Backstreet No. 7

The game between Group 1 and Group 3 pressed on and tension was rising with every second as the players fought to showcase their skills.

It had only been six minutes, but already the momentum was building.

"Yes, here!"

"One, two!"

"I'm open!"

Voices echoed across the pitch, blending with the rhythmic thud of the ball being passed. Players darted back and forth, their movements frantic as they tried to prove themselves.

Marco Rodriguez, however, remained detached from the chaos. Standing just beyond the opposing defense, he watched the game unfold with a hint of indifference.

His teammates, though trying their best, struggled to meet his unspoken expectations. It was clear he wasn't impressed.

Then, an opportunity arose. A defender from Group 1 lofted a long pass over the midfield.

The ball sailed through the air, its arc perfect, landing at Marco's feet with precision.

In a swift movement, Marco controlled the ball and flicked it through the legs of the approaching defender with his heel, executing a nutmeg that left the crowd murmuring in awe.

"Wow! Look at that!" they exclaimed.

And just like that, he was through.

Marco surged forward, his speed unmatched by the chasing defenders. His powerful strides ate up the distance to the goal, his eyes locked on the target.

The Korean goalkeeper, a player Lucas recognized from the Golden Lions FC, braced himself, ready to make the save.

But his attempt was futile.

Marco wound back his leg and unleashed a thunderous strike. The ball screamed through the air, rocketing into the top right corner of the goal with such force it seemed as if the net might tear.

Pweeet!

The referee's whistle pierced the air.

"Gooooooooal!"

Group 1 erupted in cheers, their voices ringing out across the training grounds. Marco's teammates approached him, patting him on the back, their admiration evident.

But Marco barely acknowledged them. His expression betraying none of the excitement shared by his team.

He simply jogged back to his position, eyes scanning the field. It was as if scoring a goal of that caliber was routine for him.

From the sidelines, Lucas watched the display intently. Marco's performance was as dominant as the rumors had suggested. He wasn't just a prodigy—he was a force of nature.

Kyung-Sam leaned closer, his voice low but amused. "Looks like he's hungry for more."

Lucas didn't respond. His focus was entirely on the pitch, on Marco Rodriguez. If this was the level of competition, then Lucas knew he had to rise above it.

Meanwhile on the sidelines, the two junior scouts were hard at work, their pens darting across notepads as they analyzed the players.

Each move, pass, and decision on the pitch was scrutinized, every moment a potential mark against or in favor of the aspiring talents.

One scout leaned toward the other, whispering while scribbling. "Marco's composure is off the charts, but he's not much of a team player. It's all about him."

"True," the other scout replied, nodding as he jotted down more notes. "But that strike... Did you see the power in that shot? He's got raw talent you can't teach. We need him. We can't risk him being snatched up by a European team before we can reap our own benefits with him."

Meanwhile, Dong-Yul sat a few steps up behind them, his clipboard resting casually on his lap.

Unlike the junior scouts, he didn't write a single note. His sharp, calculating eyes shifted from one player to the next, absorbing every detail. His expression remained as unreadable as ever, the slightest flicker of interest only occasionally crossing his face.

Marco's goal had drawn a reaction from the sidelines but Dong-Yul showed no outward approval.

His gaze lingered on Marco for a moment, then moved on, scanning the rest of the players with equal scrutiny.

Dong-Yul's lips pressed together. He had seen many players like Marco, stars who shone brilliantly but failed to adapt to the team dynamic.

What he was searching for wasn't just raw talent, but something more. A player with heart. Someone who could elevate not only themselves but also the team around them.

The players didn't know it, but every glance, every pause, every thought which occurred to Dong-Yul would shape their futures.

To these teenagers, Dong-Yul's earlier declaration that only five spaces were available hung heavy in the air.

But in reality, this was a calculated lie.

There was no limit of five spaces.

Dong-Yul's goal was simple, he wanted to see who could handle the pressure.

Those who cracked under the weight of his words weren't fit for the academy. Football wasn't just about skill, it was about resilience.

Dong-Yul didn't reply immediately. His eyes were fixed on Marco, who had just executed another flashy move to pass two defenders. His talent was undeniable, but Dong-Yul's focus shifted to the other players who evidently couldn't keep up with his level of play.

"No," Dong-Yul finally said, his tone even. "We'll note anyone who shows promise. The five-player limit... that's just to push them harder. I want to see who plays with fire, even when they think the odds are against them."

The junior scout smirked, writing something down. "Always playing mind games, aren't you?"

Dong-Yul's lips twitched, almost forming a smile. "Football is a mental game. It starts in their heads. If they can't handle this, how will they handle a packed stadium?"

As the match pressed on, his strategy began to bear fruit. Some players, like Marco, thrived under this pressure, displaying their skills with confidence.

Others like Kagura remained composed, using the tension to sharpen their focus.

Even Lucas, still waiting for his turn, was visibly determined, his eyes burning with resolve.

But there were cracks in some of the others. Players hesitated on passes, fumbled under pressure, or lashed out in frustration at their teammates.

Dong-Yul noted these reactions, his gaze as cold and calculating as ever.

For him, the trials weren't just about finding the best players. They were about finding those who could endure, adapt, and lead. And as the minutes ticked by, the true contenders began to reveal themselves...