[Reward automatically selected]

Before I could even move the cursor or think about which skill to choose, the system glowed before my eyes, pulsing with an intense golden light. The screen trembled, and the sound that followed felt like the muffled roar of distant thunder — contained, yet filled with power.

[Skill enhanced: "Vision Prime – Advanced Field Reading"]

The name shone in golden letters, accompanied by a gust of wind that seemed to pass right through my body. A shiver ran down my spine, and for a second, the world seemed to slow down.

[Description: Exclusive skill. Allows the user to predict tactical flow and player positioning in real time. Game reading is elevated to its highest level — all future movements are displayed in reduced time. Activation occurs automatically.]

"But… You just upgraded a skill I already had. It was supposed to be a new one!"

I gestured at the system, but it was useless.

I froze. I had expected something better, something that could help me in other areas — like my shooting. I don't know if this is its way of limiting me, but if it is...

I took a deep breath, staring at the ceiling while my fists slowly clenched.

The system wasn't finished yet.

[Additional note: This skill is classified as "Legendary". The user does not have a high enough level to unlock a secret skill.]

"Then why did you say I'd get a secret skill?"

I rolled my eyes, knowing well that arguing with a hologram only I could see wouldn't help my situation.

The system didn't respond. It just blinked one last time in front of me, as if finishing its task, and then vanished into the air, leaving behind a faint golden glow that slowly faded into the darkness of my room.

I exhaled sharply. My heart was still racing, a mix of frustration and adrenaline. I had just won the regional tournament, lifted three different trophies, and yet… something inside me still wanted more.

I wanted to train a bit more, to push my abilities even higher — but my brain and muscles clearly disagreed.

I took the medal off my neck and placed it on the desk beside my phone. The room light was dim and slightly orange, and the muffled noise of the city outside made everything feel distant. I lay down on my bed and stared at the ceiling for a few seconds.

"A legendary skill, huh?", I murmured with a tired half-smile, "Then it better live up to its name..."

My eyes started to grow heavy. My whole body ached — legs, shoulders, even my neck felt stiff. The mix of physical exhaustion and the lingering adrenaline in my veins was almost numbing.

I turned to my side, pulled the blanket up to my chest, and let my breathing slow. The fatigue began to pull me down, like a gentle tide.

Before sleep fully claimed me, one last notification blinked quickly across my vision.

And then, without realizing, I was completely out.

[Current Skills:]

[God of Speed]

[Vision Prime – Advanced Field Reading]

[Offensive Instinct]

[Instinctive Dribble]

[Body Stats:]

[Strength: 68 / 100]

[Speed: 75 / 100]

[Stamina: 88.5 / 100]

[Body Control: 64 / 100]

[Flexibility: 65 / 100]

[Balance: 87.5 / 100]

[Muscle Recovery: 97 / 100]

[Technical Attributes:]

[Dribbling: 100 / 100]

[Passing: 70 / 100]

[Game Reading: 78 / 100]

[Finishing: 60 / 100]

[Positioning: 68 / 100]

[Decision-Making: 89 / 100]

[Confidence: 96 / 100]

---

Dante's Perspective:

The street was almost empty when I got off the bus, even though it was only 7 p.m. The night wind was cold, but pleasant. My body still felt heavy, my head filled with images from the game — but especially… my assist to Kelvin, and that final play where I stopped Diego's shot.

The victory was ours, but inside me, there was a strange silence. A space that the celebration couldn't fill.

I opened the front gate quietly, trying not to make noise. The faint creak of the metal was the only sound until I pushed open the door. The smell of food still lingered in the air — rice, beans, and chicken, with that seasoning only my mother knew how to make. The TV in the living room was on, the volume low, and when I looked, I saw us on the screen. Sanu celebrating the title.

I caught a glimpse of myself — running, shouting, hugging the others. But it looked like someone else. Another "me" smiling in a way that didn't feel like mine.

"Dante?", I heard her voice coming from the kitchen.

"It's me, Mom", I replied, trying to hide my exhaustion.

She appeared in the doorway, apron tied around her waist, hair up, and that same look as always… tired, but calm.

"You got home late, son. It was hard to sleep with all the noise outside. The whole city's talking about you guys", she smiled, "My champion"

I stood there for a moment, still in my dirty uniform with my cleats hanging over my shoulder. I wanted to smile too, but the word champion felt heavy.

"Mom... I don't want to be a striker"

She looked at me — and smiled softly.

"That's okay, Dante. It never had to be"

"But what about Dad...?", I stammered.

She interrupted me before I could finish.

"Your father would be proud of you", she said, her voice trembling a little, but the smile never faded. "Not for being a striker, a midfielder, or a goalkeeper. But for being a good kid. For playing with heart. For doing what you love"

I felt a lump form in my throat. She pulled me into a hug, and I didn't resist. I held her tightly, breathing in the faint scent of her apron, feeling the warmth of her hands on my back. For a moment, all the noise in the world disappeared.

"I just wish he'd seen this game", I whispered as a tear slipped down my face.

She rested her chin on my shoulder.

"He saw it, Dante", her voice came out steady. "I'm sure he did"

We stayed like that for a while. Saying nothing. Just breathing. The TV still showed the images of the celebration — the announcer shouting Sanu's name, the fans waving banners — and in the middle of it all, there was Kazana holding up the trophy.

I slowly stepped back, wiping my eyes.

"I'm gonna take a shower and go to bed, Mom"

"Go ahead, son. You deserve to rest"

I climbed the stairs slowly. Each step felt heavier than the last. When I entered my room, the first thing I saw was the medal hanging on the wall — the very first one I'd ever won.

I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes. The faint sound of the TV still echoed downstairs, along with my mom's quiet voice, probably talking to herself while washing the dishes.

I didn't know what the future held, but for the first time in a long while, I felt like I truly knew who I was.

And with that thought, I drifted off to sleep.

Next chapter will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.