The System Makes Me a Player

"Today is Monday, Kelvin. I don't think there's a more boring day than this", says Ian, who is sitting right behind Kelvin in the classroom.

"Definitely", replies Kelvin, visibly very sleepy.

"Haven't been sleeping well?", asks Ian, noticing Kelvin's condition.

"Yeah... I train every day, but lately it's not bringing much result"

Kelvin runs a hand over his face, trying to shake off the tiredness. Ever since he started using the system, he had felt constant progress — more speed, more control, more stamina. But in the last few weeks, everything seemed to have stalled. The mission rewards were becoming rarer, and the objectives, more demanding. He was still getting points, but not as frequently as before. It was as if the system was testing his patience.

"Want to go to a doubles tournament at Yamu School?", Ian asks, his excitement almost contagious.

Kelvin turns, a little surprised.

"Tournament? At Yamu? Weren't they the state champions last year?"

"Exactly! That's why. It'll be open to teams from other schools. It's like a festival, but only with two-on-two matches"

Kelvin frowns, thoughtful.

"When is it happening?"

"Starts today, at 2:00 p.m., and depending on how far we get, we might play the final tomorrow. I already signed up for the tournament, but I can take you to register and be my partner. I was going to call Felipe, but he hurt his foot, so I thought… 'Why not Kelvin?'", Ian smiles, trying to hide his nervousness.

Kelvin crosses his arms on the desk, still looking tired.

"I don't know... I feel kind of stuck on my level"

"And that's exactly why you should go!", counters Ian, animated.

"Sometimes, the problem isn't the training. It's the routine. Maybe a different kind of match will unlock whatever's holding you back?"

Kelvin thinks for a few seconds. The idea of playing something different, with less pressure since it's just a festival, could really help. And Ian… even though he wasn't as skilled as Dante or Kazana, he was dedicated.

"What position do you play again, Ian?"

"Mid. But I like pushing forward too. With you on the attack, we could make something great"

Kelvin gives a faint smile.

"Alright. Let's give it a shot"

"Really?!", Ian gets excited, hitting the desk.

"Awesome then! I'll sign us up during break!"

"There's only one problem, Ian", says Kelvin with a sly smile.

"What?"

"We'll still be in class", he replies, slightly disappointed.

"Ah...", he pauses for a moment.

"I already took care of that. I talked to Rafael so he could authorize me and another student to leave. We just have to hand this paper to the guard at the gate"

Ian pulls a folded sheet with the coordination's stamp from his pencil case. Kelvin looks at him, surprised.

"You really thought of everything, huh?"

"Of course! I knew you'd accept", says Ian, winking.

Kelvin laughs.

"Alright then, logistics genius. Just let me know when it's time to head out"

"During break, no fail. If we leave early, we'll still have time to warm up before the game"

Kelvin just nods, because for him, beyond being a tournament, this could be a chance to test a new ability and maybe… unlock something new, like last time.

***

The break bell finally rings, echoing through the hallways like freedom. Kelvin stands up, calmly grabs his backpack, and follows Ian out of the classroom. On the way, they pass some third-year students, who are loudly talking about the Yamu tournament.

"I heard one of the players from Yamu's team got called to join the Brazilian youth national team", Ian whispers, while handing the paper to the guard at the gate.

"And we're going to face people like that?", asks Kelvin, half-joking, half-worried.

"I don't know. Like I said, not everyone from Yamu will participate — just whoever wants to", Ian answers, letting out a relieved sigh.

The two head toward the nearest station. Along the way, Kelvin discreetly opens the system interface. A new icon glows gold in the corner of the screen. He stops for a second in the middle of the sidewalk, eyes wide.

"Something wrong?", Ian asks, looking back.

"No... it's just...", Kelvin hesitates.

"I think I saw someone I know"

As he taps the icon, a new window opens:

[Challenge Unlocked – Doubles Championship]

[Win the championship]

[Reward: Random Special Ability]

Kelvin closes the interface, his heart pounding.

"This changes everything...", he murmurs.

"Huh?"

"Nothing. Let's go. I'm starting to get excited"

***

They arrive at Yamu School about an hour before the official start. The place is nothing like Sanu. Bigger facilities, high-quality synthetic turf, brand-new locker rooms, and bleachers that would make any amateur team jealous.

"Whoa...", mutters Ian, looking around.

"This place looks like a real stadium"

A teacher from the school greets them, confirms the registration, and leads them to the court. Kelvin takes the opportunity to stretch, watching the other pairs warming up. One group catches his attention — two tall, fast boys, exchanging passes like pros.

"That's Takumi and Leo. They're Yamu's players, part of last year's winning team", comments Ian, eyes fixed on them.

"Great... so we already know who's likely to be in the final", says Kelvin, still staring.

But deep down, he knew. To evolve, he'd have to face exactly that kind of player. And even with some concern, he was extremely happy.

"Let's go, Ian. Let's warm up"

"Now that's the spirit!", Ian replies, smiling.

As they step onto the side field to warm up, a silent notification appears before Kelvin's eyes:

[Active Mission: Striker's Path]

[Gain recognition in the tournament. Score at least 2 goals in the first match]

[Reward: +1 to all main attributes]

"By the way, Ian. Who's our goalkeeper?"

"Oh, don't worry. We'll have fixed goalkeepers. This tournament's being sponsored by a goalkeeper academy"

Kelvin lets out a sigh.

"Do you know who our opponents are?"

Ian pauses his stretching and pulls out his phone.

"Hold on...", he pauses.

"We're facing the guys from Uchi. Their names are Samuka and Samuel"

"Judging by the names, they sound like brothers"

"And one more thing... We're the first match of the tournament"

Kelvin's eyes widen for a moment, but he soon smirks.

"First match, huh? So more people will be watching us... That's great"

They walk to the edge of the court, where other pairs sit in the bleachers surrounding the field. The referee calls out the names of both teams, and Kelvin and Ian approach the center circle.

On the other side, Samuka and Samuel appear: two identical boys, slightly shorter than Kelvin, but with huge grins and a visible synchronicity even in their walk. Both wear red cleats and custom jerseys with their nicknames on the back. One juggles the ball, the other laughs, like it's just another casual game.

"Look at their eyes...", murmurs Ian, standing beside Kelvin.

"They seem way too calm"

"So are we", replies Kelvin, firmly staring at the twins.

The whistle blows.

"FIRST MATCH!", the referee announces with a megaphone.

"UCHI versus SANU! Two halves of ten minutes. Good luck to the teams!"

He lightly slaps Ian's hand.

"Let's show them what Sanu is made of"

The ball is placed at the center.

And then… it begins.