Chapter 12: The Decision
Lucas sat at the kitchen table, staring at the São Paulo FC contract in front of him. The words "residential training agreement" stood out, full of promise. A timer flashed in his vision: [Pending Decision: 36 Hours Remaining]. Across from him, his mom, Juliana, sat with her hands clasped, reading the contract with a mix of pride and worry. The dim kitchen light made the moment feel serious and real.
"Are you sure about this, Lucas?" Juliana asked gently, her voice filled with a mother's concern. "This isn't just a game now. This is your future."
Lucas let out a breath, running his fingers along the edge of the contract. "I am, Mãe. I've seen what happens to players without the right support — they burn out, get hurt, or just disappear. I don't want that. This is my chance to do it right, to build something that lasts."
Flashback. Lucas was fourteen, in another life, standing on a dusty pitch under a scorching sun. His friend Sagar, a midfielder with a left foot that could bend a ball like magic, was the talk of the academy. Coaches whispered about scouts, about pro contracts. But Sagar ignored the twinge in his knee, skipped physio to train harder, desperate to prove he was unbreakable. One bad tackle in a pointless scrimmage changed everything. Sagar tore his ACL, never got proper rehab, and his dream slowly fell apart. Now he spent nights drinking cheap beer, his voice full of "what ifs." Lucas had watched it all, unable to help, and promised himself he wouldn't let the same thing happen to him.
Lucas activated his system, pulling up his stats with a thought. His Fatigue Level was low thanks to a good night's sleep but the [Skill Downgrade Warning] from yesterday's tough training still hovered like a shadow. If he didn't recover properly, his new "Ronaldinho's Vision" trait, his special ability to read the game several steps ahead could stall or even fade. Injuries were always lurking.
That's why the academy mattered so much. It had everything: nutritionists to perfect his diet, physiotherapists to keep him in top shape, and a training program built to turn raw talent into greatness. His future football knowledge, a strange gift from another life told him this wasn't just a good opportunity. It was the opportunity.
São Paulo FC had produced legends like Kaká and Casemiro, players who once lived in these same dorms. And the system offered real rewards: +100 Legacy Points to unlock new skills, [Daily Stamina Regen +2] to recover faster, and a [Focused Growth Plan] to train exactly how he needed, whether that meant better agility, sharper vision, or more stamina.
But this decision wasn't just about stats or chasing a dream. It meant leaving behind his mother, Juliana, and his sister, Carla the two people who kept him grounded. The thought of not seeing them every day, missing Carla's sharp jokes or his mom's quiet strength, made his stomach turn.
That evening, the living room was quieter than usual. The TV was off, and a rare stillness filled the small house. Carla lay on the couch, flipping through a magazine, though her eyes kept drifting to Lucas. Juliana sat beside him, her hands resting in her lap, her gaze calm and steady.
"You have to sign it with me, Mãe," Lucas said, breaking the silence. "They want us at the academy tomorrow to go over everything. It's… official now."
Juliana nodded, her lips pressed into a thin, thoughtful line. "I'll be there. This is your dream, Lucas, but it's a big step. I just need to be sure they'll take care of you, your health, education, all of it."
Carla smirked, tossing aside the magazine. "So, you're gonna be some fancy academy kid now, huh? Just don't forget us when you're signing autographs at the Maracanã."
Lucas laughed, but his chest tightened. "Never, irmã. I'll be back every weekend if I can. You'll get sick of me."
"You wish," she shot back, but her grin softened, betraying the weight of the moment.
Juliana reached for his hand, holding it warm and steady. "Promise me one thing, Lucas. Take care of yourself, your body, your mind, everything. Stay true to who you are, and keep that fire alive, no matter how hard it gets. You're not just chasing a ball, you're chasing your future."
"I promise, Mãe," he said, squeezing her hand tight, his voice catching. "I won't let you down."
The next morning, Lucas and Juliana took the bus to Morumbi, the contract safe in her worn leather bag. The city blurred past the window as they rode quietly. Lucas felt the moment's weight, but Juliana's calm hand on his knee kept him steady.
At the academy, they entered a sleek office with photos of São Paulo FC legends on the walls. Mariana, the player development officer, welcomed them with a warm smile, her blazer showing the club's logo. Coach Silva stood by the window, arms crossed, looking proud but worried like a father watching his child take a big step.
"Lucas, Mrs. Rocha," Mariana said, sliding the contract across the shiny table. "This is a three-year residential agreement. Lucas will live in the academy dorms, attend our partnered school, and train with our recovery team. It's a big commitment, but we believe he can make it to the U-15 pro youth squad and even further."
Juliana leaned forward, reading carefully, her brow furrowed. "His health," she said firmly. "His studies. You'll make sure he's looked after? He's not just a player, he's my son."
Mariana nodded calmly. "Absolutely. Our team handles everything, custom nutrition, physiotherapy to prevent injuries, and school support to keep all our youth players on track. We want Lucas and every player to succeed, both on the field and in life."
Lucas looked at his mom. Her slow, sure nod gave him the courage he needed. He picked up the pen, steady despite the emotions inside, and signed his name. Juliana signed too, her hand brushing his shoulder as she set the pen down, a quiet gesture of trust.
The system flared brightly, its glow filling his vision.
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[Milestone Achieved: Residential Contract Accepted]
Reward: +100 Legacy Points
Passive Trait Unlocked: Daily Stamina Regen +2
New Training Mode Unlocked: Focused Growth Plan (User-Customized)
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Mariana stood and offered a handshake. "Welcome to the academy, Lucas. We expect great things from you."
Coach Silva stepped forward, clapping a hand on Lucas's shoulder. "You've earned this, kid. Now the real work begins. Don't let up."
Outside, an academy van idled, ready to take Lucas to the dorms. Juliana pulled him into a tight hug, her arms fierce and warm. "You're not leaving us behind, Lucas. We're with you, always."
"I know, Mãe," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll make you proud."
Carla, who'd insisted on coming along, stood nearby, shifting awkwardly. She punched his arm lightly, her usual bravado softened. "Don't suck out there, okay? And call us, or I'll hunt you down."
"Deal," Lucas grinned, pulling her into a quick hug. She squirmed but didn't pull away.
He climbed into the van, duffel bag slung over his shoulder. The driver, a gruff man in a São Paulo FC cap, gave him a nod. "Ready, kid?"
"Yeah," Lucas said, his voice steady. As the van pulled away, he watched Juliana and Carla through the window, standing side by side, their figures growing smaller but never fading. His heart raced not with fear, but with determination. He thought of the regrets from his past life, the chances lost and dreams that slipped away. The academy was his forge, and he'd come out stronger, sharper, ready to become the player he was meant to be.
Lucas leaned back, a quiet smile spreading across his face. He was ready, not just for the training, but for the life he was building, one step at a time.