The meeting room of FC Utrecht's academy felt unusually quiet. A large window faced the training pitch, letting in the morning sunlight through thin curtains, illuminating the long table cluttered with files, clips, and evaluation tablets. In the middle of the room, one empty chair was waiting.
For me.
I stood outside the door, palms slightly sweaty. I took a long breath, trying to steady the heartbeat that felt ready to burst.
"Relax, Richard," I muttered. "It's just a conversation. Just… your entire future on the line."
The door opened from the inside.
Mark Veldman, scout of Jong Utrecht, appeared with his usual neutral expression, though his eyes were sharp as always.
"Come in," he said curtly.
I stepped inside. The chair looked like a seat of judgment, yet also a gate to my dreams. On the right sat Coach De Vries, arms crossed, giving me a small nod filled with meaning. On the left was Coach Bram, holding a folder of training reports.
Mark sat across from me and turned on his tablet.
Silence.
Then Mark's voice broke through.
"Richard, first of all… I want to say that your performance in the U18 squad lately has been very impressive."
I stayed quiet. Every word felt important.
"Looking at your numbers—four official matches, two goals, three assists, extremely high pressing success, and your ability to read space which is, frankly… far above the average for your age."
Coach Bram added, "And yesterday's simulation… that cutback of yours was European quality."
De Vries held back a proud smile. "If he stays consistent, he's not just for the U18."
Mark tapped his tablet. "But we're not here to talk about distant dreams. We're here for the next step."
He leaned forward.
"We want to evaluate whether you're ready for the Scout Integration Test to join the Jong Utrecht candidate list."
My chest felt like it stopped beating.
Jong Utrecht.
The club's second team.
The gateway to professional football.
"This test isn't just another training session," Mark continued. "It's a series of competency exams—technique, stamina, tactical understanding, mentality. Usually for players aged 18–20. It's rare for us to call a 17-year-old."
A mix of pride and fear hit me at once.
Mark stared straight at me. "Do you know why we called you?"
I shook my head slightly.
Mark allowed a thin smile — the first one I'd ever clearly seen.
"Because you have something most academy players don't. Something… very rare."
Coach De Vries nodded. "Instinct. Timing. And natural improvisation."
I swallowed hard. "So… what's the purpose of this test, sir?"
Mark folded his hands. "If you pass—you'll enter the Jong Utrecht Eligibility Track. Not an immediate promotion. But you'll be officially considered a professional prospect."
The world around me seemed to shrink.
"There are risks," Mark continued. "Training loads increase. You'll join some sessions with players who are bigger, faster, stronger. Your mentality will be pushed."
"And if you fail," De Vries added gravely, "the club's trust in you could drop. It may take longer for you to rise."
I took a deep breath.
All the sounds in the room faded. But one voice inside me was clear:
This is your chance. Don't back down.
"If you choose to take the test," Mark said, "we'll schedule it next week, after your next official match."
He stood up and offered his hand.
"The decision is yours."
I looked at his hand.
At the future.
At the long path I had always dreamed of back when I trained on dusty Lamongan fields.
Then I shook his hand firmly.
"I'm ready, sir."
Mark nodded with satisfaction. "Good. Then we begin."
---
Follow-Up Discussion
After Mark left the room to prepare the documents, I stayed with De Vries and Bram.
"Are you really ready?" Bram asked.
I nodded. "I have to be."
De Vries stared at me for a long moment. "Richard… opportunities like this don't come twice. But I want you to understand one thing."
I looked up.
"If you step onto the Jong Utrecht path, your life will change. The pressure will be heavy. The club's expectations will be high. And other players may start to resent you."
I laughed lightly. "Coach, plenty of people already disliked me from the start."
Bram laughed too. "That's true."
But De Vries remained serious. "Don't take it lightly. The competitive environment is brutal. But I believe you can handle it."
For the first time, Coach De Vries smiled proudly.
"You're the kind of player who makes me believe Asia still has diamonds."
It felt like receiving an unofficial certification from the academy's coldest coach.
---
Outside the Room — Two Little Faces Waiting
The moment the meeting room door opened, two kids rushed toward me.
Ivar and Justin.
"What did he say? What did he say? WHAT DID HE SAY??" Justin yelled while shaking my shirt.
"You're called up by Jong Utrecht? You're taking the test? FOR REAL??" Ivar added with sparkling eyes.
I nodded slowly.
They exploded like fireworks.
"NO WAY!! RICHARD'S GONNA BE A PRO!!!"
"I TOLD YOU!! HE'S INSANE!!"
I laughed and pulled both of them into a side hug.
"Not pro yet, idiots. Just… a chance."
Justin punched my arm lightly. "Still cool though!"
Their excitement made the weight on my shoulders feel a little lighter.
---
[SYSTEM ACTIVE]
While the two boys clung to me like I was the team mascot, a system notification popped up.
> [New Quest Unlocked] "Path to Jong Utrecht"
Requirements:
— Pass the integration test
— Average match rating 8.0 in the next two games
— Avoid major injuries
Rewards:
— Unique Skill Tier C: Eagle Field Vision
— Major attribute boost
— Title: Young Prodigy Candidate
My chest burned with determination.
This is the path.
And I will walk it — without hesitation.
---
Ending the Day with a New Step Forward
As I walked out of the academy building, I glanced at the pitch where the simulation had taken place yesterday.
The place that opened this door.
The place that might carry me to the world stage.
And I made a quiet vow:
"I won't waste this chance."