Chapter 9: Into the Academy
Lucas woke before dawn, the soft glow of early morning light filtering through the thin curtains of his cramped room in the favela. The sounds of São Paulo slowly stirring outside, the distant hum of cars, a dog barking, vendors setting up stalls drifted through the open window. His fingers brushed the edge of the folded São Paulo FC academy acceptance letter lying on his bedside table.
Today was no ordinary day. Today, he would step into the legendary Morumbi training facility, a place of dreams, discipline, and hard work, a world away from the dusty, chaotic streets he called home.
He sat up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. The reality of what lay ahead pulsed in his chest like the beat of a samba drum.
Downstairs, the kitchen was alive with comforting smells: fresh bread baking, strong tea brewing. Juliana moved quietly, preparing breakfast, her calm presence grounding Lucas's jittery nerves.
"Lucas, come eat before we leave," she called softly, glancing up with a warm smile that held hope and pride.
Just then, the phone rang sharply, breaking the quiet morning air. Juliana hurried over and answered.
"Ricardo? Yes, he's here... Yes, today's the big day," she said, her voice brightening.
She handed the phone to Lucas, who took it with wide eyes.
"Lucas, meu filho," came Ricardo's rough but loving voice, tired from his work far away in Brasília. "I heard you made it. Remember, this is just the start. Show them the fire that only a favela kid can have."
Lucas's throat tightened. "I won't let you down, Papai. I'll make you proud."
"Good. Keep your head high and your feet faster. You've got a whole city behind you. Go get that spot."
Lucas nodded, swallowing his nerves but feeling a surge of strength. "I will. Obrigado, Papai."
He hung up, his heart pounding not just from nerves, but from the deep love and expectation in his father's words.
Carla lounged at the table, flicking through a worn-out magazine but never losing sight of her brother. She teased, a smirk tugging at her lips. "So, little superstar, ready to show them what you've got? Or are you just going to be another kid lost in the crowd?"
Lucas smiled, the mixture of nerves and excitement tightening his stomach. "Haha, I'll do my best, sis" he said quietly, buttoning his shirt with trembling fingers.
The bus ride to Morumbi was slow and bumpy, weaving through the crowded streets teeming with life. The sounds of vendors shouting their wares blended with samba rhythms drifting from open windows. Children ran between alleys chasing stray dogs, their laughter echoing down the streets. Juliana held Lucas's hand tightly, her steady gaze fixed ahead. Lucas clutched his old football, the one he'd carried since childhood, its worn surface a testament to countless hours of practice.
As they approached Morumbi, the cityscape shifted. The cramped, lively favela gave way to wide roads and manicured green fields. The Morumbi training grounds sprawled before him, a vast expanse of immaculate pitches gleaming under the morning sun. Rows of floodlights towered over the fields, their metal arms reaching skyward like silent sentinels. Modern, sleek buildings housed changing rooms, gyms, and classrooms, all humming with the buzz of young hopefuls.
Kids in crisp São Paulo FC kits moved confidently across the fields, their every step filled with purpose. They juggled balls, sprinted drills, and shouted encouragement to one another. The energy here was electric, but it made Lucas's chest tighten. He felt like an outsider, his faded gear and scuffed boots stark against the fresh kits and polished sneakers of the academy kids.
Near the center of the complex stood Coach Silva, a lean man with sharp, piercing eyes that missed nothing. Clipboard in hand, he surveyed the arrivals with practiced scrutiny. When his gaze landed on Lucas, he gave a subtle nod but said nothing.
Then his voice cut through the morning bustle. "Lucas Rocha Silva?"
Lucas stepped forward, heart pounding. The weight of the moment pressed down on him.
"Follow me," Coach Silva commanded, turning sharply toward the training pitch.
Lucas swallowed hard and followed, his footsteps echoing softly on the paved walkway.
As they neared the pitch, the familiar chime of the system sounded inside Lucas's mind a clear, ringing signal that made his blood race:
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[New Legacy Quest: Claim Your Spot]
Player: Lucas Rocha Silva
System Level: 1 (394/1000 Legacy Points)
Talent Grade: C
Objective: Score or assist once during today's six-v-side scrimmage to impress Coach Silva and secure your place.
Rewards: 150 Legacy Points, B-rank Precision Boost Potion (+10% shot accuracy for 3 days), Temporary System Shop Access (24 hours)
Penalty for Failure: Confidence Dip (-10% Resolve for 3 days)
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Lucas blinked at the glowing text floating before him. The mission was clear, and the challenge simple. A surge of determination steadied his nerves.
The session began with warm-up drills. Coach Silva blew his whistle sharply. "Dribbling cones. Keep tight control, don't rush!"
Lucas knelt low, feeling Neymar's Flair awaken in his feet. The ball seemed to move with him, dancing through the cones as if alive. He caught a glance from Silva, who scribbled a note but said nothing.
Nearby, João, a stocky boy with quick feet, grinned and gave Lucas a thumbs-up. "Not bad for your first day."
Juliana watched from the sidelines, her eyes bright with pride and encouragement.
The system chimed softly, a notification:
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[Skill Update: Neymar's Flair -> Mastery 24%]
Dribbling finesse noticeably improved in tight spaces.
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Next came passing drills. Lucas focused hard, calling out to teammates, practicing quick, accurate passes. The routine was relentless but focused, designed to build muscle memory and precision.
Then shooting practice. Lucas stepped up, feeling the familiar surge of Edinson Cavani's Finishing skill. He steadied himself, aimed carefully, and struck the ball with precision. The ball curled sharply into the top corner of the net.
The crowd at the sidelines gasped and then erupted in quiet applause. Coach Silva's pen scratched notes rapidly.
Juliana's hands clapped softly, her smile radiant.
Another notification flashed:
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[Skill Update: Edinson Cavani's Finishing — Mastery 10%]
Shot precision improved in clutch moments.
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Then came the moment Lucas had been waiting for: the scrimmage. Six players on each side, fast-paced and intense.
Lucas's team lined up: João, with his quick turns; Gabriel, lanky and lightning-fast on the wing; and a few others who eyed the newcomer warily.
Across the pitch, Mateus, a broad-shouldered boy with a cocky grin, led the opposition. His eyes locked on Lucas, a silent challenge.
The whistle blew, and the match burst into motion.
Lucas felt the boost from the Stamina Booster flowing through him, his legs light and steady. He darted between defenders, the ball glued to his feet by Neymar's Flair. A defender lunged, but Lucas executed a smooth step-over and passed swiftly to João, who crossed the ball toward Gabriel. The shot was just wide.
Mateus charged forward, but Lucas slid in cleanly, stealing the ball. He pushed ahead, faked left, then cut right, opening a lane. Edinson Cavani's Finishing surged. Lucas struck a low, precise shot, the ball screamed past the keeper and hit the back of the net.
The crowd erupted in cheers. Coach Silva's pen scratched furiously.
Lucas's heart pounded in his chest. He turned, spotting Gabriel open. "Now, Gabriel!" he shouted, sending a perfect through-ball.
Gabriel sprinted, controlled the pass expertly, and scored.
2-0.
The final whistle blew.
Coach Silva approached, his expression unreadable but a hint of approval in his eyes. "Lucas Rocha Silva. You've earned your spot here. Train hard, keep that fire."
Juliana pushed through the crowd and wrapped Lucas in a fierce hug. "You did it, son."
The system chimed again, louder and more triumphant:
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[Legacy Quest Completed: Claim Your Spot]
Rewards: 150 Legacy Points, B-rank Precision Boost Potion, Temporary System Shop Access (24 hours)
Legacy Points: 544/1000
A new interface flickered open in Lucas's mind, revealing the System Shop for the next 24 hours:
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[System Shop: Temporary Access]
Available Items:
C-rank Recovery Tonic (90 LP)C-rank Focus Boost Potion (100 LP)B-rank Kaká's Acceleration (200 LP)A-rank Ronaldinho's Vision (400 LP)
Balance: 544 Legacy Points
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Lucas's eyes widened as the possibilities stretched before him. The road ahead was long, but now he had a place to start, a chance to rise.
As the sun climbed higher over Morumbi, Lucas stood tall, ready to begin his journey.
Hey everyone! Sorry for the delay in new chapters, I was focusing more on my other book "Touchline Rebirth". But now I'm balancing both and will be updating chapters daily. Thanks so much for your patience and support!