The city of Lisbon stretched before him, shimmering in the morning light. Elegant architecture, historic charm, and the quiet hum of a capital that had birthed football legends.
Tobi stood outside Academia Sporting, the legendary youth facility known for producing world-class players. A place where only the best survived.
This wasn't a regular trial.
It was a crucible.
---
Arrival at the Academy
The gates of the facility loomed tall. Beyond them, pristine pitches and top-tier equipment glistened like something out of a FIFA game. Tobi checked in at the front desk, where a stern-faced coordinator handed him a green training kit with the Sporting crest.
"Your number is 41. Training session starts in fifteen minutes. Coach Mendes will be watching personally."
Tobi nodded, his throat dry. A part of him trembled—but the other part? That part was already processing everything.
---
> System Notification: Trial Mode Activated
Skill Visibility: Hidden (You will not appear as "overpowered" to scouts unless exceptional).
Temporary Trait: "Proving Ground" – All performance metrics are weighted 2x during the trial.
Goal: Rank in Top 3 of trialists by Day 3
Bonus: Unlock "Elite Evaluation" and Potential Ceiling Range
---
He entered the locker room filled with over 40 players.
Some were national youth team players. Some came from abroad. Every one of them had glowing resumes. This wasn't about raw talent. This was survival among the best.
A few glanced at him, sizing him up.
One boy sneered. "São Vicente? What is that, a bakery?"
The room laughed.
Tobi didn't reply.
He just smiled faintly and tied his boots.
Let your feet speak.
---
Day One – Evaluation Begins
The first session was brutal.
Passing drills under high pressure
5v5 mini-games with no coaching interruptions
Fitness testing with near-military pacing
"Cognitive pattern" tests using VR simulators to track player decision-making
Coach Mendes said nothing for the first two hours. He simply watched, arms folded, writing notes on a tablet.
In the first game, Tobi stayed quiet. Focused. Smart.
He didn't try to score.
He connected play, created angles, fixed shape.
By the end, his team had won all three mini-games.
---
> System Summary: Day One Evaluation
Tactical Decision-Making: 88
Touches Under Pressure: 84
Team Synergy Score: 91
Mentality Rating: 86
Standing: Rank 5 of 42
---
Not enough.
He needed top 3.
---
Night Session – System Upgrade
Tobi lay in his dorm bed, mentally exhausted. But he summoned the System anyway.
"Use Skill Points," he whispered.
> You have 6 unallocated Skill Points.
Allocate to:
Passing (Lv 4 → 5): 2 pts
Vision (Lv 4 → 5): 2 pts
Agility (Lv 2 → 3): 1 pt
Mentality (Lv 3 → 4): 1 pt
> Upgrade Complete.
New Passive Trait: "Snap Vision" – Temporary +10% pass accuracy after turning with the ball.
"Insight Vision" upgraded: Increased area scanning, faster predictions.
---
Day Two – The Real Test
Team formations began.
Tobi was placed with Team C, considered an "observation" group. Players who weren't obvious stars but had shown flashes.
His team was pitted against Team A—Sporting's best current U17 prospects.
And at their heart? Mateus Cerqueira.
A 17-year-old central midfielder already on the radar of the Portugal U19 team.
Tall. Strong. Press-resistant. Tobi recognized him from his past life. A beast who made others look like kids.
---
> System Alert: Hidden Rival Triggered
Player: Mateus Cerqueira
Position: CM
Mentality: 90
Passing: 87
Strength: 88
Trait: "Anchor Titan" – Unshakable under pressure
Rival Chance: Moderate
---
Here we go again.
Kickoff.
Mateus's team dominated the first 10 minutes. His long passes were laser-like, his balance unshakable even with two markers on his back.
But Tobi adjusted.
He didn't challenge directly.
He shadowed.
He predicted.
Minute 14: Intercepted a pass from Mateus.
Minute 20: Baited him into overcommitting, launched a 40-yard switch to the right winger—assist.
Minute 27: Drew a foul after turning past Mateus with "Snap Vision" active.
By halftime, Tobi had 2 assists, 1 chance created, and 3 interceptions.
---
System Update:
> Trial Influence: +12
Vision: +1
Reputation: +5 (National Youth Level)
Rival Control vs Mateus: 53% – Lead Acquired
---
Coach Mendes pulled him aside after the session.
"You play like you've seen the game already before it starts," he muttered. "Where'd you learn that?"
Tobi just smiled. "My father was a coach."
It was a lie—but not one he regretted.
Mendes stared for a second. Then nodded. "Keep it up tomorrow. Trials end after the next match."
---
Day Three – Final Evaluation Match
Two full 11v11 teams.
Tobi was named starting CM for Team Green.
His opponents?
Team White, led by Mateus and a lightning-fast winger from Angola named Eduardo "Rayo" Costa.
For 90 minutes, the pitch became war.
Tobi scored once from outside the box.
Assisted another with a perfectly weighted pass.
Mateus responded with a goal and a commanding midfield performance.
Final score: 3–3.
But the real battle was clear.
---
> System Summary: Final Trial Evaluation
Match Influence: 92
Tactical Score: 89
Synergy: 94
Coach Impressions: 5/5
Mateus Rival Control: Tobi – 54% / Mateus – 46%
Final Standing: 2nd of 42
---
Post-Trial – The Offer
Coach Mendes called him in personally.
"You impressed us, Oliveira," he said. "We've reviewed your full three-day performance. You're calm. Smart. Tactical. We want to offer you a full academy contract."
Tobi nodded slowly. "Thank you, Coach."
But Mendes wasn't done.
"One more thing. You'll be placed in our Elite Development Group. With players like Mateus, Rayo, and several U17 internationals."
The pressure didn't let up.
It only got heavier.
---
System Notification: Major Progression Milestone Reached
> New Title: Elite Youth Prospect
Effects: Training gains increased, scouts begin long-term tracking
New Storyline Quest: "Rise Among Lions"
Goal: Become a starter for the U19 team within 6 months
Optional Rival Paths:
Surpass Mateus
Duel Rayo in wing containment
Impress National Team Scout (Hidden)
---
As Tobi walked out into the Lisbon sun, the wind felt different.
Not lighter.
Sharper.
His rebirth had taken him this far.
But the game was only beginning.
---