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**Stade de Pairay – Match Day**
The scent of liniment and wet grass filled the tunnel as Ibukun stood with RFC Seraing's reserves. His new "Basic First Touch" skill hummed in his nerves like a second heartbeat. Across the pitch, Liège's academy players—pristine kits, €300 boots—stretched with the casual arrogance of those who'd never missed a meal.
***`MATCH OBJECTIVES:`***
1. Score 1 goal (200 SP)
2. 80% pass accuracy (50 SP)
3. Avoid injuries
Coach Lebrun spat sunflower seeds onto the concrete. *"Okoche, right wing. Try not to embarrass us."*
Jay-Jay's hologram flickered in Ibukun's peripheral vision, wearing his 1994 Bolton kit. *"That left-back's weak foot is slower than continental drift. Destroy him."*
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**First Half – Reality Check**
The whistle blew. Ibukun's first touch betrayed him immediately—a simple pass ricocheted off his shin like he'd been electrocuted.
***`FIRST TOUCH FAILURE: "BASIC FIRST TOUCH" SKILL INCOMPATIBLE WITH CURRENT DRIBBLING (44/100)`***
Liège's left-back, a gangly teenager with a blond ponytail, smirked. *"They found you in a dumpster?"*
Ibukun's retaliation came in the 23rd minute—a reckless tackle that earned a yellow card. The resulting free kick sailed past Seraing's keeper.
**0-1.**
***`PENALTY: "UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT" (-15 SP)`***
Jay-Jay materialized during the hydration break, pixelated arms crossed. *"You play like a rabid dog. Control your anger or I'll reset your progress."*
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**The Turning Point**
Second half. Rain began sheeting down, turning the pitch into a skating rink. Ibukun's stats glowed red:
***`STAMINA: 31/100
DRIBBLING: 39/100 (-5 from finger injury)
PASS ACCURACY: 61%`***
Then—the moment.
A deflected clearance fell to Ibukun at the edge of the box. Time slowed as his HUD flashed:
***`SKILL ACTIVATION: "BASIC FIRST TOUCH" (SUCCESS RATE: 68%)`***
The ball stuck to his boot like glue. Two defenders closed in.
Jay-Jay screamed: *"LEFT FOOT! LOW DRIVE!"*
Ibukun struck through the ball's center. It rocketed—
**THUD.**
—straight into the keeper's chest.
The groan from Seraing's six traveling fans was drowned out by Liège's laughter.
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**Loïc's Revenge**
Minute 87. Ibukun chased a hopeless through-ball when Loïc—brought on as sub—came in studs-up from behind.
The tackle snapped Ibukun's ankle sideways with a sound like cracking celery.
***`CRITICAL INJURY: HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN
EFFECTS: -20 SPEED (4 WEEKS)
PAIN LEVEL: 8.3/10`***
Through the white-hot agony, Jay-Jay's voice cut like a scalpel:
*"Get. Up."*
Ibukun staggered to his feet, putting weight on the ruined ankle. The referee—wide-eyed—didn't even whistle for the foul.
Loïc whispered: *"Go back to Africa."*
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**System Ultimatum**
In the silent locker room, Ibukun's HUD displayed the damage:
***`TREATMENT OPTIONS:`***
1. **Standard Rehab** (4 weeks no play)
2. **"Quick Fix" Serum** (250 SP - returns in 1 week but -10% durability)
3. **"Pain Mask" Injection** (150 SP - play through it with 30% stat reduction)
His SP balance: **158**.
Jay-Jay appeared in the rusted mirror, his holographic face grim. *"Choose wisely. This is where boys become men."*
Ibukun's fist shattered the glass.
***`SELECTION CONFIRMED: "PAIN MASK" INJECTION PURCHASED. REMAINING SP: 8.`***
The syringe materialized in his hand. He plunged it into his swollen ankle without hesitation.
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**Chapter 5 Closing**
As the drugs hit his bloodstream, Ibukun's HUD updated:
***`NEXT MATCH: SERAING vs. ROESELARE (7 DAYS)
WARNING: PLAYING THROUGH INJURY RISKS PERMANENT DAMAGE
NEW MISSION: "BREAK LOÏC'S LEG" (REWARD: 500 SP / PENALTY: 3 MATCH BAN)`***
Jay-Jay's final words lingered like gun smoke:
*"Now you understand what greatness costs."*
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