Leon stared at the glowing System screen, his heart pounding. He had successfully completed the quest to join an Italian team, and the reward was substantial.
The screen shimmered, and a new list of options appeared, each one more intriguing than the last.
[SYSTEM MARKET - AVAILABLE REWARDS]
Choose one of the following rewards:
1- Gaining Skills Feature
(Unlock different skills by earning Skill Points from unique actions!)
(Note: Very hard to unlock one skill point)
2- Gain a Random Skill for 3 Months!
3- Tactic Wise (Elevate your coach's tactical understanding to Level 92+!)
Leon's eyes darted between the options, his mind racing.
Tactic Wise (Elevate your coach's tactical understanding to Level 92+!)
This was intriguing. He could become a tactical genius, rivaling the likes of Pep Guardiola (Current: 91) or Carlo Ancelotti (Current: 91). But it cost 14 points, and he only had 11. So, that was out for now.
Gain a Random Skill for 3 Months! Cost: 8 points. This was similar to the 'Neymar Flair Dribbling' skill he'd used before, but for a much longer duration.
A random skill. It could be amazing, or it could be something less useful. It was a gamble, but three months of a top-tier skill would be a huge advantage in his first few months at Inter.
Gaining Skills Feature
(Unlock different skills by earning Skill Points from unique actions!) Cost: 10 points. This one immediately caught his attention. It wasn't a one-off skill or an upgrade to his coach. It was a feature. A permanent addition to the System that would allow him to earn and unlock skills. The note "Very hard to unlock one skill point" was a challenge, but the idea of a continuous path to gaining new, specific skills was incredibly appealing. It aligned perfectly with his long-term goal of becoming the best in the world, of constantly evolving.
Leon thought about it. The random skill for three months was tempting for immediate impact.
But the 'Gaining Skills Feature' was an investment. It meant he would have control over which skills he acquired, eventually. It meant continuous growth, not just a temporary boost. This was the path to true mastery.
It was a very easy choice.
He mentally selected Option 1: Gaining Skills Feature.
The System shimmered, the market options dissolving. Leon felt a familiar, subtle surge of energy, a quiet shift within him. The blue screen faded, replaced by a smaller, more permanent-looking overlay in the corner of his 'sight'.
[NOTE: WHEN YOU MAKE SOMETHING UNIQUE, YOU WILL GAIN SKILL POINTS. USE THESE POINTS TO UNLOCK SKILLS IN THE GAINING SKILLS FEATURE.]
Leon stared at the new screen, a wide grin spreading across his face. It meant his unique actions on the pitch, the audacious passes, the impossible goals, the game-changing moments – they would now directly contribute to unlocking new abilities. It was a direct link between his performance and his growth.
Something unique, he mused. That made sense. It wouldn't be just any goal or assist. It had to be something truly special. He thought about his chip goals, his nutmegs, his impossible through balls. Those were unique. Those would earn him points.
He got out of bed, feeling invigorated. The sun was streaming through the windows of his new Milan villa. His mom was probably already up, exploring the new place.
He quickly showered and dressed, his mind buzzing with possibilities. What kind of skills would be available in this new feature? Would they be specific player skills, like Neymar's dribbling? Or more general attributes? He couldn't wait to find out.
He headed downstairs, the scent of coffee filling the air. His mom was in the kitchen, humming happily as she unpacked some boxes.
"Morning, dear!" she chirped. "Slept well? I found the coffee machine! This villa is amazing, isn't it?"
"Morning, Mom!" Leon replied, pouring himself a cup. "Slept great. And yes, the villa is incredible." He paused, a playful glint in his eye. "Guess what? I just unlocked a new feature."
His mom raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile on her face. She didn't understand the System, but she understood Leon's excitement. "Oh? And what does this new 'feature' do, my dear?"
"It means," Leon said, a triumphant grin on his face, "that every time I do something truly unique on the pitch, something special, I'll earn points. And with those points, I can unlock new skills. It's like a constant upgrade!"
His mom chuckled. "So, you're going to be even more unstoppable, then? As if you weren't already!" She patted his arm. "Well, I have no doubt you'll be earning those points in no time, my little superstar."
Leon grinned. He had no doubt either.