"Opening draft"
In this world, football isn't just a game. It's a bond between humans and the spirits that live within them—beasts of legend and reality known as Sprites.
At the age of 14, every aspiring footballer undergoes the "Awakening Ritual"—a moment that decides their fate. If they're worthy, a sprite will choose them, syncing with their body and soul to boost their strength, reflexes, speed—even instincts.
But syncing isn't simple.
Some barely reach 60%. Most average around 70–75%.
The rare prodigies? They might touch 80%… or even 90%.
And only one person in history ever reached 100% sync—a myth, long buried.
This fusion of man and beast is what fuels modern football.
It's not just about goals anymore. It's about power, bond, and will.
To train for this, kids from across the world join football academies by age 12. It's their best chance to awaken a sprite and chase the dream of standing on the world stage.
But without a sprite, you're just a bench warmer… an extra body.
And that's where Jim comes in.
He was the only one in his academy who didn't awaken a sprite.
Every year, every ceremony—nothing happened.
People laughed. Coaches benched him. Players ignored him.
But he kept showing up. Kept running. Kept believing.
Why?
Because he had a dream.
To win the World Cup… not just for his country, but with a team he builds from nothing.
Chapter 1: The Bench Warmer
The academy field was full of noise—
whistles blowing, shoes hitting the ground, and the wild sounds of sprites roaring with energy.
But not for Jim.
He sat quietly on the far bench, wiping sweat off his forehead.
His jersey was still clean.
His boots looked brand new.
Then came a voice.
"Yo, bench legend!"
Jim looked up. It was Volt, jogging past with his usual cheeky smile.
"Don't forget to breathe while doing all that… sitting!" Volt laughed.
Jim smiled calmly.
"Someone has to guard the bench. It's a very important job."
Volt winked.
"Legend says if you sit long enough, the bench itself will give you a sprite!"
Jim chuckled.
Then a cold voice came from the center of the field.
"Volt. Enough talking. Focus."
It was Alex—quiet, serious, and always watching.
He wasn't trying to be rude.
That's just how Alex was. Calm and cool.
The kind of guy who could score a goal from the halfway line and walk away like it was normal.
He was rich, talented, and mysterious.
Jim looked at them both.
Volt—funny and full of life.
Alex—cold but dependable.
Jim respected them.
But respect didn't get him on the team.
Then came the whistle.
"Three laps! Everyone, now!" Coach Tenjo shouted.
The whole team started running.
Then Tenjo turned to Jim.
"And you, Jim—stop dreaming and start moving!"
"If you want to sit all day, do it at home!"
Jim nodded quickly.
"Yes, Coach!"
He started running.
Coach Tenjo was tough.
He yelled a lot, acted strict, and treated the players like soldiers.
But Jim always felt… maybe the coach believed in him.
Even if no one else did.
Later that evening…
Everyone had gone home.
Most were resting in their dorms with their sprites glowing beside them.
But Jim stayed behind.
He stood in the middle of the dark field, alone.
No fire. No lightning. No wings.
Just him.
No sprite.
He looked at his empty hands.
"Why won't you come out…?" he whispered to the air.
No answer. Just wind.
But deep inside, something told him:
"Don't give up."
And Jim didn't.
Not tonight.
Not ever.
Chapter 2: More Than Just a Benchwarmer
The sun was already high when Jim returned to the training ground.
He wasn't on the list again.
No match.
No chance.
Just the bench.
He still showed up early.
He still ran laps.
Still trained harder than anyone else.
Still waited for something to change.
"You're doing it again," Volt said, walking over with a snack in hand.
"Trying to outrun destiny?"
Jim wiped his face with a towel.
"Just trying to keep up."
Volt smiled and offered him a juice box.
"You know, it's okay to rest sometimes."
Jim shook his head.
"I can't rest. Not until I awaken my sprite."
Nearby, Alex sat under a tree, eyes closed, listening to music.
Jim walked over.
"Hey."
Alex opened one eye.
"You're pushing too hard."
"I don't have a choice," Jim said quietly.
"I'm the only one without a sprite."
Alex stood up slowly.
"You have something better. Discipline. Everyone else relies on their spirit beasts. You… you've built yourself."
Jim was surprised. Alex rarely spoke this much.
"Thanks," he said.
Alex nodded once and put his headphones back in.
Later that day, the team was doing a passing drill.
Jim passed the ball perfectly—but the other player laughed.
"Why bother? You'll never play in a real match."
Jim said nothing.
But Volt wasn't quiet.
"Hey! Try saying that again without your sprite helping you!"
The boy backed off.
Volt gave Jim a look.
"Next time, let me punch him. Just a little."
Jim laughed.
Even in all this frustration… he had friends.
One serious.
One loud and crazy.
But both stood by him.
That night, Jim stayed behind again.
He stood at the center of the field and closed his eyes.
"Why haven't you come out yet? What am I missing?"
Still no sprite.
But the sky above twinkled. The wind blew gently.
He heard footsteps.
It was Coach Tenjo, arms crossed.
"What are you doing here, Jim?"
"Waiting…"
"For what? A miracle?"
Jim looked up.
"No. Just… a sign."
Coach said nothing at first.
Then quietly added:
"Keep waiting then. But don't stop moving while you do."
Jim smiled.
"Yes, Coach."
He turned to the goal.
And kicked the ball as hard as he could.
It hit the net.
He wasn't there yet.
But every day, he was closer.