was scared, but because he didn't want to form any relationships or make any enemies.

All he wanted to do was play football and pass the trials. But here he was getting involved in the kid's business.

"Who is this? Is it because we didn't do anything to you earlier? You think you can talk to your seniors anyhow?" Bill said.

"You guys can keep making a scene, the parents and coaches are right there. They're even looking here right now." He said while nodding towards the car park where some parents were paying attention to them.

"This isn't over, I'll deal with you before the end of the trials, just wait." Joshua said.

"You talk a lot for someone that's supposed to be respected. Try doing your talking on the pitch." Kaiser said with a sly smile.

Joshua stormed off fuming, with his clique following closely behind him.

Kaiser wanted to make his way to the pitch when he heard a voice from behind say "Thank you."

He turned around to see Malik looking at him greatly. "You're welcome." He said as he made his way to the pitch.

***

"Ahem, as we're all here and settled, I would like to formally announce the beginning of the Siaone Soccer Academy trials!" Coach Idris said to the boys who were now dressed in their kits.

"You all will be split up into two groups, both handled by Coach Eze and myself. At the end of every trial, we will have those that will progress forward and those who will be dropped from the trials." Coach Idris said, and the atmosphere suddenly became more serious.

Kaiser could already feel the gazes of those around him, they were trying to spot those who would most likely get dropped first. And due to his size, he was an easy target.

"Now, the names I call here will belong to group A, Kelechi kuda, Solomon Eze…."

Kaiser didn't take note of every single person in his group. But all he knew was Joshua, himself, Solomon, and Malik were in his group, Which was group A.

Then Bill, Gift and some others whom he didn't take note of. However, there was a tall and lanky boy there whose name he didn't quite get but he stood out.

"Now all those in Group A, make your way over to the second pitch. You will be supervised by coach Eze. This of you in group B, remain here with me." Coach Idris said.

Kaiser and his group then made their way over to the other pitch where they noticed some of the earlier coaches sitting on a bench under a tree by the pitch.

"Pay attention, I won't repeat mysel!" Coach Eze said in his usual stern voice, quickly gaining the boy's attention.

"The first trial will be stamina and physical fitness. One of the most important qualities of a good footballer is endurance. Running across a football pitch for 90 minutes is not an easy feat. On average, a footballer covers 10km per match." Coach Eze said as he surveyed the hopeful boys standing in front of him.

Walking slowly, he eventually came across Kaiser where he stopped and continued speaking. "You will all be required to run 10km within an hour. Those who do not finish within that one hour or the bottom 5 will be eliminated." He said, looking directly at Kaiser.

"The remaining 20 will then proceed to the next stage of the trials, further increasing their chance of joining the academy." He said with an air of finality.

"Are there any questions?" Coach Eze asked.

"No coach." The boys all answered in unison.

Silently, Coach Eze led the boys to the track and told them to change into more comfortable clothing. Some of the boys remained the same, while others changed or removed their shirts.

Kaiser simply removed his Jersey to reveal his vest and slightly toned physique which surprised some of the boys.

Some minutes later they were on the track, stretching and preparing to begin.

Kaiser was stretching his knees when he heard a familiar "Ding" sound.

As he looked up he saw his system menu with a new quest available.

[Quest: Finish Overall First In The Siaone Football Academy Trials.]

[Rewards: +1 to Host rating, +1 to Mentality Monster Skill, 10 Athlete Points]