Chapter Three: The Discarded

“Oscar will tell you to eat fewer chips.” The children laughed. “Why would I come?” “Every academy wanted to repair you before letting you play. We will let you play, then hold you responsible for every choice.” The smile left Eli's face. “Late once, you're benched. Twice, appearance bonus withheld. Three times, contract terminated. But you receive the schedule a day early, with one clear objective per exercise. If your attention breaks, tell us. Nobody will call you lazy.” “How do you know?” The System report said suspected attention disorder, never assessed. “Four clubs wrote that you lacked discipline. None asked why.” Eli flicked the ball onto his shoulder. “Can I start Saturday?” “Be on time Friday and Oscar may consider it.”