The training ground of Virtus Lombardia Youth buzzed differently that morning.
For the first time since Jaeven joined, reporters stood outside the fence, their cameras waiting for a glimpse of the boy who had scored that goal.
Inside the locker room, whispers filled the air.
> "Bro, that clip's at two million views now."
"He made their defense look like cones, man…"
"Coach said scouts from Division 3 were at the match."
Jaeven sat quietly, lacing up his boots. He didn't need to look at the numbers — he could feel the weight of attention pressing down on him. But behind that, a strange calmness lingered.
> "Two million views?"
He smirked faintly.
"Let them watch. That was only the beginning."
---
⚙️ [System Notification]
> [Divine Echelon Framework Update]
Match Performance Evaluation: Outstanding (A–)
Progress Recorded:
• Agility +1
• Balance +1
• Ball Control +1
• Vision +1
New Passive Insight: Spatial Awareness I (Basic Level)
"Your understanding of space during movement has slightly increased."
---
The changes were small but noticeable. His body felt more responsive; he could sense how the ball would roll before his touch even came.
Yet, every improvement made him crave more.
He opened his Status Screen quietly while warm-up began.
---
[Status Screen]
Name: Jaeven Moretti Han
Age: 16
Team: Virtus Lombardia Youth
Position: LW / SS
Attribute Score Grade Notes
Pace 38 E+ Quick for youth level, still developing acceleration
Dribbling 40 D Decent control, flashes of creativity
Shooting 36 E+ Needs refinement; power without full accuracy
Passing 37 E+ Understands lanes, lacks sharpness
Ball Control 42 D Stable touch; improved fluidity
Stamina 39 E+ Recovering from exertion faster
Strength 35 E Lean build; minimal upper body
Agility 41 D Lively footwork, fast transitions
Vision 40 D Beginning to read play flow
Mentality 55 C+ Driven, fearless in pressure
Willpower 59 C+ Unyielding focus, strong resolve
Perseverance 58 C+ Learns fast, adapts to mistakes
Charm 44 D Unpolished but noticeable presence
Traits:
Double Foot (A)
Spectral Awareness (S)
Ball Control (S)
Hidden EX Trait: [Locked]
---
"Oi, Jaeven!"
Coach Bruno's voice snapped him out of the screen.
"Stop dreaming. You may have gone viral, but we still have matches to win."
The other players chuckled, but there was respect now — the kind that couldn't be faked.
Training began. Passing drills. Pressing exercises. 5v5 small-sided games.
And through it all, Jaeven moved differently. His mind tracked every motion, each blade of grass, each breath of wind.
He remembered the system's words — Spatial Awareness I.
When he moved, it wasn't just running; it was like predicting echoes.
Where a defender would step.
Where the ball would roll.
It wasn't perfect, but it was something.
---
After training, while others hit the showers, Jaeven stayed behind, running sprints under the late Italian sun.
Every step burned. Every inhale stung his chest.
He didn't stop.
> "If I stop now… I'll lose this gift."
He didn't see the figure watching from the far stands — the shadow of a man wearing a Virtus Lombardia FC tracksuit, hands in his pockets, expression unreadable.
The man — the new first-team coach — had seen enough.
---
⚙️ [System Tip]
> "The path of mastery is not built in leaps, but steps.
Sustained effort sharpens hidden edges.
Train. Adapt. Evolve."
---
That night, Jaeven collapsed onto his bed, the faint glow of the screen still echoing in his mind.
The cheers from that viral goal hadn't faded — but neither had the silence that followed.
He stared at the ceiling.
> "I don't just want to be remembered for one goal…"
"I want to become the kind of player that creates his own era."
The room dimmed, and he closed his eyes.
The faint hum of the Divine Echelon Framework lingered — like a pulse syncing with his heartbeat.
Tomorrow, another day of training would begin.
Another small step toward the light that waited beyond the youth field.
---