Episode 23: The First Trial
Jaden stood on the pitch, heart steady, body tense.
This wasn't just another training day.
This was the first official trial since the new recruits arrived.
Coach Vance stood in front of them, his arms crossed as his cold eyes scanned the players.
"You want to stay in Iron Stride? You prove it. Today. Right now."
Silence.
Then—a sharp whistle.
The trial had begun.
The Pressure of Survival
Jaden immediately felt the shift.
The new recruits—**Ethan included—**weren't here to blend in.
They were here to take over.
The first drill was a possession challenge. A small-sided match, fast-paced, high intensity. Only the strongest players would get noticed.
Jaden locked eyes with Ethan as they stepped onto the field.
No words. No taunts.
Just pure, unspoken rivalry.
The ball rolled.
And the war began.
Jaden vs. Ethan – Old Rivalry, New Battlefield
Ethan moved fast.
Jaden hated to admit it, but he had improved. His first touch was clean, his movements sharp, and he played like he had something to prove.
Jaden gritted his teeth. Good.
Because he did too.
The ball bounced loose.
Ethan lunged for it—Jaden cut him off.
Ethan growled. "Move."
Jaden smirked. "Make me."
Ethan tried to press him, shoving into his space, but Jaden was stronger.
He shielded the ball, spun left, then cut right—completely losing Ethan in one move.
Ethan cursed under his breath as Jaden sent a clean pass up the field.
Jaden didn't even look back.
Tension on the Sidelines
As the trial continued, Jaden noticed something else.
Ava Sinclair.
She was watching him again.
Leaning against the fence, arms crossed, her eyes never leaving him.
Jaden exhaled. She was trouble.
Leo jogged up beside him, smirking. "Damn, Carter. You got people watching you like you're a celebrity."
Jaden rolled his eyes. "Shut up."
Leo chuckled. "Just saying. Sinclair doesn't watch just anyone."
Jaden ignored him, but he couldn't shake the feeling that Ava was waiting for something.
The Final Play
Coach Vance blew the whistle. "One more round. Show me why the fuck you belong here."
Jaden exhaled, rolling his shoulders. Time to end this.
The ball dropped.
Jaden sprinted forward, cutting past one player, then another.
He saw Ethan coming for him.
Ethan lunged—Jaden flicked the ball through his legs.
Ethan froze.
Jaden didn't stop.
One last move. One last shot.
He launched the ball—top corner.
Goal.
The whistle blew. Trial over.
The Aftermath
Jaden wiped sweat from his forehead as players started leaving the field.
Ethan walked past him, jaw clenched. Silent. Angry.
Jaden smirked. This wasn't over.
Then—Ava's voice behind him.
"Not bad, Carter."
Jaden sighed. Here we go again.
Ava walked beside him, tilting her head. "Didn't know you had that kind of footwork."
Jaden glanced at her. "You been watching me all day?"
Ava smirked. "Maybe."
Jaden shook his head. "You really don't quit, do you?"
She grinned. "Not when I see something interesting."
Jaden sighed, pushing open the locker room door. "Good talk, Sinclair."
She chuckled. "See you around, Carter."
Jaden ignored her. He had bigger things to focus on.
Because tomorrow?
Tomorrow, the real competition started.