The Bench and the Wait
Wednesday dawned with the same gray chill, Luca's 5km run cutting through the crisp air. His legs moved with purpose, speed steady, the *Football Prodigy System* chiming as he hit the mark.
**[Task Completed: Daily Grind - Morning Run]**
- Points Earned: 100
- Total Points: 350 → 450
Home brought the usual bustle. Emily whisked eggs, her voice bright. "Morning, star. Run good?" Luca nodded, chugging water. "Yeah, smooth."
He hammered Sophia's door—*"Up, slug!"*—and got a groaned, "You're the worst!" Gianpiero sipped coffee, adding, "Stretch after training today—yoga. Keeps you loose." Luca grinned. "Got it, Dad."
At school, Matteo was all hype. "Match Saturday, man. You're killing it out there." Luca smirked. "Gonna keep it up." Training proved it. In a scrimmage, he unleashed his choice—*Stepovers*. After last night's shower, he'd settled on it, tapping the *Skills* unlock with Wednesday's points.
**[Skills Unlocked]**
- Cost: 500 points
- Remaining Points: 450 → -50 (Adjusted to 0, +50 post-run)
- Skill Mastered: *Stepovers*
- Boosts Dribbling (+5).
**[Player Stats Update]**
- Dribbling: 68 → 73
- Overall Rating: 64 → 65
The move dazzled—quick flicks bamboozling Nico, who stumbled, and a dart past Paolo, who cursed. Luca scored twice, once off a Matteo assist, his dribbling singing.
Coach Rossi's nod was less subtle now, his pen busy. "Sharp, Cappetta," he grunted. Paolo muttered, "Lucky," but the sting was fading.
Days blurred—runs, yoga with Gianpiero's calm guidance ("Breathe, Luca—flexibility's strength"), and training dominance. Thursday, another goal. Friday, a curling shot off *Stepovers*. Points stacked.
**[Task Completed: Daily Grind - Morning Run] (x3)**
- Points Earned: 300
- Total Points: 50 → 350
**[Task Completed: Yoga Foundations]**
- Objective: Stretch daily with family for 3 days.
- Reward: 50 points, +1 Agility.
- Agility: 77 → 78
Dinner Friday buzzed with plans. Emily beamed, "We're all coming tomorrow—me, your dad, Sophia." Sophia groaned, "Only if there's food," but winked.
Gianpiero said, "First game back's big. Play your way." Luca nodded, chest tight with belief. "I'll start. I know it."
Saturday, September 5th, arrived. The team bus rumbled toward Inter's turf, Luca's earbuds pumping a steady beat—rock to calm his nerves. At the stadium, the locker room hummed with chatter, until Coach Rossi pinned the lineup.
Luca scanned it—Matteo in midfield, Paolo up top, but his name sat under *Substitutes*. Bench.
His gut twisted. *65 Overall*, months of grinding, and still sidelined? Paolo smirked, "Told you," but Matteo squeezed his shoulder. "You'll get in. Prove it then." Luca clenched his jaw, nodding. "I will."
In the stands, Emily waved, Sophia slouched with a snack, and Gianpiero watched intently. They spotted Luca on the bench as the whistle blew.
AC Milan pressed early, Matteo dictating play, but Inter countered hard. Chances flew—Paolo skied a shot, Nico's clearance shaky. At the 35th minute, Inter pounced—a swift break, a low drive past the keeper. 1-0.
Half-time hit, Milan trailing. Luca sat, restless, the system silent but his mind loud. *Prove you belong.* His family's eyes burned into him from the stands. Coach Rossi paced, clipboard in hand, his gaze flicking to Luca once. Opportunity loomed—he felt it. The second half would be his shot.
**[Player Stats]**
Physical Attributes: 65
- Speed: 66
- Stamina: 65
- Strength: 52
- Agility: 78
Technical Skills: 63
- Dribbling: 73
- Passing: 58
- Shooting: 56
- Ball Control: 66
Mental Attributes: 65
- Determination: 79
- Focus: 57
- Teamwork: 54
- Vision: 60
- Overall Rating: 65
- Potential: 85
Luca tugged his warmup jacket, eyes on the pitch. No tasks yet—just a promise to himself. Bench or not, he'd show them. The whistle for the second half was coming, and he'd be ready.