Morning mist lingered over the courtyard, veiling the dew-covered grass in a silver shimmer. The sound of birds filtered through the still air as Jaeven laced up his boots — old, slightly scuffed, but comfortable.
Seven days.
That was all the System had given him.
He stood, tightening his shoelaces and exhaling sharply. His reflection in the villa's glass door caught his eye again — not the frail face of Elias Kwon, but the sharp, youthful features of Jaeven Moretti Han. Strong jaw, lean frame, eyes filled with focus.
> [System Tip: Daily Training Routine Unlocked.]
[Objective 1: Warm-up & stamina evaluation.]
[Objective 2: Basic dribbling practice.]
[Objective 3: Shooting accuracy test.]
"Guess we're starting early," he muttered with a faint grin.
He began with stretches — controlled, rhythmic movements that loosened the stiffness in his body. The morning air bit gently against his skin, but it only made him feel more alive.
He jogged down the cobblestone path that looped around the villa garden. The System tracked every step.
> [Pace Evaluation: In Progress…]
[Breathing: Steady]
[Posture: Balanced]
[Endurance: Above baseline]
The data scrolled like subtitles at the edge of his vision. A soft ping followed.
> [Updated Stat – Pace: +1]
Jaeven smirked. "Alright… so hard work really does pay off in this world."
When he finished the lap, sweat trailed down his temples. He crouched, picked up the football again, and placed it in front of him.
> [Objective 2: Begin Dribbling Sequence.]
[Tip: Focus on rhythm, not speed.]
He nudged the ball forward, shifting his weight lightly. The grass was slick, but his control felt sharper today — the muscle memory from yesterday's training fused with instincts carried over from his past life.
The System adjusted in real-time, glowing lines tracing his movement paths, highlighting optimal angles.
Tap. Turn. Roll. Tap. Turn.
His feet moved faster, smoother — almost like dancing.
> [Dribbling Progress: 76% → 94% → 100%]
[Skill Growth Detected.]
[Dribbling +2 | Pace +1]
He stopped and rested the ball under his foot, breathing evenly.
He looked toward the horizon — beyond the villa's walls, the city of Milan stretched far in the distance. Somewhere out there, countless other players were chasing the same dream.
But none of them had lived and died for it like he had.
---
The sound of the villa door opening caught his attention. Lucia stepped out, holding a water bottle.
"You've been out here since sunrise," she said, tossing it to him. "You training for the academy already?"
Jaeven caught it effortlessly. "Something like that."
She tilted her head. "You're weird today. Usually you're grumpy in the mornings."
He smiled faintly. "Guess I just remembered how good it feels to run."
She raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Well, Dad's heading out soon. He said Coach Renzo called. Something about the academy trials being earlier this year."
Jaeven's eyes sharpened. "Earlier?"
Lucia nodded. "Yeah. Six days instead of seven."
> [System Update: Quest Timer Adjusted – 6 Days Remaining.]
[Warning: Objective Deadline Shortened.]
His pulse quickened. "Six days, huh? Guess the world really doesn't wait."
Lucia shrugged. "Better start now, bro."
He chuckled. "I already did."
---
Hours later, after breakfast and a quick shower, Jaeven headed toward the backyard again — this time with a notebook in hand. He opened a blank page and began sketching drills, ideas, formations.
The System responded immediately.
> [Tactical Analysis Detected.]
[Hidden Attribute Unlocked – Football IQ.]
[Current Level: 52 (C Rank)]
Blue light shimmered faintly across the page.
> [New Passive Skill: Spatial Awareness Lv.1]
[Effect: Slightly enhances perception of opponents and ball trajectory.]
Jaeven exhaled deeply. The System wasn't just numbers — it was alive, adapting, rewarding thought as much as action.
"Spatial awareness… That's how pros read the game before it happens," he murmured, memories of watching Messi and De Bruyne flash through his mind.
He looked at his hands — steady, strong, capable — and clenched them.
"This time, I'll reach their level."
---
By sunset, his body ached, but it was a beautiful pain — one born from effort, not illness. The System window appeared again, glowing softly as the sky turned orange.
> [Daily Summary:]
Training Duration: 4 hrs 37 mins
Distance Covered: 8.4 km
Energy Expenditure: 91%
Rewards:
– Dribbling +3
– Pace +2
– Mentality +1
– Stamina (Hidden Attribute) Unlocked: 41 (E)
> [Current Overall Rating: D (Developing+)]
A genuine smile tugged at his lips.
He wiped his forehead, leaning on the football. "Not bad for day one."
Then he looked up at the sky again — the same sky that once watched him die, now watching him live.
"Six days left," he whispered. "Let's make the world remember the name Jaeven Moretti Han."
> [Quest Reminder: Path of the Prodigy – 6 Days Remaining.]
[Next Phase: 'The Trial.']
The holographic glow faded with the last light of the sun.