Chapter 12: The Starting Eleven

The sun had barely risen when Jason arrived at the training ground. His body was still sore from yesterday's intense session, but the anticipation buzzing in his chest kept him wide awake.

Today, Coach Moreno would announce the starting eleven for the upcoming match.

Jason had done everything he could.

Now, it was up to Moreno.

As more players arrived, the tension was palpable. Everyone wanted a starting spot.

Jason sat on the bench, lacing up his boots. Rodrigo plopped down beside him, stretching his legs.

"Nervous?" Rodrigo asked, raising an eyebrow.

Jason exhaled. "Not really."

Rodrigo smirked. "Good answer. But let's be real—Lucas is gonna be pissed if you start over him."

Jason glanced across the locker room.

Lucas sat with his arms crossed, barely talking to anyone. His jaw was tight, his frustration obvious.

Jason had outperformed him in training.

And Lucas knew it.

Coach Moreno walked in, clipboard in hand.

"Listen up," he said. The room fell silent instantly.

"This match is important. I'm picking the best lineup based on form, effort, and tactical fit."

Jason held his breath.

Moreno started listing names.

"Goalkeeper—Henderson."

"Right-back—Diego."

"Center-backs—Marco and Felix."

One by one, the team filled out.

Then—

"Striker… Jason Carter."

Jason's chest tightened.

He had done it.

Rodrigo grinned and patted his back. "Congrats, man. You earned it."

Jason nodded, forcing himself to stay composed.

But across the room, Lucas stood up abruptly and stormed out.

No words. No reaction.

Just pure frustration.

Moreno didn't stop him. Instead, he turned back to the team.

"This is your chance," he said. "Take it."

Jason clenched his fists.

He had the starting spot.

Now, he had to keep it.

The Weight of Expectation

After the squad announcement, training was light—mostly tactical walkthroughs and set-piece drills.

Jason was paired with Rodrigo, practicing quick passing sequences in and around the box.

Rodrigo sent a fast ball to Jason's feet.

Jason took one touch, spun, and fired a shot into the top corner.

"Damn," Rodrigo whistled. "You're locked in today."

Jason exhaled. "I have to be."

This wasn't just any game.

This was his first start.

And everyone would be watching.

A Confrontation with Lucas

As training wrapped up, Jason made his way to the locker room.

But before he could enter—

Lucas stepped in front of him.

His expression was unreadable, but there was an edge in his eyes.

"You think this means you're better than me?" Lucas asked.

Jason met his gaze without hesitation. "It means I worked harder."

Lucas scoffed. "Enjoy it while it lasts."

Jason didn't flinch.

"If you spent less time complaining and more time improving, maybe you'd still be starting."

Lucas's jaw tightened.

For a second, Jason thought he might throw a punch.

But instead, Lucas turned and walked away.

Jason watched him go, exhaling slowly.

This rivalry wasn't over.

Not by a long shot.

Matchday Approaches

That night, Jason lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.

The system interface flickered to life.

[Match Preparation Bonus Activated]

Striker's Instinct: Increased anticipation for goal-scoring opportunities.

Focus Boost: Improved reaction time under pressure.

Endurance+1: Slightly reduced fatigue during the match.

Jason felt the energy surge through him.

Tomorrow, he would step onto the pitch not as a trialist, not as a backup—

But as the starting striker.

And he would show everyone that he belonged.