Chapter 7: Baptism by Fire

Jason stepped onto the training pitch, the fresh scent of cut grass filling his lungs. The sun cast long shadows over the well-maintained field, where his new teammates were already warming up.

This wasn't the academy anymore.

This was his new battleground.

Coach Moreno, a stocky man with graying hair and sharp eyes, stood in the center of the field, watching them like a hawk.

"Listen up!" he barked, his voice cutting through the chatter. "We've got a new addition to the squad. Jason Carter, striker. Let's see if he belongs here."

Jason felt the weight of every player's gaze shift to him. Some were indifferent, some curious, and a few, like Lucas, had a challenge in their eyes.

Lucas, the tall forward from earlier, smirked. "Hope you're ready, rookie."

Jason met his stare without flinching. "Always."

Coach clapped his hands. "Alright! Pair up! Passing drills first!"

First Training Session

Jason found himself paired with Lucas for the drill.

They stood a few meters apart, one-touch passing the ball back and forth. Simple.

But Jason could tell—Lucas wasn't just passing the ball.

He was testing him.

The first few passes were normal. Then Lucas increased the power. The ball zipped toward Jason at high speed.

Jason adjusted his touch, controlling it cleanly before sending it back.

Lucas narrowed his eyes. The next pass was even harder.

Jason controlled it again.

Lucas huffed but didn't say anything.

Jason smirked internally. Nice try, but I'm not breaking that easily.

After passing drills came possession games.

Coach split them into teams for a 5v5 small-sided match.

Jason's team had Rodrigo, the midfielder from the trial match, and three others. Lucas, of course, was on the opposite team.

"Let's see if you can do more than just score lucky goals," Lucas taunted.

Jason ignored him, focusing on the game.

The match started fast. Players pressed aggressively, fighting for every inch of space. Jason quickly realized—this was a different level than the academy.

Everyone was stronger, faster, smarter.

He had to adapt.

A pass came to him near the edge of the box. A defender lunged in—Jason reacted instantly.

Striker's Instinct (Level 2) Activated.

Instead of controlling, he let the ball roll past him, spinning away from the defender with a sharp turn.

Lucas, seeing an opportunity, charged in.

Jason took a split-second glance.

Then, he flicked the ball between Lucas's legs.

A perfect nutmeg.

"Damn!" Rodrigo laughed as Jason darted past Lucas and fired a shot into the bottom corner.

Goal.

The players watching let out a few whistles and murmurs.

Lucas clenched his jaw.

Jason smirked. "Slowing you down yet?"

Lucas glared but didn't respond.

Ding!

A system notification flashed.

[Hidden Mission: First Impression] – Perform well in your first training session.

Progress: Score 1 goal in a small-sided match (✔)

Bonus Objective: Impress coach and teammates (Pending).

Jason felt a rush of satisfaction. But the session wasn't over yet.

Coach's Evaluation

After training, the players gathered around Coach Moreno.

The older man rubbed his chin. "Not bad, Carter."

Jason kept his expression neutral, but inside, relief flooded him.

"But," Moreno continued, "this was just training. Matches are different. We'll see what you're really made of in the upcoming friendly."

Jason nodded. "I'll be ready."

Coach gave a short nod before dismissing the squad.

As Jason walked off the pitch, Rodrigo clapped him on the back. "Nice skills, man. That nutmeg? Cold."

Jason chuckled. "Had to shut Lucas up somehow."

Rodrigo grinned. "Careful, though. That guy's got an ego the size of a stadium. He won't forget that."

Jason already knew.

Lucas wasn't just a teammate.

He was a rival.

And their battle was only just beginning.