Chapter 2 : A Gift

The moment the word left his lips, reality twisted.

A soft chime echoed in his mind, like the gentle ring of glass tapping against glass. Then—

A holographic screen materialized before his eyes, floating in midair.

[System Integration in Progress…]

A sleek download bar appeared beneath the text, pulsing with a strange energy. It moved fast, filling up as if something unseen was embedding itself deep into his very being.

Nico's breath hitched. His emerald-green eyes widened. He tried to blink it away, to shake his head, but the screen remained.

Was he dreaming? Was he still trapped in that void?

A warm, steady hand settled on his shoulder, grounding him.

"Nico," Johan's voice broke through his daze, filled with concern. "Are you alright?"

Nico's gaze snapped to his grandfather. The screen was still there, but Johan didn't seem to see it.

"I—I think so," Nico murmured, though his voice wavered.

Johan studied him for a long moment before letting out a slow exhale. "Come on." He helped Nico to his feet, steadying him. "Let's get you some water."

As Johan led him inside, Nico stole a glance at the floating text.

[System Integration: 87%]

What was this? Why was it inside him?

The glow of the sun seemed dimmer as they stepped into the cool interior of the house. Danny peeked over from the kitchen, flour dusting her hands. "What happened?"

"He got dizzy," Johan said, pouring Nico a glass of water. "Might be the heat."

Danny's lips pressed into a thin line. "You push him too hard sometimes, Johan."

Johan huffed but didn't argue. He simply handed Nico the glass.

Nico took a sip, his mind racing. The screen flickered again—

[System Integration: 99%]

A final pulse ran through his body, a deep warmth settling into his bones.

[Integration Complete.]

The screen vanished.

A whisper echoed in his mind.

[Welcome, Nico Cryuff.]

Nico nearly dropped the glass.

Johan frowned. "You sure you're okay?"

Nico forced a smile. "Yeah," he lied. "Just… tired."

Johan sighed and ruffled his hair. "Then get some rest. We'll train later."

Nico nodded, gripping the glass tightly as Johan led him to his room.

As he lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind spun with questions.

What had just happened to him?

And more importantly…

What exactly had he been given?

As Nico lay on his bed, his heartbeat slowing, he let out a deep breath. Maybe he had imagined it all—maybe he had just been too tired from training.

Then it happened.

A soft ding echoed in his mind.

A rectangular hologram blinked into existence before his eyes, its neon-blue glow illuminating the dimly lit room.

His breath hitched.

It wasn't a dream.

His eyes darted across the floating text, taking in the details written in a sleek, futuristic font.

[SYSTEM INTERFACE]

Name: Nico Cryuff

Date of Birth: July 4, 2000

Age: 5

Height: 3'9" (115 cm)

Weight: 40 lbs (18 kg)

Skills: None

Attributes

Pace 23

Dribbling 22

Shooting 20

Passing 24

Defending 19

Physical 25

SP (Skill Points): 1000

Shop: Unlocked

Nico's emerald-green eyes widened. His hands trembled slightly as he sat up, reaching out to touch the screen. But his fingers passed right through it, like it was made of light.

"What… is this?" he whispered.

His mind raced. It looked like something straight out of a video game. Attributes, skills, a shop? And what was SP?

He bit his lip, thinking back to what the faceless angel had said.

"I have given you a gift."

This was it.

This System—whatever it was—was now part of him.

A surge of excitement and confusion swirled inside him. His skills were empty, but his attributes… they were higher than what a normal five-year-old should have. He had 1000 SP—what could he do with that?

His fingers twitched with anticipation.

There was only one way to find out.

Nico took a deep breath and focused his gaze on the glowing text.

Then, in a quiet voice, he muttered—

"Open Shop."

The moment the words left his lips, the hologram flickered.

[Opening Shop…]

A new interface appeared before him, displaying a sleek menu with various options. Each selection shimmered with a faint glow, as if tempting him to make a choice.

[SHOP]

Skill Moves – 300 SP eachMarseille TurnLa CroquetaS-Shaped Free KickCryuff TurnPendulumStep Overs

At the bottom, another option stood out.

Conversion – 10 SP = 1 Attribute Point

Nico's eyes gleamed with excitement.

His fingers twitched as he stared at the list. Every move on display was legendary in its own right. These weren't just random tricks; they were signature movements used by the greatest players in history.

His heart pounded.

With 1000 SP, he could buy three skills or use them to increase his attributes. Should he focus on building his foundation, or should he unlock a skill that could immediately set him apart?

His mind raced.

Then, a thought settled in.

His grandfather, Johan Cryuff, was one of the greatest footballers of all time. And among his signature moves—

Nico's lips curled into a small smile.

There was no hesitation.

He reached out, focused on the skill he wanted, and whispered—

"Buy Cryuff Turn."

[Purchase Confirmed – 300 SP deducted]

A sudden warmth flooded his body. His muscles tingled, his instincts sharpened, and in his mind, it was as if he had always known how to perform the Cryuff Turn.

His breath hitched.

It was real.

He clenched his fists, his excitement barely contained.

This System… it was beyond anything he had ever imagined.

____________

Nico's hands trembled slightly, his emerald eyes locked onto the glowing interface. He still had 700 SP left.

The Cryuff Turn had already been integrated into his body, filling him with an instinctive understanding of the move. It felt natural, as if he had always known how to execute it.

His gaze returned to the shop.

He took a deep breath.

"S-Shaped Free Kick… Buy."

[Purchase Confirmed – 300 SP deducted]

A rush of information filled his mind. The precise technique behind the S-Shaped Free Kick, the delicate curve, the physics behind the ball's flight—it all clicked in an instant. He could almost feel the motion in his legs, the way his foot had to strike the ball at the perfect angle.

He gulped. This System was something else.

Nico turned back to the shop, determination burning in his chest.

"Step Overs… Buy."

[Purchase Confirmed – 300 SP deducted]

Another surge. His feet tingled as a deep understanding of the movement settled within him. The rhythm, the deception, the flow of a perfect Step Over.

He exhaled sharply.

He was down to 100 SP, but it didn't matter.

This was worth it.

Then, without warning, a new notification flashed before his eyes.

[System Notification]

SP Generation Unlocked

1 SP per day

1 SP for every 3 goals in the Youth Leagues

1 SP for every 3 assists in the Youth Leagues

1 SP for every goal in the Five Major Leagues

1 SP for every assist in the Five Major Leagues

Nico's lips parted slightly. His heart pounded.

This means I can keep earning SP indefinitely.

The more he played, the more he scored, the stronger he would become.

This System wasn't just a gift—it was a pathway to greatness.

A slow smile spread across his face.

He had been given a second chance at life.

And now, he had a tool to ensure that this time, he would reach even greater heights.

Nico clenched his fists, his determination unwavering.

Tomorrow, he would train harder than ever.

Tomorrow, he would start his journey to becoming the best.

And this time, nothing would stop him.

________

The sun bathed the backyard in golden light as Johan Cryuff stood with a ball at his feet, watching his grandson. Nico had always been talented, but today… something felt different.

The way he moved, the way he positioned his body—it wasn't the usual playful dribbling of a child. There was something sharper, something refined.

Johan passed the ball to Nico.

The boy controlled it with ease, his emerald eyes locked onto his grandfather. Then, with a sudden burst, he feinted left, his feet moving in rapid succession. Step overs.

Johan barely had time to react before Nico blew past him.

The ball rolled forward, and Nico exploded into space.

Johan turned, stunned.

That wasn't the awkward, instinctive movement of a child. That was a move executed with purpose, with understanding. It was something that only players far beyond his age could pull off.

Johan chuckled. "Since when did you learn that, eh?"

Nico grinned but said nothing.

Johan watched him carefully. Maybe it was a fluke. Maybe luck had been on the boy's side.

But then Nico placed the ball down, stepping back with the composure of a seasoned professional. He took a deep breath, then ran forward, striking it cleanly.

The ball curled in an S-shape, bending beautifully in the air before nestling into the top corner of the net.

Johan's eyes widened.

That wasn't luck.

That was something else.

Nico turned back, his heart pounding. The System worked. The S-Shaped Free Kick felt natural, but actually executing it in real life felt even better.

Before he could celebrate, a faint ding echoed in his mind.

[System Notification]

Skills rely on attributes. To maximize a skill's potential, increase the relevant attributes.

Example:Free Kick Accuracy and Shot Power under the Shooting attribute will enhance the effectiveness of the S-Shaped Free Kick.

Attributes naturally increase through training.

Current Attribute Comparison:Most 5-year-olds have attributes in the range of 10-15.You are already far ahead for your age.

Nico's breath caught in his throat.

So his attributes weren't static? They could improve just by training?

That meant… he could grow even stronger without spending SP.

His grip on the ball tightened.

This was just the beginning.

__________

Johan crouched down, his piercing eyes locking onto Nico's. There was no warmth in his gaze now, no playfulness. Only seriousness.

"Nico," he said, his voice steady, "do you want to be the best in the world?"

Nico didn't hesitate. His emerald eyes burned with certainty.

"Yes."

Johan held his gaze for a moment, searching for any sign of doubt. He found none.

He exhaled. "You have talent, Nico. A rare kind. But talent alone doesn't ensure success." His voice grew firm. "I've seen players with more talent than you fail. Do you know why?"

Nico shook his head.

"Because they relied only on their talent. They thought it would be enough. But the truth is… it's not." Johan placed a hand on Nico's shoulder. "To be the best, you need more than talent. You need an undying spirit. You need hard work beyond anything you can imagine."

Nico nodded, absorbing every word.

Johan stood up. "If you want me to train you seriously, I have a few conditions."

Nico straightened, listening carefully.

"First—you will never drink alcohol. Ever."

Nico's face scrunched up. "Ew, I wouldn't drink that anyway."

Johan smirked. "Good. Second—you will never eat sweets. Ever."

Nico blinked. "No sweets?" He gulped. He liked chocolate.

Johan's expression remained stern. "Not a single one. Not if you want to be the best."

Nico clenched his fists. "Alright."

"Third—you will listen to everything I say until you break into the first team. No questioning, no complaints."

Nico nodded. That wasn't a problem. He trusted his grandfather more than anyone.

"Lastly—you will only eat meals prepared by the nutritionists. No junk food, no sneaking anything extra. Every bite you eat will be fuel for your body."

Nico inhaled sharply. He was only five, but even he understood what Johan was saying. If he agreed, there was no turning back. He wouldn't be like other kids. No carefree childhood filled with treats and laziness.

This was a road with no return.

Johan's voice softened, but his eyes remained sharp. "This is what it takes, Nico. The road to greatness is lonely. It's hard. It's painful. If you want an easy life, say so now, and we'll stop here."

Nico didn't even think about it.

He lifted his head, determination flashing in his eyes.

"I accept."

__________