Episode 29: The Cost of Ambition
Jaden sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the door where the man in the dark jacket had disappeared.
"Loyalty won't get you to the top. Sacrifice will."
The words played in his head like a warning. Or maybe a challenge.
He had no idea who that guy was. A scout? An agent? Someone trying to pull him into something bigger?
One thing was clear—Iron Stride wasn't just about football anymore.
It was about power. Control. Survival.
And the people running this place? They were watching him.
Jaden clenched his jaw. Fine.
If they wanted to test him? He'd show them exactly who he was.
Morning Tension
The next day, the training ground felt heavier than usual.
More scouts. More pressure. More chances to get noticed—or to disappear forever.
Jaden stood near the sideline, stretching, when Leo walked up beside him.
"Yo," Leo muttered, keeping his voice low. "You see that guy yesterday? The one watching you?"
Jaden nodded. "Yeah."
Leo exhaled. "You find out what he wanted?"
Jaden shook his head. "Not yet."
Leo smirked. "You're already a marked man, Carter. Make sure you don't get played."
Jaden didn't answer.
Because deep down? He knew he was already in the middle of something bigger than just a football competition.
And he wasn't the only one.
The Setup
The players lined up as Coach Vance stepped forward.
"Today, we're running elimination drills."
Murmurs spread through the group.
Vance's eyes were sharp. "Three rounds. The weakest get cut."
Jaden exhaled slowly. No mistakes today.
Then—he felt a presence next to him.
Ethan.
Jaden didn't even have to look to know that smirk was back.
"This is where you slip, Carter," Ethan whispered.
Jaden smirked. "You sure? Because last time I saw you, you were still picking your pride up off the ground."
Ethan's smirk twitched.
Jaden chuckled. Good. Let him be pissed. Let him play sloppy.
The whistle blew.
Time to survive.