The locker room was silent.
No one dared to speak — not after that.
The scoreboard had frozen at 3–2.
Virtus Lombardia Youth, once trailing by two goals, had just pulled off an impossible comeback.
And at the center of it all stood a newcomer — Jaeven Moretti Han.
He sat quietly on the bench, sweat dripping down his temples, chest rising and falling. His teammates stole glances at him, whispering between disbelief and awe.
"Bro… that goal…"
"Did you see that control? That flick—"
"Who is this guy?"
Jaeven didn't hear them. He was too busy staring at the faint, transparent screen hovering in front of him.
---
[System Notice]
⚽ Match Summary Generated!
System Notice]
Mission Completed: First Competitive Match.
Performance Rating: A+
Reward: 500 EXP, 1 Skill Point, 1 Hidden Trait Fragment.
[System Tip]
Player development trajectory updated. Future opportunities incoming.
---
The words lingered in his mind.
His heart raced — not from the match, but from the realization that this strange new power was shaping his destiny.
He opened his Status Screen.
---
[Status Screen]
Name: Jaeven Moretti Han
Age: 16
Team: Virtus Lombardia Youth
Position: LW/SS
Attribute Score Grade Notes
Pace 38 E+ Noticeably faster after system-assisted reflex activation
Dribbling 40 D Decent control and flair under pressure
Shooting 39 E+ Improved accuracy and timing
Passing 37 E+ Still developing
Stamina 36 E+ Slightly above baseline after training
Strength 34 E Lean frame, lacks physical duels
Technique 41 D Good ball feel and rhythm
Mentality 47 D+ Unshaken focus; thrives under stress
Football IQ 44 D Strong reading of play developing fast
Overall Rating: 40 (D–)
Status: Youth Starter – Rising Potential
---
He smiled faintly.
It wasn't much — not world-class, not divine — but it was his.
From a body that once couldn't even walk without pain, to one that could fly down the wing… that was everything.
He closed the screen as the youth coach entered.
"Alright, everyone! Great match. Enjoy the moment, but don't get carried away. Training resumes tomorrow morning!"
The team groaned.
But for Jaeven, the words were like a spark.
Tomorrow. Another chance to grow. Another step toward the dream.
---
Meanwhile, somewhere across the city, a man watched the replay in his office.
He was silent as the camera zoomed in on Jaeven's goal — a touch, a feint, a burst of acceleration, and a curling finish into the top corner.
He leaned forward, eyes narrowing.
"That composure… those instincts…"
He replayed the clip again — this time in slow motion.
A smile formed.
"Virtus Lombardia Youth, huh?" he murmured. "Interesting."
He reached for his phone.
"Prepare a full report on that left winger — Jaeven Moretti Han. I want him in the main team's training session next week."
---
Back in his small dorm, Jaeven sat on the bed, scrolling through his phone.
His social feed was flooded — clips, edits, and posts all tagged with his name.
[Virtus Lombardia Wonderkid?]
[Anonymous youth turns game upside down!]
[Who is Jaeven Han? The rise of a new star?]
He let out a shaky laugh.
He wasn't used to attention.
But deep inside, something stirred — not pride, but determination.
He clenched his fist.
"This time… I'll climb the ladder from the very bottom. No shortcuts."
As if in response, the system flickered again.
---
[System Notice]
📢 New Objective Unlocked!
Objective: "Prove Your Worth"
Maintain starting position in next 3 matches.
Earn average match rating above B–.
Reward: "Skill Path Unlock – Mental Training I"
[System Tip]: "Consistency builds legends. The world remembers those who perform, not those who dream."
---
He smiled.
The world outside was asleep, but Jaeven's new journey had just begun.
For now, there was peace after the storm.
But even he could feel it — this calm wouldn't last long.
Somewhere, in the echoes of his own ambition, another storm was already brewing.
---