The sun broke through the clouds like a spotlight as Luca stepped onto the pristine training pitch at La Masia. The air smelled of fresh grass, leather boots, and potential. The kind of morning where legends are born.
He adjusted his boots, flexing his fingers with nervous energy.
[System Online]Daily Objective: Impress the CoachesBonus Quest: Score or Assist in Scrimmage Match (+5 XP, +1 Technique)Status Buff Active: Ronaldinho Template – Enhanced Dribbling & Vision
"Let's go," Luca muttered, jogging out to the warm-up circle.
Today wasn't just another training day.
The players were split into three groups—each with different training focuses: dribbling, shooting, and small-sided games. Luca started with dribbling drills. Cones. Quick turns. Tight spaces. One-on-one feints.
His feet moved like water flowing through cracks—fluid, unpredictable, beautiful.
He faked left, snapped right, slalomed through defenders, and nutmegged one of the top prospects with a smooth flick that left everyone stunned.
"¡Otra vez, Herrera!" one coach shouted. "Let's see that again."
He did it again. Even better this time.
From the side of the field, Coach Navarro, one of the main technical directors, leaned toward another staff member.
"This kid's different today."
After an hour, they transitioned into a 7v7 scrimmage. Quick play. One-touch passes. High tempo. The kind of game that separates boys from future pros.
Luca started on the left wing, but he floated. He drifted inside, found space, connected passes. His vision felt unreal—he saw runs before they happened, slipped through balls like he'd drawn them out of a dream.
Then it came—he picked the ball near the touchline, danced past two defenders with back-to-back stepovers, and curled a perfect pass with the outside of his foot across the pitch to the striker, who volleyed it in.
The field froze for a second. Then applause broke out from both players and coaches.
Coach Navarro turned to Coach Mateo. "We need to test him in real games. Against real pressure."
Coach Mateo nodded. "Let's put him in the summer friendlies."
After the scrimmage, as the players gathered around to hear feedback, Navarro stepped forward, arms crossed.
"Listen up. We've been evaluating everyone. Over the next month, we'll be playing five development friendlies."
He paused, then read off a list.
Upcoming Summer Development Friendlies🆚 Juvenil A – Real Madrid🆚 Juvenil A – Atlético Madrid🆚 Juvenil A – Valencia🆚 Juvenil A – Real Sociedad🆚 Juvenil A – Sevilla
"There are only three spots open for new players to join the main group during these matches. One of them…"
His eyes landed on Luca.
"…goes to Luca Herrera."
Gasps. Then silence. Luca blinked.
"W-what?"
Navarro smiled. "You earned it. Whatever you did these last two days… do more of it. Because if you perform in these matches, scouts will notice. Contracts get talked about. First-team future becomes real."
As training ended, Luca walked back to the locker room. Players patted his back. A few stared, curious. Jealous. Amazed. One even asked, "What happened to you, man? You were good before, but now…"
Luca just smiled. "Guess I'm finally waking up."
[System Notification]🔓 Milestone Unlocked: First Call-Up to Showcase Match🎁 Reward: +3 Mentality, +2 Reputation (Coaches)✅ Quest Complete – Assist in Scrimmage+5 XP | +1 Technique
He sat on the bench, wiped sweat from his brow, and looked down at his boots.
Five matches. Five chances to prove he belonged.
And he would. Not just for himself.
But for his father.For his mother's memory.And for the little kid in the cracked apartment who dared to dream.