The plane touched down at Brussels Airport, and Richard exhaled slowly.
He was really here.
Everything felt different the moment he stepped out of the terminal—the crisp European air, the towering buildings, the steady hum of cars and trains. It wasn't home, but it was his next battleground.
A man in a dark coat leaned against a car near the exit, arms crossed. The scout.
"Richard," he greeted, offering a firm handshake. "Welcome to Belgium."
"Thanks," Richard replied, trying to keep his cool.
"I'm Elias." The scout nodded toward the car. "Let's get you settled in."
---
As they drove through the city, Elias pointed out key spots—training grounds, stadiums, and places he'd need to know.
"This isn't Nigeria," Elias said bluntly. "The football here is structured, intense. You'll need to adapt fast."
Richard smirked. "I like challenges."
Elias glanced at him, then nodded. "Good."
Soon, they pulled up to a modern apartment complex in Antwerp.
"This is where you'll be staying," Elias said. "With a fan of the club."
Richard raised an eyebrow. "A fan?"
Elias chuckled. "Not just any fan. You'll see."
---
The door swung open before Richard could knock.
"Brooo!" A blond-haired guy around his age grinned wide. "You're finally here!"
Richard blinked. "Uh… yeah."
"I'm Jasper, huge Beerschot fan, also play semi-pro. Man, I saw your highlights, you're gonna be a beast here."
Richard hadn't expected this level of hype.
Jasper clapped him on the back. "Come in, I'll show you around!"
The apartment was clean and football-themed—Beerschot jerseys on the walls, signed posters, even a mini goal in the living room.
Jasper grinned. "Hope you're ready, 'cause tomorrow's your first taste of Belgian football."
Richard just smirked. "Can't wait."
---
That evening, Richard explored the city—the towering cathedrals, the cobblestone streets, the riverside views. It was a whole new world from what he was used to.
But no distractions.
His focus was set.
Tomorrow, his real journey began.