After the judges arrived, the individual evaluation process began. The test consisted of three sections: agility, endurance, and strength. Candidates were divided into groups of twenty-five. I was in the third group, and while waiting for my turn, I observed the others. Based on my statistics, I already knew I would score low on these evaluations. Still, I trusted my football skills, so I was determined to do my best.
The tests were conducted simultaneously in two different areas. When the first two groups entered the field, Alex and I went to watch his evaluation. I was in the fourth group, so he would be tested at the same time as me.
Alex was quite agile for someone who had just reached level 13.
Alex Tate (Level 13)
Agility: 14
Strength: 12
Endurance: 13
Stamina: 13
Alex's agility was noticeably higher than his other stats. He performed best in his group during the running and obstacle course tests. In the other tests, he performed averagely and successfully completed the evaluation.
After the first two groups finished, I chatted with Alex for a while. Soon after, an announcement was made to prepare the next groups.
Taking a deep breath, I walked toward the testing area with the third group. Agility would be measured first, so we headed to the running and obstacle course section. I started running and moved through the obstacle course; thanks to my agility stat, which improved both my speed and balance, the course went smoothly for me. Still, I finished last in my group.
The strength and endurance tests went no differently—I finished last in each one. All the physical evaluations lasted about an hour and a half, and by the end, my morale had dropped. Even though my football skills were good, my poor physical test results felt like a major disadvantage.
Just as I was about to lose hope, I received a message from the system:
•You have earned 1,000 points for completing the U-16 physical tests of an amateur club.
This reward lifted my spirits. I could use these points strategically during the football skill test. Maybe I still had a chance.
While preparations were being made for the football skill assessment, Alex, Ben, and I sat down for a short chat. As expected, Ben had performed quite well in the strength test.
Ben Lane (Level 12)
Agility: 12
Strength: 14
Endurance: 12
Stamina: 13
Ben was stronger in terms of power than many level 13 players, even though he was just one step away from reaching level 13.
When they saw my rankings, both of them tried to console me. My performance had clearly been terrible, but they still believed I could shine in the football section.
After a short break, an announcement was made for the football skill test. Players would be divided into groups to play 7v7 matches to measure their football abilities.
In my group, there was one level 11 player and five level 12 players. The opposing team had three level 11 players and four level 12 players.
Finally, we had reached the stage where I could prove myself. The football section was about to begin.
And this was the area I trusted the most.