Chapter 3

The south gate of Edward VII Park faces the bustling Marquis de Pombal Square, a central hub in Lisbon where five major traffic arteries converge. It is also a key subway station, always lively with commuters and tourists alike. 

After crossing two intersections that form part of the circular square, one can head east along Duke of Lore Street. A walk of about six hundred meters brings you to the Don Jose Apartment complex, a modest yet functional building where Cristiano's team has arranged his accommodation. 

Cristiano passed the security guard at the entrance with a nod and took the stairs up to his dorm. Just as he was reaching for the key, the door swung open from the inside. 

"Ah, Cristiano! Where have you been all day? I didn't see you anywhere," called out a tall, well-built teenager with dark skin, his accent unmistakably Cape Verdean. 

This was José Semedo, one of Cristiano's closest friends on the team. 

"Nothing much, just went to the park for some extra practice," Cristiano replied nonchalantly. 

Semedo shrugged, already familiar with Cristiano's relentless dedication to training. It was no secret among the team that he could often be found in the gym until the early hours, only leaving when the club's security insisted. Despite his youth, Cristiano's work ethic had earned him quiet respect, even among the older academy players. 

As the two passed each other in the narrow corridor, Cristiano wrinkled his nose slightly at the overpowering scent of cologne that trailed behind Semedo. 

"José, where are you heading?" Cristiano asked, raising an eyebrow. 

Semedo flashed a wide grin, his teeth gleaming. "Ugo's organizing something tonight—he's introducing us to a few girls. You know, the fun kind. Interested in joining?" 

With the league on break and no youth academy training scheduled, the players had more free time than usual. Semedo, always the social one, made full use of it. 

Cristiano, however, remained unimpressed. "No, thanks," he said, shaking his head. 

"Come on, man! You're the best-looking guy in the squad. Stop obsessing over your girl back in Madeira. You're in Lisbon now! Time to embrace new experiences, right?" Semedo teased, clearly trying to coax him. 

Cristiano gave him a small smile but remained resolute. "I'm good. You go ahead." 

Semedo waved him off, chuckling. "That's only 'cause you haven't tried it yet." 

Cristiano said nothing as he stepped into the dorm. 

Despite their different outlooks, Semedo was still one of the few friends Cristiano had in the academy. The two had bonded early on, drawn together not just by the shared trials of academy life but by a deeper connection—one rooted in heritage. Both of them had Cape Verdean ancestry, though Cristiano's link was more distant, through his paternal great-grandmother. 

This gave them an unspoken sense of familiarity and camaraderie. Yet, while they were close, their friendship was based more on circumstance than shared values. For Cristiano, the focus was clear—football came first. And everything else? It could wait. 

... 

Semedo left, but the dorm room still lingered with the heavy, musky scent of cologne. Cristiano smiled faintly, shaking his head at the overwhelming smell. He walked over to the small phone perched on the desk and dialed a familiar number. The phone rang only once before a lively voice answered. 

"Hello, this is Pontes." 

"Hey, Lionel, it's Cristiano," he greeted warmly, a rare softness in his tone. 

"Well, well, Cristiano! I can't believe it! What made you think of calling me? It's been ages since I last heard your voice!" Lionel Pontes sounded genuinely surprised and thrilled. 

Lionel Pontes, who had coached Cristiano in his early years, always spoke highly of him, often bragging to others about the prodigious talent he had nurtured. Coming from the same hometown as Cristiano, Pontes held a special sense of pride and connection with him. 

Though Cristiano wasn't known for being particularly chatty, especially when it came to small talk, he had always respected Pontes for guiding him through his formative years. After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cristiano quickly shifted to the real reason for his call. 

"Actually, Lionel, I need your help with something. You have so much experience in youth training, and I've hit a bit of a wall in my own training. I thought maybe you could give me some advice." 

Pontes's excitement turned into a more serious tone. "I'm flattered, Cristiano, but I'm afraid I might not be the best person for this. You know I specialize in training younger players, the 10 to 15 age group. Everything I know, I've already passed on to you. I think you should ask Aurelio or Nuno for more advanced guidance." 

Aurelio Pereira was Cristiano's current mentor and the head of the youth academy, while Nuno Naray had coached him before and was still involved with the team, though not in the upcoming season. 

Cristiano, slightly embarrassed, persisted. "Actually, Lionel, it's more about the age group I'm working with now." 

"Oh? Tell me more about it." 

"Let's say there's a player, around 16 or 17, who has picked up some bad habits with his technique—like his fundamentals aren't quite right. Is there any way to correct that at this stage and help him improve?" 

There was a moment of silence on the other end before Pontes sighed. "Sixteen or seventeen? That's tough. By that age, technical habits are deeply ingrained. Muscle memory has already taken over. But Cristiano, your technique has always been excellent. You don't need to worry about that." 

Cristiano chuckled slightly. "It's not about me, Lionel. It's a friend of mine." 

"A friend, huh?" Pontes laughed. "Cristiano Ronaldo, with a friend? Now that's news! I always thought you were too focused on football to make new friends." 

Cristiano felt a little embarrassed by the comment. It wasn't that he avoided his teammates on purpose. He just didn't have much time for socializing—every spare moment was spent training, pushing himself to the limit. Making friends wasn't a priority when there were so many goals to achieve. 

"Seriously though," Pontes continued, still chuckling. "What's the story with this friend?" 

Cristiano cleared his throat, steering the conversation back to business. "I met him today. He's not from our team, but he's passionate about football. He trains hard, almost like me, but his fundamentals aren't as polished. Do you think there's any way to help him out?" 

Pontes sounded thoughtful. "It's unusual for someone with irregular technique to make it through a team's selection process at that age, especially in our academy. But since he's not with us, that makes more sense. And if he's as dedicated as you say, maybe there's a chance." 

"Is there any way to help him, Lionel?" Cristiano pressed. 

Pontes hesitated, then finally responded. "It's not impossible, but it's going to be difficult. At his age, correcting bad habits takes serious commitment, and not just from the player. It involves adjusting training methods, using specialized equipment, and being very patient. Do you think your friend is up for that?" 

Cristiano paused. He barely knew Su Dong, but something in the boy's determination mirrored his own. "I'm not sure yet. But he has the drive. He loves football just as much as I do." 

"That's good to hear," Pontes said, a hint of optimism in his voice. "If he's as relentless as you, there's hope. I can send you some training materials and ideas. It'll take effort and creativity to correct his technique, but it's possible. I'll email you the information tomorrow." 

"Tomorrow?" Cristiano frowned slightly. "Is there any way you could send it tonight? I've got a session planned for early tomorrow morning." 

Pontes chuckled. "You never change, do you? How early are we talking?" 

"Five in the morning," Cristiano replied, thinking back to Su Dong's earlier words: Have you ever seen Lisbon at five in the morning? A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. He had seen Lisbon at two in the morning many times after late-night training sessions. 

Pontes laughed aloud, amused by Cristiano's commitment. "You really are something else, Cristiano. And your friend sounds like a lunatic just like you. Alright, I'll send it tonight. But you owe me dinner for this." 

"Deal. Thanks, Lionel." 

As Cristiano hung up the phone, he felt a sense of satisfaction. It wasn't just about helping Su Dong—it was about pushing himself, too. He admired Su Dong's tenacity, and in a way, it reminded him of his own journey. There was something special about people who never gave up, who were willing to sacrifice everything for their passion. 

Cristiano glanced at the clock. It was almost time to rest, but the anticipation for tomorrow's training session already had his mind buzzing with excitement. 

... 

... 

After returning to the dormitory, Su Dong wasted no time. He took a quick shower, letting the warm water ease the tension from his muscles after the intense day. Once refreshed, he lay down on his bed, staring up at the ceiling for a moment, lost in thought. Then, with a focused mind, he entered the Path to Glory system, where his journey to football greatness continued. 

His first action was to allocate his Glory Potential points. Without hesitation, Su Dong added points to four key attributes: technique, shooting, speed, and strength—pushing each one to their maximum limit of 99. Watching those numbers rise to perfection filled him with a deep sense of satisfaction, as if he were edging closer to his ultimate dream. 

Yet, there was still more work to do. 

Su Dong noticed that he had plenty of Glory Tokens left, enough to continue improving his game. Determined to become a more well-rounded player, he spent the remaining tokens on boosting his defensive and tackling attributes, skills that were not his primary focus but essential for any complete player. 

In total, he spent 27,000 Glory Tokens, nearly exhausting the cache he had accumulated during the afternoon. But looking at his personal attribute panel, where all his key stats now sat at a perfect 99 Glory Potential, Su Dong couldn't help but feel a surge of pride. His hard work was paying off, at least in the system. 

Yet, despite these enhancements, today's one-on-one session with Cristiano had been a sobering reminder of the gap between raw stats and real-world performance. While he had seen some improvement, it was clear that Su Dong still had a long way to go if he wanted to compete with someone of Cristiano's caliber. 

He sighed and reflected on what was missing. It wasn't just about strength or speed anymore; he needed real, professional guidance—someone to correct his technical flaws, to refine his movements, and make them more efficient. Su Dong knew that his skills, while effective at times, still lacked the polish that only proper training could provide. 

He couldn't afford to overlook this. 

Unpolished, unprofessional movements weren't just about inconsistency in performance—they could lead to injuries. Injuries that could derail everything. Su Dong had heard stories about Ronaldo Nazario, how the Brazilian's frequent injuries were believed to be connected to his playing style—especially his signature step-overs and body feints. Though brilliant, those movements were not always biomechanically sound, and they took a toll on his body over time. 

It wasn't just Ronaldo. Many South American players, praised for their flair and spontaneity, had similar issues. Their style was creative, almost artistic, but it was also unorthodox, often leading to technical inefficiencies that caused long-term physical strain. 

In contrast, European youth academies were far more focused on structure, precision, and scientific training methods. Players trained in these systems might lack some of that raw, unpredictable creativity, but they were also less prone to injury and more technically sound. Su Dong understood that to bridge the gap between talent and longevity, he needed to balance both approaches. 

But all of that—the comparisons between South American and European styles, the debates about creativity versus science—was still far off for him. Su Dong wasn't at that level yet. He knew he needed to stay grounded, focus on improving the basics, and continue to develop his strength and technique. 

At this stage, his priority was simple: make a name for himself in the youth team at Clube Atlético de Portugal. Even though the club played in the third division, it was still a vital stepping stone. Gaining a foothold there, establishing himself as a reliable player, was the immediate goal. Only then could he start dreaming about bigger stages. 

For now, the grind continued. 

... 

After practicing for the entire day, Su Dong was completely exhausted, both physically and mentally. As soon as his head hit the pillow, sleep quickly overtook him. 

However, his rest was short-lived. Before dawn, the piercing sound of his alarm jolted him awake. It was just before five o'clock in the morning, an ungodly hour for most, but for Su Dong, it was part of the grind. 

After brushing his teeth and washing his face, he changed into his training gear and made his way toward Edward VII Park, jogging all the way to shake off the last vestiges of sleep. The air was crisp, and the city was still draped in a quiet pre-dawn calm. 

At the south gate of the park, Su Dong spotted Cristiano approaching from the east. There was no one else around, just the two of them. Their eyes met, and they exchanged a knowing smile, as if acknowledging the madness of their shared dedication. 

"What's all this?" Su Dong asked, eyeing the equipment in Cristiano's hands. 

Cristiano grinned mischievously. "Agility ladder, obstacle cones, hurdle bars... the essentials," he explained, lifting each item slightly. "I've got a devil of a training session planned for you." 

Cristiano's eyes gleamed as he gave Su Dong a playful yet serious look. "No backing out now." 

Su Dong gave a confident nod, letting out a small grunt of determination. Without saying much, he walked over, grabbed some of the equipment from Cristiano, and headed into the park. 

What Su Dong didn't know was that Cristiano had more than just a hard workout in mind. He genuinely wanted to help Su Dong correct his technical flaws—things that could be the difference between a decent player and an exceptional one. 

Even though the two had only met a day earlier, there was a mutual respect between them. Cristiano could see something in Su Dong that resonated with his own mindset—a fierce love for the game and an unwavering desire to improve. Su Dong, in turn, felt the warmth of Cristiano's genuine offer to help. It was the first real kindness he had experienced since coming to Portugal. 

Cristiano didn't expect anything in return. He wasn't helping Su Dong for personal gain. He just appreciated having a friend who shared his passion for football. After all, isn't that what friends are for? 

Instead of going to the smaller training ground they had used the day before, they went straight to the largest seven-a-side pitch in the park. 

As they began setting up the equipment, Cristiano spoke up. "I learned this training method from Lionel Pontes," he said while placing the cones and bars. "Do you know who that is?" 

Su Dong shook his head, curious. 

"Well, Lionel Pontes is the best youth training expert in Portugal. He's amazing with players aged 10 to 15—he really knows how to build their foundation. Honestly, you're at about the level of a 10-year-old right now." Cristiano turned and gave Su Dong a teasing grin. "You're still a long way from beating me." 

Su Dong knew Cristiano was joking, but the comment hit close to home. He was well aware of his shortcomings. His early training had been unpolished, and there were a lot of bad habits he needed to correct. Lionel Pontes' program, though basic, would be challenging for someone of Su Dong's age. 

This kind of training was designed to teach young players the fundamentals in a way that kept it interesting, but for someone Su Dong's age, it could quickly become tedious. Changing ingrained habits wasn't just boring—it was painful. 

They say breaking bad habits is harder than quitting smoking. For a footballer, breaking bad playing habits was even more difficult. Muscle memory was hard to override, and even Pontes himself had said it was almost impossible at Su Dong's stage. 

But in the weeks that followed, Su Dong proved that he was different. Through sheer determination, he showed Cristiano that he wasn't just paying lip service—he truly wanted to change and improve. 

Cristiano was initially skeptical. He wasn't sure if Su Dong could stick to such a grueling regimen. Lionel Pontes' training programs were basic, repetitive, and sometimes painfully dull. But Su Dong approached every drill with laser focus, refusing to cut corners. 

Not only did he meet the expectations of the training program, but he also went above and beyond. Su Dong consistently doubled his training load, pushing himself to the point where even Cristiano felt uneasy watching him at times. 

Despite the harsh routines, Su Dong pressed on, gritting his teeth and enduring the pain. His perseverance began to earn Cristiano's admiration. It was rare to see someone with such unrelenting determination. 

Cristiano often found himself thinking, If a guy like Su Dong doesn't make it in professional football, then something's wrong with the world. 

What Cristiano didn't know was that Su Dong's willpower was fueled by more than just personal ambition. He had the Path to Glory system driving him, showing him the potential rewards of his efforts. Now that his attributes were maxed out in the system, it was all about unlocking that potential through real-world training. 

Pontes' program, though basic, was exactly what Su Dong needed. It would allow him to develop the core strength, agility, and technical precision required to tap into his full potential. 

The first few weeks were the hardest. 

Su Dong's foundations were shaky, the result of an unstructured youth training back home. His bad habits made it difficult to adapt to the rigorous demands of Pontes' drills, and the improvements came slowly. There were moments when it felt like he was fighting an uphill battle—progress was painstaking, and the physical toll was heavy. 

But every time Su Dong thought about his parents back home, the sacrifices they had made to send him to Europe, he pushed through the pain. He had dreamed of playing professional football since he was a child, and nothing—not even the most grueling training—would deter him from that goal. 

By the end of the first week, things started to shift. The numbers on his personal attribute panel in the system were climbing faster, and Su Dong felt more comfortable with the training. His movements became more fluid, his reactions sharper. 

By the third week, he was thriving. The once grueling drills had become second nature, and his overall strength and confidence had grown. 

Cristiano kept Lionel Pontes updated on Su Dong's progress, calling him frequently to discuss adjustments to the training program. Though Pontes had never met Su Dong, his curiosity was piqued. The more he heard, the more intrigued he became. 

"He's really surprised me," Pontes said during one phone call. "But what I'm most curious about now is... how far can he go?" 

Even Cristiano couldn't answer that. Su Dong was still in the early stages of his journey. While Cristiano continued to dominate their one-on-one sessions, Su Dong's rapid improvement was undeniable. 

Every time they trained together, Su Dong's determination fueled his desire to catch up. Having a friend like Cristiano pushing him gave him extra motivation—he couldn't accept being left too far behind. 

... 

By mid-July, time seemed to blur as European football entered the intense period of pre-season preparations. Clubs across the continent were gearing up for the new season, with teams scheduling warm-up matches to shake off the rust and experiment with their lineups. 

For a semi-professional club like Clube Atlético de Portugal, however, the approach was far more relaxed. Unlike fully professional teams, many of their first-team players weren't full-time footballers. These men had day jobs, and football was something they did after hours. Training sessions were flexible, more of an afterthought than a priority for some. 

Given the laid-back nature of the first team, the youth team was even less structured. It wasn't unusual for youth players to drift in and out of training, without much pressure to adhere to a strict schedule. For Su Dong, it felt more like a casual football academy than a serious youth program. 

He often thought to himself, This doesn't feel like a proper youth team, more like one of those casual football training classes back home. 

It was for that reason that Su Dong rarely bothered to attend the club's training sessions. Instead, he focused on his personal development, training in Edward VII Park every day under Cristiano's watchful eye. The two had developed a disciplined routine, meeting at the park's south gate at precisely five o'clock in the morning. From there, the day was filled with drills, running, and countless hours with the ball at their feet. 

For Su Dong, this was the ideal training environment. Cristiano pushed him hard, and the isolation of the park allowed him to focus entirely on his progress without distractions. Day after day, it was just the two of them—two driven young players, honing their skills with nothing but football on their minds. 

But one day, things didn't go according to plan. 

Su Dong arrived at the park at the usual time, but Cristiano was nowhere to be seen. Thinking perhaps his friend was running late, Su Dong waited by the south gate, watching the early morning fog roll across the empty streets. As the minutes ticked by, there was still no sign of Cristiano. 

Eventually, Su Dong decided to make the most of the time and headed to the indoor football field to train alone. Maybe Cristiano was caught up with something, he reasoned. But even after finishing several drills on his own, there was still no sign of his training partner. 

By now, Su Dong's confusion had grown into concern. Cristiano had never missed a session before. It wasn't like him to just not show up without a word. Something felt off. 

Just as Su Dong was beginning to contemplate packing up for the day, a figure appeared near the edge of the field. A tall, dark-skinned teenager of African descent approached him, his eyes locked on Su Dong with a look of curiosity. 

Su Dong paused, the football at his feet rolling to a stop as he watched the stranger approach. He wasn't sure who this person was or what he wanted, but his unexpected presence stirred a new sense of anticipation in the otherwise quiet morning. 

... 

"Are you Su Dong?" 

The voice broke Su Dong's concentration as he finished another set of drills. He turned to see the African boy who had been watching him from the sidelines. The boy now stepped onto the field, a friendly expression on his face. 

"I am. Who are you?" Su Dong asked, puzzled. The park was usually quiet at this time, with only the occasional student or pair of joggers from the nearby University of Lisbon passing by. 

"José Semedo, I'm one of Cristiano's teammates," the boy said, flashing a bright smile that made him seem approachable. 

Su Dong paused his training and walked over to him, concern immediately flashing across his face. "What's going on with Cristiano today? Why isn't he here?" 

Semedo's smile remained as he reassured him. "Don't worry, he's fine. He just had a bit of an emergency back home and had to catch a flight last night. He asked me to come by and let you know he won't be back for a few days. He said to tell you to keep training on your own until he gets back." 

Su Dong felt a pang of disappointment at the news. After spending nearly every day of the past month training alongside Cristiano, it was strange to imagine going through the sessions alone. But knowing that Cristiano was okay put him at ease. 

"Oh, I see," Su Dong nodded, a little deflated but relieved. "There's nothing wrong with his family, is there?" 

Semedo shrugged, looking thoughtful. "I'm not sure. He didn't say much, and I didn't want to pry too much." 

Su Dong nodded, understanding the need to respect Cristiano's privacy. "I hope it's nothing serious." 

As the conversation lulled, Semedo seemed to glance around the field, taking in the surroundings before turning his attention back to Su Dong. "So, has he been training with you here every day this past month?" 

"Yeah," Su Dong replied, nodding. 

Semedo smiled again but raised an eyebrow. "I have to say... from watching you, I was expecting something different." 

Su Dong raised an eyebrow of his own. "What do you mean? Not strong enough?" 

Semedo laughed, scratching the back of his head, a little embarrassed. "Well, you know, with all the time you've spent training with Cristiano, I thought you'd be... sharper by now." 

Su Dong chuckled at his honesty. "Is Cristiano that good on your team?" 

The moment the question left his mouth, Semedo gave him a look of disbelief, as if Su Dong had asked the most ridiculous question ever. 

"Wait, so you don't know?" Semedo asked, clearly amused. 

"Know what?" Su Dong replied, genuinely confused. "I mean, I know his name is Cristiano, and I know he's good at football, but that's about it." 

Semedo shook his head, laughing under his breath. "Ah, so that's how he plays it." 

Su Dong frowned slightly. "What do you mean?" 

"You haven't answered my question yet," Su Dong reminded him, eager to get to the bottom of it. 

"Oh, right," Semedo replied, still grinning. "Cristiano's definitely one of the best players in our team. It's a bit of a debate because there are a few others who think they're just as good, but yeah, Cristiano's right up there." 

Su Dong was intrigued. "So, where do you fit into that?" 

Semedo's smile turned a little mysterious, and he waved the question off. "You'll have to ask him about that one. It's more fun that way." 

Su Dong rolled his eyes, a bit frustrated by the lack of a clear answer. Was there some sort of rivalry within their team? He didn't push the subject further, though. 

Before Su Dong could ask anything else, Semedo, possibly feeling inspired from watching the training, jumped into action. Without waiting for an invitation, he stepped onto the pitch, clearly ready to play. 

"I haven't played indoor football in a while," Semedo said with a grin, pulling at his socks. "Come on, let's have a match." 

Su Dong was surprised by how quickly Semedo had shifted the focus but didn't hesitate to join in. After all, playing with one of Cristiano's teammates could only help improve his game—and it would also be a great way to earn more Glory Tokens from the Path to Glory system. 

Cristiano's teammates were sure to be skilled, and Su Dong felt a surge of excitement. He smiled and got ready for the game, eager to see how he would match up. 

... 

Don't be fooled by the fact that José Semedo and Su Dong are roughly the same height—Semedo is clearly the stronger of the two. His solid frame and physicality are the hallmarks of a central defender, though he also occasionally plays as a full-back or even as a defensive midfielder. His playing style is a stark contrast to Cristiano's more technical and finesse-oriented approach. 

While Cristiano dazzled with his dribbling, footwork, and quick changes of direction, Semedo was all about power. He played simple, direct football, often using his strength to overwhelm Su Dong in their one-on-one matches. Su Dong found himself repeatedly being muscled off the ball, unable to match Semedo's physical dominance. 

Both players had speed on their side, but Su Dong struggled to keep up with Semedo's relentless pace and rhythm. Semedo's quick bursts and strong defensive positioning kept Su Dong on the back foot for most of their sessions. 

But there was another stark difference that Su Dong couldn't ignore—each match against Cristiano earned him a maximum of 200 Glory Tokens in the Path to Glory system, a testament to Cristiano's superior ability. In contrast, playing against José Semedo only netted Su Dong 100 Glory Tokens per match, a clear indicator that, while talented, Semedo was no match for Cristiano's level of skill. 

Still, despite the gap in rewards, Semedo proved more than a handful for Su Dong. The physical battle was taxing, and Semedo seemed to relish the opportunity to face someone he could dominate more easily than the higher-level players he faced in his team. Semedo, likely frustrated by being outshone by others in his squad, was thrilled to have a training partner like Su Dong. 

Su Dong, on the other hand, didn't mind the challenge. The more Semedo crushed him with his physical play, the more determined he became. Each time he was knocked down or outmaneuvered, he got up and issued another challenge, refusing to accept defeat. For Su Dong, it wasn't just about Glory Tokens—it was about growth, and he welcomed every opportunity to improve. 

Over time, Semedo began to respect Su Dong's relentless persistence. He saw something familiar in Su Dong, something that reminded him of his own early days with Cristiano. 

Semedo thought back to when Cristiano first joined the team over two years ago. Back then, Cristiano was as thin as a rail, with good technical skills but lacking the physicality to match. His frail frame made it difficult for him to impose himself on the field, and he often struggled to keep up in matches that required more physical play. 

Because of their shared Cape Verdean heritage, Semedo and Cristiano had become close from the start. Cristiano had helped Semedo settle into the team, and in return, Semedo took it upon himself to introduce Cristiano to the gym, a place where Semedo took great pride in his own development. 

At first, Cristiano's efforts in the gym were unimpressive. He struggled to lift even modest weights, and his body couldn't handle the intensity of the training sessions. But what set Cristiano apart was his refusal to give up. He pushed himself harder with every session, always aiming to surpass his limits. Even when everyone else left, Cristiano would stay behind, working out late into the night. 

There was one time Semedo would never forget—Cristiano had stayed in the gym until after 2 a.m. before the club's security guards found him and sent him home. That kind of determination wasn't something you saw every day. 

And it paid off. In just two years, Cristiano's body had transformed. His strength, speed, and endurance improved dramatically, to the point where he could compete physically with defenders like Semedo. It was this work ethic that had propelled Cristiano to become one of the brightest young stars in the team. 

Now, looking at Su Dong, Semedo saw flashes of that same tenacity and determination. Su Dong was relentless, just like Cristiano had been. However, despite this, Semedo couldn't help but feel that Su Dong's future wasn't as promising. 

As talented as Su Dong was, he had missed out on critical developmental years. The gap in his technical foundation and physical conditioning was significant, and Semedo knew how unforgiving the path to professional football could be. Becoming a pro required more than just hard work—it required a lifetime of proper training and a bit of luck. 

Lying on the sidelines, both exhausted and panting after yet another grueling session, Semedo couldn't hold back his thoughts any longer. 

"Why do you keep pushing yourself like this?" Semedo asked, his voice filled with curiosity and a touch of disbelief. "You've missed so much already. Why keep going?" 

Su Dong, despite his fatigue, grinned. His reply came with a mix of humor and confidence. "This is the struggle of the weak," he said, still catching his breath. "You'll never understand the hunger of the strong." 

Semedo blinked, caught off guard by the bold statement. For a moment, he stared at Su Dong in disbelief, then burst out laughing. But beneath the laughter, Su Dong's words seemed to hit a nerve. 

"Alright, that's it!" Semedo exclaimed, jumping to his feet. "Let's go again! Three hundred more rounds until you stop talking nonsense!" 

Despite his exhaustion, Su Dong couldn't help but smile. Even when faced with such overwhelming odds, he never backed down. This was his way—the path of constant challenge and growth.