The night after the match felt unreal.
The roars of three thousand fans, the blinding flashes from camera phones, the flood of comments online calling him "The Miracle Kid" — all of it replayed endlessly in Jaeven's mind. His heart still raced, even as he lay in bed staring at the ceiling of his small dorm room.
> [System Notice]
Achievement Unlocked: "Turn the Tide" – Lead your team from defeat to victory.
Reward: +2 Overall Mental Growth (Composure, Confidence, Match Awareness)
He exhaled slowly. Even now, it feels like a dream...
Just a week ago, he'd been the weakest player in Virtus Lombardia Youth — a frail kid trying to keep up with athletes built like machines. Now the same people who mocked his scrawny frame were whispering his name in awe.
Still, reality had a way of grounding him. His legs ached. His breathing was heavy. Every muscle reminded him he was far from the level he wanted to reach.
The following morning, the youth team's training ground buzzed with energy. Reporters weren't allowed inside, but word had spread. Even the senior youth players were sneaking glances at him.
"Yo, Han! You're trending again! Did you see? They called your goal world-class!" shouted Matteo, the team's right-back, grinning as he jogged up beside him.
Jaeven scratched his head. "Did they? I didn't check..."
Matteo laughed. "Stop pretending you're not loving it, man. You made defenders from Valenza Primavera look like statues. That cut inside—man, even the keeper looked lost."
He smiled faintly but said nothing. Compliments were nice, but deep down, Jaeven knew that single match didn't make him great. It just made him noticed.
---
Later That Afternoon
The youth coach's whistle blew sharply, cutting through the chatter.
"Alright, gather up!" he barked, his voice echoing over the pitch.
Jaeven jogged over with the others, wiping sweat from his face. The coach's expression was unreadable — serious, maybe even slightly nervous.
"I've got an announcement," he said, crossing his arms. "The club's first team will be reorganizing this week. A new head coach has arrived, and he's requested something... unusual."
A murmur rippled through the players.
Jaeven blinked, curious.
The coach's eyes flickered toward him — just for a second — before he continued. "He wants to observe certain youth players for potential call-ups. Effective immediately."
That sentence alone sent the group into chaos.
"Wait, call-ups?"
"To the first team?"
"Bro, no way! That's Serie C level!"
The coach raised his hand. "Quiet down. I'll announce the name once the list is finalized. For now, get back to work — the new staff might come by to watch."
He blew the whistle again, dismissing them. But Jaeven couldn't shake the feeling that the coach's gaze lingered on him a moment too long.
---
That night, Jaeven stayed behind to train alone.
Under the dim lights of the empty field, he dribbled through cones, replaying moments from the match in his head — every touch, every mistake.
> [System Notice]
Training Efficiency Boost: +10% (Solo Focus Condition Met)
He stopped, panting. "So... that means I improve faster when training alone, huh?"
> [System Tip]
Solo sessions enhance concentration and development efficiency.
Warning: Overtraining may reduce future performance. Rest is also training.
He chuckled quietly. "You even sound like a coach..."
Then, curiosity struck. "System, show status."
> [Status Screen]
Name: Jaeven Moretti Han
Age: 16
Team: Virtus Lombardia Youth
Position: LW / SS
Attributes:
Pace: 39 (E+) – Good acceleration but limited stamina
Dribbling: 41 (D) – Improving confidence on the ball
Shooting: 37 (E+) – Inconsistent, but flashes of technique
Passing: 40 (D) – Vision developing
Technique: 42 (D) – Natural flair emerging
Strength: 32 (E) – Still below average
Stamina: 36 (E+) – Holding out better in matches
Agility: 44 (D) – Quick feet and balance improving
Awareness: 46 (D+) – Better decision-making under pressure
Mentality: 55 (C+) – Focus, resilience, and confidence
Overall Rating: 42 (D) – Developing Youth Player
Potential Rating: ???
Skill Slots:
[Rapid Burst Lv.1] – Short sprint acceleration boost (1.5s cooldown: 30s)
[Reflex Touch Lv.1] – Improved first touch under pressure
Skill Points Available: 0
He stared at the screen, then let out a small grin.
Not amazing, but real progress. He was no longer the weakest on the team.
As he turned off the lights, his thoughts lingered on the coach's words.
A new first team coach... call-ups... could it be?
---
Next Morning
He woke to knocking.
"Han, Coach wants to see you. Now," said Matteo, poking his head through the door, wide-eyed. "You're not in trouble, right?"
Jaeven's heart skipped. "I—uh... I don't think so?"
He quickly dressed and made his way to the coach's office, trying to calm his nerves. When he entered, his youth coach stood beside a tall man in a dark gray suit — someone he'd never seen before.
The man's posture radiated quiet authority. His eyes, sharp and calculating, focused directly on Jaeven.
"Jaeven Moretti Han," the youth coach began, "this is—"
The man raised a hand to stop him. "No need for introductions."
Jaeven froze.
The stranger walked closer, his shoes clicking lightly against the floor. "I've been watching your match. That comeback performance against Valenza Primavera..." He paused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It was... refreshing."
"Th-thank you, sir."
The man's tone was calm, but it carried weight — the kind that made Jaeven instinctively straighten his back.
"I've recently taken charge of Virtus Lombardia's first team. We're rebuilding — focusing on young blood, players with heart." His gaze sharpened. "And I want you in my squad."
Jaeven blinked, almost certain he'd misheard. "M-me? The first team?"
"Yes."
The room went silent. Even the youth coach looked stunned.
The man continued, "You'll join our senior training camp starting tomorrow. You'll train with professionals — real matches, real competition. Whether you stay depends entirely on your performance."
Jaeven's throat went dry. "I... I understand."
The man turned to leave but stopped at the doorway. Without looking back, he added quietly, "Don't disappoint me, Han."
And then he was gone.
The youth coach exhaled deeply, still trying to process it. "Well... you heard him."
Jaeven stood there, heartbeat thundering in his chest.
He'd done it. The call-up every youth player dreamed of.
---
That night, he barely slept.
> [System Notice]
Milestone Unlocked: "The First Call-Up."
Reward: +1 All Attributes (Minor Growth Boost)
He smiled faintly, watching the glowing screen fade from his vision.
For years, in his previous life, he had admired footballers from afar — envying their strength, their talent, their ability to inspire millions.
Now, in this new world, he had a chance to walk that same path himself.
He looked at his trembling hands. "No turning back now..."
---
The Next Day – Virtus Lombardia FC Facility
The air felt different.
As Jaeven stepped off the bus, the sight before him made his chest tighten — the massive stadium rising like a fortress, the spotless turf, the gleaming logo of Virtus Lombardia FC on the glass doors.
This wasn't the youth center anymore. This was professional territory.
Players in crisp training kits walked past, chatting in Italian and English. Their movements were sharper, their builds stronger. Even the air carried the faint scent of grass, sweat, and determination.
Jaeven adjusted his bag nervously, glancing down at his badge: Virtus Lombardia Youth.
> [System Tip]
Stage Advancement Detected.
You are entering a higher competitive environment. Growth potential increased by 15%.
His heart raced. So this is the real beginning...
He walked forward, every step echoing softly against the concrete path.
Through the glass, he could already see the training pitch beyond — bright green under the sunlight, with the first team warming up in formation.
A door slid open automatically as he approached.
He inhaled deeply, steadying himself.
> [System Notice]
Objective Updated: Survive and Thrive in the First Team.
New Sub-Mission: Earn your spot in the next official squad lineup.
Jaeven clenched his fists, eyes gleaming with quiet determination.
"Virtus Lombardia FC…" he whispered. "Let's see if I truly belong here."
And with that, he stepped inside.
---