SWNOVELXO Chapter 5: Scouted
The air was electric. Isagi, Sae, and Rin stood on the field, their presence alone demanding attention. The opposition didn't know what hit them as the match kicked off. From the very first whistle, the trio operated like a finely tuned machine. Rin, slightly behind in skill compared to his older brother and Isagi, held his own with sharp passes and unrelenting defensive pressure, but the stars of the show were undoubtedly Isagi and Sae.
In the 10th minute, Sae intercepted a pass with his characteristic poise. With a quick step-over, he escaped his marker and sent a perfectly weighted through-ball toward Isagi. Isagi received it in stride, flicked the ball over a sliding defender, and unleashed a first-time strike into the bottom corner. 1-0.
Rin worked tirelessly, acting as the glue that bound the team together. He played short passes, intercepted counterattacks, and fed balls to his brother and Isagi. Sae, with his surgical precision, threaded passes that seemed impossible, while Isagi's instinct for space and timing was otherworldly.
Then came the moment of revelation.
As the match wore on, Sae and Isagi both felt it—a pull, a sense that the game was becoming something more. Time seemed to stretch as their awareness expanded. The field dissolved, replaced by an intricate web of possibilities. Puzzle pieces floated around them, interspersed with streams of binary code—0s and 1s—like the universe itself was handing them the keys to mastery.
Isagi's Meta-Vision evolved. The field was no longer just a network of patterns; it was alive. Every movement of his teammates and opponents created ripples in this living web, and he could see them all. But more than that, his Predator-Eye activated. His focus sharpened to a pinpoint. Every detail of the goal, every gap in the defense, stood out as clear as day.
Sae, meanwhile, experienced his own awakening. His Meta-Vision didn't just reveal possibilities; it optimized them. His passes, already impeccable, became so precise they bordered on clairvoyant. Together, the two players were unstoppable.
In the 25th minute, Sae chipped a ball over two defenders with delicate ease. Isagi was already moving before the ball even left Sae's foot. He sprinted past the last man, controlled the ball mid-air, and volleyed it into the top corner with his left foot. 2-0.
The third goal came moments later. Isagi intercepted a clearance, immediately switching into attack mode. With Sae running alongside him, they executed a dazzling one-two combination that left the defense scrambling. Isagi delivered the final blow—a thunderous knuckleball from 25 yards out. The crowd was speechless. 3-0.
Rin, though overshadowed, played his role admirably. In the 40th minute, he stole the ball near the midfield line and quickly launched it to Sae. Sae performed a silky roulette to evade his marker and lofted a cross toward Isagi. Isagi, reading the play perfectly, leaped high into the air and connected with a flying header. 4-0.
By the time the 5th goal came—a cheeky chip over the goalkeeper after another Sae-Isagi combination—the crowd was on its feet. Sae had assisted every goal, and Isagi had scored them all. 5-0.
After the game, a man in a tailored suit approached them, his English accent unmistakable. "That was extraordinary," he said, smiling warmly. "I'm a scout from Re Al, and we'd like to invite you both to join our academy in Spain."
Sae's parents were surprised but proud. Isagi's parents, though initially hesitant, couldn't contain their joy. "This is your dream, Yoichi," his father said, clapping him on the shoulder. "We'll support you every step of the way."
Rin was left out of the offer, but he managed a smile. "You'll both do great," he said, trying to mask the ache in his heart. He idolized his brother and Isagi, and though it stung to be left behind, he resolved to work harder than ever.
A week later, Isagi and Sae boarded a flight to Madrid. Seated together in business class, the two boys chatted excitedly about their new adventure. Isagi practiced his Spanish with Sae, throwing around phrases they had learned from a language guide. Their youthful enthusiasm was infectious, drawing smiles from the flight attendants.
"Madrid's going to be amazing," Isagi said, his eyes shining with excitement. "Imagine playing in the Santiago Bernabéu one day."
Sae nodded. "We're going to conquer it all. Let's make this the start of something unforgettable."
As the plane touched down at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport, Isagi and Sae were greeted by the warm Spanish sun and the lively bustle of the airport. A tall, well-dressed man stood holding a sign with their names. He introduced himself as a scout for Re Al and led them through the terminal.
The drive through Madrid was like stepping into a postcard. They passed historic landmarks like the Royal Palace and the Plaza Mayor, their grandeur leaving Isagi in awe. The city's vibrant energy was contagious, and the smell of Spanish cuisine wafting through the streets only heightened their excitement.
The car pulled up to the sprawling Re Al training complex, a modern masterpiece of glass and steel surrounded by lush greenery. The manager himself greeted them at the entrance, his commanding presence softened by a warm smile.
"Welcome to Re Al," he said. "You're about to embark on the journey of a lifetime. We have high hopes for you both."
He explained their schedules, training expectations, and the resources available to help them grow. The boys listened intently, their excitement bubbling over.
The scout then took them to their new home in Madrid. The sleek, modern house stood out with its white and black facade, nestled in a quiet neighborhood. Inside, the spacious rooms were bathed in natural light, with minimalist decor and high-end furnishings.
The kitchen was equipped with top-of-the-line appliances and stocked with fresh ingredients. A collection of cookbooks sat on the counter, offering a welcoming touch. Isagi and Sae marveled at the thoughtful details, from the cozy living room to the tranquil bedrooms.
As the sun set, the two sat on the patio, gazing at the vibrant garden. The gentle rustling of palm trees and the sweet scent of flowers created a serene atmosphere.
"Tomorrow, we start," Sae said, a rare smile gracing his face.
Isagi grinned. "Let's make history."
With that, the two young prodigies looked ahead to their first training session, ready to prove themselves on the grand stage. This was truly only the beginning.