The Monday morning sun filtered through the thin curtains of the small Inglewood apartment, casting long golden strips across the kitchen table. Alex sat at one end, still feeling the pleasant ache in his legs from Saturday's 8–0 demolition of the LA Galaxy Youth Reserves. Emma had slipped out quietly at dawn after one last slow, intimate morning round, leaving only the faint scent of her strawberry shampoo on his pillow as a reminder.
Across the table, Mom was already dressed for her waitress shift, sipping cheap instant coffee. Dad sat hunched over the newspaper, red pen circling job ads like he always did. Mia, still in her pajamas, was scrolling on the old flip phone, dreaming out loud about new soccer cleats.
Alex slid the small white envelope across the table — the four hundred dollars the club had given him as prize money for the win.
"That's for the debt collector today," he said quietly. "It's not much, but it's a start. I told you I'd help."
Dad stared at the envelope for a long second, then looked up, eyes wet. "Son… I still can't believe what I saw on Saturday. Eight-nil. Eight. You were a different person out there. Where did that come from?"
Mom reached over and squeezed Alex's hand, tears already forming. "We're proud of you, mijo. Really proud. That money… it means we can breathe a little. The collector is coming at noon. This will buy us time."
Mia grinned. "My big brother is a superstar now! Can we get new cleats soon?"
Alex smiled, keeping his voice steady. "We'll get more than cleats soon. I'm just getting started. Coach said they're sorting a real contract for me this week — small stipend, but steady. And I'm going to train harder than ever. We're going to clear every debt, maybe even start something bigger for the family. Dad, you always talked about opening a small sports shop one day. Maybe that dream isn't so far off."
Dad's hands shook slightly as he picked up the envelope. "If you keep playing like that, Ace… anything is possible."
The family ate breakfast in a rare moment of hope. Alex finished quickly, changed into training gear, and headed out. Inside his head, the blue system screen glowed silently, visible only to him.
[Current Status]
Host: Alex "Ace" Rivera
Level: 3 (400/1,500 EXP)
Core Stats:
Pace: 54Shooting: 48Dribbling: 53Passing: 51Physicality: 42Mentality: 62Vision: 58
Skills Unlocked:
God's First Touch (S-Grade)Basic Stamina BoostShadow Dribble (Mid-Grade – newly unlocked)
Skill Points Available: 3
Shop: Body Enhancement, Skill Cards, Tactical Boosters
Alex mentally allocated one skill point into Vision, pushing it to 61. The other two he saved. I need to stay sharp. The next friendly is in five days. I have to keep improving while building everything else.
The training ground was quiet when he arrived. Coach Ramirez was already there, setting up cones. "Rivera! Early again. Good. After Saturday, the whole team is looking at you differently. Let's see if you can back it up."
The week became a blur of intense, deliberate grind.
Monday – Technical Mastery
Alex started with 500 touches using "God's First Touch." The ball felt alive — every reception was perfect, every control instant. Coach had him working on tight spaces: figure-eights through cones, quick one-twos with Miguel Torres, then sudden bursts into the box to finish. Alex tested "Shadow Dribble" internally — a quick body feint that froze Miguel mid-step, leaving him stumbling.
Miguel laughed in disbelief. "How the hell do you do that? It looks like the ball is glued to your foot and your body is lying to me at the same time."
Alex just shrugged. "Just clicked this week."
By the end of the session his shirt was soaked, but he felt stronger. The system dinged internally.
[Training Progress: 4/4 hours]
EXP Gained: +120
Tuesday – Gym & Physicality
Morning weights. Alex pushed heavier than ever — squats, deadlifts, explosive box jumps. His enhanced physicality made every rep feel easier, but he still pushed to the limit. In the afternoon, Coach had the team doing 1v1 duels. Alex faced Jamal Washington, the strongest defender on the squad.
He dropped his shoulder, used "Shadow Dribble," and left Jamal on the grass twice in a row. Jamal shook his head, laughing. "You're cheating, man. I swear your body moves before your feet do."
Alex kept his face neutral. No one can know it's the system.
Wednesday – Tactical Study & Endurance
Coach showed video of the Galaxy Reserves' next opponents. Alex studied every clip, using his 2024 knowledge to predict patterns no one else could see. On the pitch he ran repeated 400-meter sprints with the team, then stayed behind for extra shooting drills — 200 shots from different angles, focusing on power and placement.
The system rewarded him again.
[Endurance Training Bonus]
EXP Gained: +150
By evening he was exhausted but satisfied. He met Emma behind the community center after training. She pulled him into a quick, heated kiss in the shadows.
"You were incredible on Saturday," she whispered, hands sliding under his shirt. "I can't stop thinking about Saturday night… and Sunday morning."
Alex kissed her back, deep and possessive. "There will be more nights like that. I'm training like a beast during the day, but the nights are mine. Ours. I'm not giving up the grind, but I'm not giving up the life either."
Emma smiled against his lips. "Good. Because I want both versions of you."
Thursday – Match Simulation & Skill Testing
Full 11v11 practice match against the second team. Alex played as the attacking midfielder again, dictating tempo. He tested "Shadow Dribble" repeatedly — quick feints that froze defenders mid-step, creating space out of nothing. One moment he was jogging, the next he exploded past two players and played a no-look through-ball that set Tyler up for a goal.
Coach Ramirez blew the whistle and called him over. "Rivera, you're on another level. Keep this up and bigger clubs are going to notice."
Alex nodded. Inside, the system was silent, but he felt the growth.
Friday – Recovery & Final Prep
Light session — stretching, tactical walkthroughs, and small-sided games. Alex stayed behind afterward, working on long-range shooting and set-piece delivery. He mentally opened the system shop and browsed Body Enhancement options, saving points for when he needed a bigger boost.
As the sun set, he sat on the grass alone for a moment, reflecting.
This is the balance I chose. Intense grind during the day — training, tactics, pushing every limit to become the GOAT and surpass Messi and Ronaldo. Then the nights and private moments — Emma, future women, the full superstar lifestyle. No more regret from 2024. I'm taking both worlds.
He stood up, muscles tired but mind clear. Tomorrow was the next friendly. The climb continued.