*( Ligue 1 Initiation Chapter)*
---
**Lille OSC Training Complex – 5:45 AM**
The automatic doors hissed open to reveal a deserted gymnasium. Ibukun's new cleats squeaked against polished floors as his HUD adapted:
***`LEAGUE TRANSITION MODE: ACTIVATED
→ Ligue 1 Physicality: +12%
→ Referee Bias Coefficient: -8%
→ New Mission Types: "Media Management"`***
He'd been on the weight rack for 37 minutes when the first teammate arrived—Jonathan David, yawning in Balenciaga sweats. The Canadian star froze mid-stretch.
*"Christ. They weren't kidding about you."*
Ibukun continued deadlifting 180kg without breaking rhythm. The security cameras would later show David texting the group chat: *"New African guy's a fucking T-1000."*
---
**The Hazing Attempt**
By 9AM, the squad had devised their welcome:
1. **Dressing Room Politics**
- Assigned locker next to the showers (constant dampness)
- "Accidentally" mixed up his protein shake with salt
2. **Training Ground Provocations**
- Veteran center-back Tiago Djaló "tested" him with studs-up challenges
- Winger Edon Zhegrova pretended not to understand English instructions
Ibukun responded with:
- Silent endurance of pranks
- A perfectly timed tackle that left Djaló sprawling
- Fluent Portuguese/French switches to expose Zhegrova's act
***`SYSTEM NOTICE:
→ Dressing Room Respect: 41%
→ SP EARNED: 200 (Psychological Resilience)`***
---
**Moreau's Private Session**
That evening, she summoned him to a private pitch. The security lights cast long shadows as she demonstrated:
*"Our manager loves this move—"* A Cruyff turn so sharp it tore grass. *"Learn it by Saturday."*
Her phone buzzed with a notification: **"JAY-JAY"**. She swiped it away too fast.
Ibukun's HUD caught the tail end of a text:
**"-still owe me for Marseille '98"**
---
**First Press Conference**
The media room smelled of stale perfume and ambition. Reporters hurled questions:
*"Can an orphan handle Ligue 1 pressure?"*
*"Is it true Lille bought you as a marketing stunt?"*
Ibukun's response—a 3.7-second silence followed by *"Watch the pitch."*—became an instant meme.
Moreau later showed him the analytics:
- 82% negative social media sentiment
- 310% merchandise sales spike
*"Controversy breeds cash,"* she purred, adjusting his tie. *"Now go score goals."*
---
**Chapter 14 Closing**
Matchday 1 arrived. Parc des Princes. 60,000 screaming Parisians.
As Ibukun took position, his HUD displayed PSG's tactical weak points—and one personal notification:
***`BLOODLINE MISSION:
→ Outplay Mbappé (at least 2 key dribbles)
→ Reward: "1994 Okocha Flair Package"
→ Failure: -10% Fan Approval`***
The whistle blew. Electricity crackled in Ibukun's veins.
---