Chapter 12 – "The Invitation"

The morning sun poured into the small bedroom where Luca lay, one leg resting on a pillow. His muscles ached, and his ribs throbbed with a dull pulse, souvenirs from yesterday's bruising match. But despite the pain, a soft smile lingered on his face.

He had danced on the pitch—and the whole city had started to notice.

From the kitchen, his father's voice echoed, cheerful. "Desayuno listo, campeón!"

Luca pushed off the sheets and slowly got up, feeling the stiffness in his legs. He looked at the bruise forming across his right shin. Totally worth it, he thought.

At La Masia – Medical Checkup

La Masia's medical wing was calm and quiet. White walls, trophies in glass displays, posters of past legends who once trained here. The physiotherapist examined Luca carefully, rotating his leg, checking his ribs, asking questions.

"You were fouled a lot," she said, scribbling notes.

"Yeah," Luca replied. "Valencia played rough."

"No fractures, but some muscle strain and bruising. I'd recommend at least five to seven days off training. Let your body breathe."

Luca nodded, disappointed but accepting. He wasn't about to rush anything. Not now.

Just as he was about to leave the room, a tall man in a navy jacket with the FC Barcelona B crest entered. Slicked-back salt-and-pepper hair, sharp eyes, and a clipboard under one arm.

"You must be Luca Herrera," he said.

Luca froze for a moment. "Yes, sir."

"I'm Carlos Núñez, talent scout for Barça B," the man extended a hand. Luca shook it, trying not to look too shocked. "I was at yesterday's match."

"You were?" Luca said, trying to keep his voice steady.

Carlos smiled. "You were electric. Even with the fouls, you changed the game. Our staff has been watching you since the second friendly, but now it's clear—you've got something rare."

Luca swallowed, his heart thumping faster.

"I want you to take a week to recover. Fully. Then," Carlos paused, "I'd like you to come train with Barcelona B. It won't be official—think of it as a closed tryout. But you'll be training with the best of your age and older. You show us what you can do there? Who knows where it might lead."

Luca blinked. "Train with Barça B?"

"Yes," Carlos replied. "But promise me one thing—rest first. A week. No shortcuts."

"I promise," Luca said, a little breathless.

Carlos handed him a business card. "Coach Serrano will be expecting you next Monday morning. Pack your boots."

And just like that, he was gone.

Back Home – Telling His Father

That night, Luca and his father sat on their small couch, a plate of grilled vegetables and eggs between them.

"So," his father asked casually, "How was the checkup?"

Luca smiled, pretending to stretch. "No fractures. Just bruises."

"Thank God. And the scout?"

"He invited me to train with Barcelona B next week."

His father dropped his fork.

"Wait—what?"

"Barça B. Tryout. After I recover."

Silence. Then a slow, proud grin spread across his father's face. He stood and wrapped Luca in a tight hug. "Mijo… you're doing it. You're really doing it."

They sat back down, eyes gleaming with quiet joy.

"Your mom would be so proud," his father added softly.

Luca looked down at his plate. "I hope she's watching."

That Night – Alone With the System

Luca lay on his bed, leg still propped up, watching the blinking blue hue of his system HUD.

[SYSTEM LOG - ACTIVE MISSIONS:]• Rest & Recovery: 3/7 Days Complete• Train with Barcelona B – Pending

[SYSTEM REMINDER:]⚠️ Training with Barcelona B is a chance to evolve your path. Special stat gain opportunity based on performance and mental composure.

He scrolled further, spotting something new under his active skill tree:

[Template Progress: Ronaldinho - 22% Unlocked]

Dribbling +4

Technique +3

Vision +3

Charisma +2

Signature Animation: No-Look Pass

Next Unlock at 30%: Joga Bonito Flair Skill

Luca closed his eyes and whispered to himself, "One more week. Then I'll show them who I really am."