Homecoming and the Store

The familiar creak of the front door greeted Luca as he hobbled into his house, crutches clicking against the hardwood floor. After days in the sterile hospital, the smell of his mom's cooking—garlic and herbs simmering on the stove—felt like a warm embrace. Emily hovered nearby, fussing over his every step, while Sophia lounged on the couch, smirking at his slow progress.

"Welcome home, cripple," she called, not looking up from her phone.

"Love you too, Soph," Luca shot back, easing himself onto the armchair. His leg ached from the trip, but being home—away from the hospital's cold walls—lifted his spirits. He propped his crutches against the wall and let out a long breath.

Step one: survive the ride.

Step two: figure out this Football Prodigy System now that he had some space to think.

The panel flickered into view as if on cue, glowing faintly in the dim light of the living room.

*[System Update: Welcome Home]*

Total Points: 110

Store Unlocked: Access available now.

Luca's pulse quickened. Finally. He swiped the Store tab open, and a sleek interface expanded before him, lined with options that made his head spin. Potions. Traits. And something called Skills, locked behind a steep 1000-point wall. He focused on what he could use now.

[Store]

Potions (Permanent):

-Physical Potion (100 points): Permanently boosts one Physical Attribute by +3.

-Technical Potion (100 points): Permanently boosts one Technical Skill by +3.

-Mental Potion (100 points): Permanently boosts one Mental Attribute by +3.

Traits (Permanent):

-Quick Learner (200 points): Increases stat growth rate by 10%.

-Iron Will (250 points): Prevents Mental Attributes from dropping under pressure.

-Nimble Feet (300 points): Permanently boosts Agility and Dribbling by +5 each.

Skills (Locked): Requires 1000 points to unlock.

Description: Unlock specialized football techniques and signature moves.

Luca's eyes widened. The potions weren't just quick fixes —they were permanent upgrades, like etching strength into his bones. At 100 points each, though, they demanded commitment.

Nimble Feet still called to him, promising a double boost to his wing play, but at 300 points, it was a distant dream. With only 110 points, he could afford one potion and nothing else. He chewed his lip, weighing his options. A Physical Potion could shore up his recovery, but saving for a trait might shape him into something greater down the line.

Before he could decide, a new task popped up.

*[Task: Home Base]*

Objective: Rest and review your recovery plan with your family (Due: 24 hours).

Reward: 30 points, +1 Stamina.

Easy enough. Luca dismissed the panel as Emily called him to the kitchen. Dinner was a blur of pasta, his mom's worried questions, and Sophia's teasing, but Gianpiero's steady voice cut through it all, outlining the therapy schedule Marco had sent. "Consistency's key, Luca," he said, passing the bread. "You'll be back on that pitch before you know it."

Later, alone in his room, Luca flopped onto his bed, the brace a heavy reminder of his limits. The panel reappeared, and he dove back into the Store.

With 110 points, a potion was within reach—something permanent to mark his first step forward. He hesitated a bit but then selected the Physical Potion.

*[Purchase Confirmed]*

Item: Physical Potion Cost: 100 points

Remaining Points: 10

Instructions: Choose a Physical Attribute to boost (+3 permanently).

"Agility," Luca muttered without hesitation. It was his edge—his ticket back to the wing. A faint warmth spread through his leg, deeper than before, like a promise settling into his muscles. The panel updated.

[Player Stats Update]

Agility: 69 → 72 (Permanent).

Luca flexed his toes, a slow grin spreading across his face. It wasn't a massive leap, but it was real—etched into him now, not some fleeting boost. He glanced at the Traits again, imagining Nimble Feet stacking another +5 on top.

"Soon," he promised himself. Matteo's words echoed in his mind—We'll be starters together—and his dad's faith fueled the fire. He'd grind these points, build these stats, and return to the pitch a force no one could ignore.

The locked Skills tab taunted him, though. 1000 points. Signature moves? He pictured himself pulling off a Cruyff turn like his dad or a flair shot that'd make the San Siro roar. "One day," he whispered, determination hardening his gaze.

For now, he'd take it step by step. Potion by potion. Trait by trait. With only 10 points left, he'd need to hustle for more, but that was fine. Luca Cappetta wasn't just coming back—he was coming back unstoppable.