Life in Spain couldn't have been more satisfying.
Above all, Ho-young's grandparents, with whom he now lived, helped him adapt in every possible way.
His grandfather, who still went by his Korean name Kim Jae-kyum, was a devoted Real Madrid fan, and that made the two of them get along exceptionally well.
Even the house walls were wallpapered in white, all because of his love for the club.
As for school, Ho-young was scheduled to begin attending a private middle school in Madrid as a first-year student starting next month.
He had nothing to worry about, as Real Madrid had arranged everything, even covering the full tuition.
All Ho-young had to do was attend the minimum required number of school days.
Today, he had come to the school with his grandfather Kim Jae-kyum to complete enrollment procedures, and right at the entrance, he was struck by two things.
First, it was not the typical school he had imagined, but a building in the European Gothic architectural style.
Second, the principal.
The half-bald principal was overly attentive to Ho-young from the first meeting.
While this was due in part to the club's request, it was also to be expected.
After all, a boy who had just won the Golden Ball at the U-17 World Cup was enrolling at his school—who wouldn't go out of their way?
"I'll always be rooting for you, Ho-young. If you ever need anything, just say the word. And tell the club I said hello."
"Yes, sir."
It felt like a bit too much, but it was also nice in its own way.
But the surprises didn't end there.
His homeroom teacher, who had a Real Madrid emblem keychain dangling from their car keys, was next.
"Could you come over and sign something for me?"
"For the enrollment?"
"No, on a football. I've been collecting signatures from famous players on it. I brought it today just for yours."
"Haha."
Spain.
A country of football, by football, for football.
Ho-young was beginning to truly understand that.
It seemed he was about to embark on a dynamic life.
Spain's love for football was world-famous.
There was no telling just how passionate the country was about the sport.
Football was their way of life, their identity.
And it didn't stop there. Football permeated all aspects of Spanish society.
No matter where one went in the country, traces of football were everywhere. It influenced almost every industry.
In a nation where youth unemployment hovered around 50 percent, football was practically a beacon of hope.
It wasn't just an escape from economic downturns. It was a source of national pride.
Because of that, the football leagues in Spain were run with meticulous structure. There were a total of 122 professional clubs, divided across three professional divisions.
Among them, the first division.
Its official name is Primera División de España, but it's more commonly referred to as La Liga.
Real Madrid, the club that had signed Ho-young, belonged to La Liga.
However, Ho-young was still a youth player and would be playing in the amateur league designated for youth teams.
It was similar to Brazil's system, but even more detailed and structured.
His ultimate goal: Real Madrid's first team.
He needed to be promoted to that level to play in the professional arena he had always dreamed of.
And today was the day he would take his very first step toward that goal.
Friday, December 16.
Hospital La Paz, Madrid.
This hospital, considered one of the best in the country, also served as the designated medical provider for Real Madrid's players.
Because of that, medical testing was part of the process. Youth development director Michelle and the head of youth development strategy had come for this very reason.
And between them stood one boy.
Ho-young.
"Spain's not all that different, so there's no need to be nervous."
"Okay."
The group made their way to the medical testing department located in the special wing on the west side of the hospital.
Even the hospital lobby already had over a dozen people waiting.
'Are they all club players?'
Most looked young, suggesting they were youth players. A few club staff members were also present, and as soon as they saw Michelle, they all greeted him.
This showed just how respected Michelle was within the club.
And the fact that he had personally accompanied a youth player like Ho-young spoke volumes about how much attention the club was giving him.
Soon, a blonde woman in a white lab coat appeared at the end of the hallway with a bright smile.
"Long time no see."
"You've been working hard. Where's the department head?"
"He's with that player because of his knee, Rona—"
"Let's leave it at that."
Just like a company has internal confidentiality, so does the club.
There's no benefit to letting word of a player's injury spread. Michelle ended the conversation there.
The woman then turned to Ho-young and looked him in the eye.
"You must be the one. Nice to meet you. I'm Ariana."
"Hello."
With defined features and full lips, Ariana was a doctor from the medical testing team.
In her early to mid-30s, she was practically Real Madrid's official team doctor.
"Come this way."
"Okay."
As Ho-young followed Ariana into the exam room, the youth strategy chief spoke up.
"Feels like a breeze is blowing in from Asia."
"Your gut feeling? Or just a hunch?"
"Faith. Faith in Antonio's instincts."
Normally, youth players are like scratch-off lottery tickets, so medical tests are conducted before a contract is signed.
But in Ho-young's case, Real Madrid had gone ahead with the contract as soon as they received his medical records from São Paulo FC.
They trusted Antonio's instincts and belief.
That was the difference between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
"I trust my friend's judgment."
The first hurdle was the medical test.
Michelle quietly hoped for a positive outcome.
And that Antonio's efforts wouldn't be in vain.
"Hup...!"
"Now exhale…"
"Hah!"
It had been nearly a year and a half since Ho-young had undergone a full medical.
It felt like a new experience.
And he was looking forward to it.
This would give him a rough idea of how much he had developed.
Most of all, he was curious about his muscle mass and body balance index.
"Hup!"
"Alright, that's enough..."
"Hah!"
After finishing the upper body strength test, curiosity spread across Ho-young's face.
Once the test was over, he'd be able to get a rough idea of the results.
But something was off. Ariana's expression had grown serious.
She had been giving Ho-young puzzled glances from the start.
Swoosh.
Ariana leaned in slightly and opened her mouth in a soft tone.
"Do fans ever send you food or gifts?"
"Snacks, mostly."
"Factory-sealed?"
"Yes."
"Hmm... Even so, be careful with that stuff. Just in case."
"Why?"
"Some players accidentally fail doping tests because of that. It doesn't happen often, but in the pro leagues, random doping tests are common."
"Ah…"
She meant that some people might try to sabotage players by sending drug-laced food.
'There are people that insane?'
"Yes. I'll be careful. But why are you asking that now?"
Ho-young asked, and Ariana lowered her voice.
"Are you on something?"
Football is known for its strict anti-doping policies.
To the point where players have pleaded for the rules to be eased slightly.
There's good reason for this, with many historical doping cases.
Dutch legends like Jaap Stam and Frank de Boer once received bans for using banned substances. The Argentine national team was rumored to have used drugs during the World Cup.
Even Maradona, considered the god of football, wasn't immune to doping scandals.
Ariana had suspected Ho-young of using steroids.
His muscle mass was far too high for his age.
But was he lacking agility?
Not at all.
Normally, an increase in muscle mass should result in improved agility.
However, if that muscle growth is excessive, it can reduce flexibility and ultimately impair agility. That's why regular evaluations and professional care are essential.
Muscle-bound athletes may excel in straight-line speed but struggle with rapid direction changes.
But in Ho-young's case…
'His flexibility is incredible.'
His flexibility was excellent despite his muscle mass.
Not only that, but the balance between muscle and flexibility was astounding.
His excellent body balance brought his strength and flexibility into perfect harmony.
'How long has it been since I've seen a body like this?'
A blessed physique.
Of course, he was still growing, so nothing was guaranteed. But at this level, it was safe to say he was naturally gifted.
And the surprise didn't end there.
A state-of-the-art in-body scan revealed detailed insights into his muscle type, volume, density, definition, and separation.
His muscle quality was on another level.
But what truly shocked Ariana was something else.
'What... this is African muscle fiber.'
She had been studying the results for some time before lifting her head to look at Ho-young.
'He's Asian. And not even mixed-race.'
With a perplexed expression, she asked cautiously.
"Is your father Black by any chance?"
"..."
Test results don't lie.
Muscle composition varies by ethnicity. Based on the results, it was hard to say he had typical Asian muscle traits.
Nor was it like that of a Caucasian, with mostly slow-twitch fibers.
He had far more muscle mass than fat, and his muscles were predominantly fast-twitch fibers, common in Black athletes. This allows for explosive bursts of power.
In other words, a naturally gifted body.
"Or maybe a Black ancestor?"
"I'm not sure."
"I see."
In a multicultural country like Spain, this wasn't all that unusual.
It was a global phenomenon, after all.
Take Southeast Asia, for example. Due to its complex history, it's difficult to pinpoint ethnic backgrounds.
There was nothing strange about an East Asian having some African genetic traits.
What was certain was this:
He had the same muscle composition seen in players like Pelé or Ronaldinho.
In other words, a body made for football.
'So that's the source of his explosive speed.'
An innate sprinting DNA.
Combined with flexibility, body balance, and stamina, he had it all.
'Incredible. He's going to need intense care from both the physical coaches and medical staff.'
The higher the quality of the product, the more attention it requires.
If he could maintain this body into adulthood, he could become a masterpiece.
'Now that I look at him again... he's really built.'
Ho-young was wearing athletic wear for the tests, and his muscle definition was visible.
He wasn't bulked up like a bodybuilder, but his low body fat revealed his lean, dense muscles.
As a Real Madrid socio (member), Ariana felt proud to have such a player in their club.
When the tests were over, she said:
"Ho-young."
"Yes?"
"Great job today. But let's try not to see each other too often. At the hospital, I mean."
"Got it. I'll take care of my body."
"If anything feels off, tell the club right away. And if anything happens, call me immediately."
"Thank you."
Not long after the medical exam ended, a comprehensive report came out.
It excluded results that would take longer, but still included most key information.
It had everything from comparative analysis between Ho-young and other youth players in Spain by age group, to indicators showing his ranking within the club.
"Here it is."
"Thanks. So, how is it?"
After a long wait, Michelle received the report and asked with a curious expression.
Ariana, wearing a similar look, responded.
"Where did you find a monster like this?"
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)