Chapter 4: Finding New Talent
The angelic soccer team had made significant strides under the combined leadership of Jannela and Andres, but they both knew that if they wanted to stand a chance against Tenor’s formidable devil team, they needed new talent—players who could bring strength, skill, and fresh energy to the squad.
One morning, as the celestial sun bathed the training field in its golden light, Jannela approached Andres with a determined look in her eyes.
“Andres, we need to talk.”
Andres glanced up from his clipboard, raising an eyebrow.
“What’s on your mind, Jannela?”
She took a deep breath, her wings fluttering slightly.
“We need new players. We’ve made great progress, but if we want to compete at Tenor’s level, we need more talent. We need to find the best angel players and bring them to our team.”
Andres nodded, understanding her urgency. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. But where do we start?”
Jannela smiled, a spark of excitement in her eyes.
“I have a few ideas. There are angel academies scattered throughout the realm. We should visit them and scout for potential players. With your expertise and my intuition, I’m sure we’ll find the talent we need.”
Andres grinned, feeling a surge of enthusiasm.
“Alright, let’s do it. When do we start?”
“Today,” Jannela replied, her voice filled with determination.
“The sooner we start, the better.”
---
Their first stop was the Seraphim Academy, known for producing some of the most skilled angels in the realm. As they arrived at the grand gates of the academy, Jannela and Andres were greeted by the headmaster, an elderly angel with a kind smile.
“Welcome, Jannela and Andres,” the headmaster said, extending his hand.
“It’s an honor to have you here. How can I assist you?”
Jannela shook his hand warmly.
“Thank you, Headmaster. We’re looking for talented players to join our soccer team. We’ve heard great things about the Seraphim Academy and were hoping to observe some of your students in action.”
The headmaster nodded, his eyes twinkling with pride.
“Of course. We have a training session happening right now. Please, follow me.”
---
As they walked onto the academy’s pristine training field, Andres and Jannela watched as the young angels practiced with a mix of enthusiasm and skill. Among them, one player immediately caught Andres’s eye—a tall, graceful angel with incredible speed and agility.
“Who’s that?” Andres asked, pointing to the player.
The headmaster smiled.
“That’s Zephyra. She’s one of our most promising students. Fast as the wind and as precise as a hawk.”
Jannela watched Zephyra with admiration. “She’s amazing. Can we talk to her?”
“Of course,” the headmaster replied.
“I’ll introduce you.”
---
After the training session, Zephyra approached Jannela and Andres, her eyes filled with curiosity.
“Headmaster said you wanted to speak with me?”
Jannela smiled warmly. “Yes, Zephyra. I’m Jannela, and this is Andres. We’re the coaches of the angelic soccer team. We were very impressed with your skills and were wondering if you’d be interested in joining our team.”
Zephyra’s eyes widened with excitement. “Really? That would be amazing! I’ve always wanted to compete at a higher level.”
Andres nodded, his expression serious. “We have a tough road ahead, Zephyra. The devil team is formidable, but with your speed and agility, you could be a real asset to us.”
Zephyra grinned, her wings fluttering with excitement. “I’m in. When do we start?”
---
With Zephyra on board, Jannela and Andres continued their quest. Their next destination was the Celestial Gardens, home to angels who specialized in natural and healing abilities. They hoped to find a player who could bring a unique edge to their team.
As they strolled through the lush gardens, they came across a group of angels practicing a different kind of soccer—one that incorporated elements of nature. Among them, a young angel with a radiant aura stood out.
“Who’s that?” Jannela asked one of the garden’s caretakers.
“That’s Azura,” the caretaker replied. “She has a unique connection with nature, using it to enhance her gameplay.”
Andres watched as Azura commanded vines to move the ball with precision and elegance. “She’s incredible. We need to talk to her.”
---
After the practice, Jannela and Andres approached Azura, who greeted them with a gentle smile.
“Hello. Can I help you?”
Jannela stepped forward, her voice filled with admiration.
“Azura, I’m Jannela, and this is Andres. We’re looking for new players for our soccer team, and we were very impressed with your skills. Would you be interested in joining us?”
Azura’s eyes sparkled with interest. “I’ve heard about your team. It would be an honor to join you. I believe my abilities could bring something special to your team.”
Andres nodded, his tone encouraging. “Absolutely, Azura. Your connection with nature is unique and could give us a significant advantage. We’d love to have you.”
Azura smiled, her wings shimmering in the sunlight. “I’m in. Let’s do this.”
---
Their next stop was the Academy of Light, known for its focus on strength and resilience. Here, Jannela and Andres hoped to find players who could bring power and endurance to their team.
As they watched a group of angels training, Andres’s attention was drawn to a muscular angel who displayed impressive strength and skill. “Who’s that?” he asked the academy’s instructor.
“That’s Orion,” the instructor replied. “He’s one of our strongest players, with unmatched power and endurance.”
Jannela watched as Orion executed powerful kicks and strategic plays. “He’s exactly what we need. Can we speak with him?”
“Of course,” the instructor said, calling Orion over.
---
Orion approached Jannela and Andres, his expression curious. “You wanted to talk to me?”
Jannela smiled. “Yes, Orion. We’re looking for strong, skilled players to join our team, and we were very impressed with you. Would you be interested in joining us?”
Orion’s eyes lit up with excitement. “I’d love to. Competing at a higher level has always been my goal.”
Andres nodded, his voice filled with approval. “Your strength and endurance would be a great asset to us, Orion. Welcome to the team.”
---
With Zephyra, Azura, and Orion on board, Jannela and Andres felt a renewed sense of hope and determination. But they knew their quest wasn’t over yet. They needed one more player to complete their team—someone with exceptional leadership and strategic skills.
Their journey took them to the Academy of Wisdom, where angels trained in both physical and intellectual pursuits. As they observed a group of players engaged in a complex strategy game, one angel stood out for her ability to think several moves ahead.
“Who’s that?” Andres asked the academy’s headmistress.
“That’s Liora,” the headmistress replied. “She has a brilliant mind and a keen understanding of strategy. She’s one of our best.”
Jannela watched Liora with admiration. “She’s perfect. Can we talk to her?”
“Certainly,” the headmistress said, calling Liora over.
---
Liora approached them, her eyes filled with curiosity. “Hello. How can I help you?”
Jannela smiled. “Liora, I’m Jannela, and this is Andres. We’re looking for a strategic player to join our team, and we were very impressed with you. Would you be interested in joining us?”
Liora’s eyes sparkled with interest. “I’ve heard about your team. It would be an honor to join you. I believe my strategic skills could bring something special to your team.”
Andres nodded, his tone encouraging. “Absolutely, Liora. Your ability to think ahead and plan strategies would be invaluable to us. We’d love to have you.”
Liora smiled, her wings shimmering in the sunlight. “I’m in. Let’s do this.”
---
With Zephyra, Azura, Orion, and Liora now part of their team, Jannela and Andres felt a renewed sense of confidence. They had assembled a diverse and talented group of players, each bringing their unique strengths to the team.
As they gathered on the training field, Andres addressed the new recruits with a sense of pride. “Welcome to the team, everyone. We have a tough road ahead, but I believe we have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Together, we can achieve greatness.”
Jannela smiled, her heart swelling with hope. “We’re a team now, a family. Let’s work hard, support each other, and give it our all. With each of your unique talents, I know we can rise to any challenge.”
Zephyra, Azura, Orion, and Liora nodded, their eyes filled with determination. They were ready to give their all and help the team succeed.
---
As the days turned into weeks, the new players integrated seamlessly into the team. Zephyra’s speed and agility, Azura’s natural abilities, Orion’s strength and endurance, and Liora’s strategic mind brought a new level of skill and coordination to the team.
During one practice session, Andres called out,
“Zephyra, great speed! Azura, perfect control of the ball! Orion, keep up that strength! Liora, excellent strategic positioning!”