Date: February 27–March 1, 2025 Location: AXA Training Centre, Kirkby
The trophy high had faded. The laughter in the dressing room, the fanfare, the confetti—it was already a distant echo. For Diogo Jota, the present was steel, sweat, and silence.
After his emotionally grounding rest day, he was different. Not just calmer—but hungrier. The way a fire simmers beneath ash before igniting again.
He arrived at AXA before dawn on February 27. The sun hadn't even crested over the Merseyside skyline. Most of the staff were still home in bed. But Jota was already in full gear, headphones in, System interface open.
System Log – Training Mode Engaged
Goal: Advance Skill Mastery – "Tempo Shift"
Current Level: 1 (Basic Instinct Activation)
Objective: Reach Level 3 (Tempo Disruption + Multi-Threaded Exploits)
Estimated Time Required: 9–12 hours continuous effort
He tightened his laces.
"Let's get to work."
Phase I – Repetition Until Reflex (7:00 AM–9:30 AM)
Tempo Shift, in System terms, was a dynamic movement ability: the capability to alter pace not just physically, but perceptually. At Level 1, it meant explosive acceleration after deceptive deceleration—a stop-start burst that could unbalance defenders.
But Level 3? That was different. It meant weaponizing tempo in layers—executing micro-stutters, false decoys, then surging through multiple defenders with rhythm disruptions that couldn't be anticipated.
To achieve it, he started simple.
Cones. Footwork ladders. 5-meter bursts followed by sudden halts.
Then again.
Then again.
And again.
Until his calves were burning, and his lungs ached.
System Notification:
Micro-Rhythm Pattern Library Expanded (17%)
Latency Reduced: Foot-to-Explode Timing Down to 0.21s
He didn't smile. He just moved faster.
Phase II – Tactical Shadow Play (10:00 AM–12:00 PM)
Slot arrived midway through Jota's session, a coffee in one hand and a confused look on his face. "Diogo? You live here now?"
Jota just nodded. "Nearly."
Slot raised an eyebrow but watched as Jota ran another rep—receiving a virtual pass, dummying, slowing, then bursting through an imaginary back line.
"Who are you training with?"
"Just me."
Slot grinned. "Looks like a whole damn team out there."
System Enhancement Activated – Tactical Simulation Shell (Solo Mode)
AI-generated defensive formations: 4–4–2, 5–3–2, 3–4–3
He moved through each. In one scenario, he broke through a tight line by luring defenders out with soft touches. In another, he faked a static position only to cut diagonally between center backs.
Each success earned small boosts. But it wasn't about numbers. It was about instinct becoming natural. Flow replacing force.
Skill Progression – Tempo Shift (Lv. 2.5)
Trait Unlocked: "False Rhythm Echo" (Opponent Reaction Delay +0.1s)
Lunch Break – If You Can Call It That
At 1 PM, he scarfed down grilled chicken, brown rice, and a protein smoothie. The club nutritionist tried to get him to rest.
"You know active recovery matters, Diogo."
"I know. But I'm not most players."
He wasn't being arrogant. He was just chasing something bigger. Time.
Phase III – Real Player Sparring (2:00 PM–4:00 PM)
By mid-afternoon, Curtis Jones and Quansah joined in for some resistance drills. They played out 1v1s and 2v2s in narrow grids. Jota challenged them to stay tight.
"Don't go easy."
He wanted pressure. He wanted frustration.
And he got it. Curtis read him twice. Quansah bodied him off the ball once. But each failure taught something. Foot placement. Hinge control. Eye deception.
Then came the breakthrough.
Tempo Shift – Lv. 3 Unlocked
Signature Ability: Time Fracture Dribble
Description: Chain two tempo disruptions within a 4-second window to disorient defenders. Adds brief processing delay (up to 0.3s) in surrounding AI/player reactions.
The System flashed bright.
Jota stood, drenched in sweat. Heart pounding.
But his mind was silent.
He had it.
And he wasn't done.
Evening – Aftermath and Integration (6:00 PM)
Slot found him again in the recovery pool. "Heard you cooked the boys today."
"They helped more than they know."
Slot nodded. "You're sharper than I've ever seen you."
"Feels like I'm seeing time differently."
Slot chuckled. "Let me know if you learn how to slow it down."
Home – Calm Before Forest (9:30 PM)
Back home, Jota showered, made a protein pancake, and booted up FC25.
He recreated his training sequence inside the game's custom player mode.
Then he took a breath.
System Interface Online
Skill Tree Updated: Tempo Shift Branch: Active
Time Fracture: Equipped
Reaction Load Reduction: +4%
Ball Retention Under Pressure: +2.5%
Fatigue Offset Efficiency: +1.1%
Match Prep: vs Nottingham Forest, March 2, 2025
Threat Level: Low to Medium
Suggested Objective: Demonstrate Tempo Shift against live defensive line
He leaned back. Closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would be rest.
The day after that, they'd travel.
And on March 2nd...
Tempo would shatter.