Mateo stared at the glowing panel hovering silently in front of him.
Three options.Three doors to the future.
He bit his lip, uncertainty creeping in.Ball Control Mastery sounded amazing — the idea of moving the ball like Messi filled him with excitement.Vision of the Field could make him smarter on the pitch, able to see plays before they even happened.
And then there was Stamina Boost.Less glamorous, less exciting... but somehow, it stayed in his mind.
After a long moment, Mateo took a deep breath.
"System," he said quietly, feeling a little foolish for talking into empty air."But... which one should I choose?"
There was a brief pause.
Then, the voice returned — calm, steady, without judgment.
[Query acknowledged.][Recommendation: Stamina Boost (Level 1).]
Mateo frowned slightly. "Why? Ball control sounds way better... more useful."
[Explanation:][At twelve years old, your body is still growing. Enhancing your stamina will allow you to train longer, recover faster, and build a stronger physical foundation.][Consistent physical conditioning over the next three years will multiply your overall potential.]
Mateo sat down heavily on his bed, listening intently as the system continued:
[Suggestion:][Focus on physical development and technical training until age 15.][At 15, you may attempt entry trials for professional youth academies in a stronger position, with a more competitive profile.]
Mateo's heart raced.Fifteen.That felt both far away and impossibly close.
"But... won't I fall behind?" he asked, the fear surfacing in his voice. "Other kids are already trying out for clubs."
[Clarification:][Early specialization without a proper foundation often leads to physical limitations, injuries, or stagnation.][By building strength, stamina, and technique steadily, you will surpass your peers when it matters most.][Success is not about rushing — it's about preparation.]
Mateo leaned back, letting the words sink deep into him.
It made sense — in a way his young mind immediately grasped, even if his heart still yearned for quicker victories.He remembered the countless players who shined brightly at twelve or thirteen, only to disappear by the time real opportunities came.
He closed his eyes for a moment, picturing himself at fifteen — stronger, faster, sharper — standing tall on the pitch, catching the eyes of scouts and coaches.
It would take patience.It would take hard work.But if it meant honoring his father's dream... and his own... it was worth it.
Mateo opened his eyes, his hand curling into a small fist of determination.
"I choose Stamina Boost," he said firmly.
The panel flashed brightly.
[Stamina Boost (Level 1) Acquired!][Current Effect: +10% Endurance. Faster Recovery Post-Training.][Training Plan available. Would you like to view it?]
A small smile tugged at Mateo's lips for the first time in days.
"Yeah," he said. "Show me."
And just like that, a new journey began — a journey not built on shortcuts or miracles, but on strength, perseverance, and a dream that no longer felt so impossible.