Jealousy is a slow poison.
But in football… it turns lethal fast.
---
The next few days felt surreal.
People knew my name now — Piyush Chavan.
Clips of my goal circulated on local sports channels.
My Instagram following? Tripled overnight.
But one pair of eyes didn't celebrate.
Aryan Rai.
Captain. Rival. Snake in disguise.
---
Coach had called an intra-squad practice match — open to scouts.
A few from FC Goa, Hyderabad FC, and even a rep from the All India Football Federation were watching.
This was more than a match.
This was a stage.
---
> [System Objective: Impress the Scout]
Score OR Assist
Match Rating: 8.0+
Avoid injury at all costs
⚠ Caution: Rival Aryan has entered Sabotage Mode
> Monitoring integrity…
---
I played Left Wing again. Aryan, Right Back.
He requested that position.
I should've known.
---
10th minute.
Ball came my way. I flicked it forward.
Aryan closed in fast.
Too fast.
Studs up.
---
CRACK!
I hit the turf hard — searing pain up my shin.
Ref didn't whistle. No foul called.
Aryan helped me up with a fake smile.
"You okay, superstar?"
---
> [System Alert: Light Injury Detected]
> Contusion: Lower shin
Movement Speed -8% for 10 minutes
System Skill Activated: Pain Suppression Lv.1
> Negates minor injury impact temporarily.
I clenched my jaw. I wouldn't let him win.
---
By the 30th minute, I was limping, but still creating chances.
> Key Pass: Successful
> +20 XP
Stamina Drain Increased: Risk of Muscle Pull – 18%
---
Halftime.
Coach pulled Aryan aside.
He denied everything, blamed "accidental contact."
I saw the smug grin as he walked back.
I didn't speak.
The scoreboard would do the talking.
---
Second half.
Minute 51.
I received the ball near the halfway line.
Aryan charged again.
He thought I'd hesitate.
Wrong.
I nutmegged him.
He slipped.
The entire squad went: "OHHHHH!"
I sprinted forward, ignored the pain, chipped a pass to Samar — who volleyed it straight in.
Goal.
---
> System Update
✅ Assist Complete
✅ Scout Approval: Triggered
✅ Stamina Boost: "Adrenaline Surge" Activated
"Your name is being noted."
---
But Aryan wasn't done.
Minute 75.
He faked a header contest and slammed his elbow into my ribs.
I gasped for breath.
Coach blew the whistle this time. Red card. Aryan sent off.
But the damage?
Already done.
---
Post-match, I lay on the bench with an ice pack when the system pinged.
> [Trait Evolved: Survivor Mentality Lv.1]
> Perform even while injured or targeted
Bonus: +5% XP gain from matches involving rival interference
> [Notification: Aryan Rai suspended for 2 games]
> Rival Downfall Progress – Stage 2/5
---
But I didn't feel victorious.
Not yet.
Because off the field, things got worse.
---
Sneha messaged again.
> "Aryan told me you were acting arrogant now. Changed, huh?"
"I just want to understand what's happening."
The same girl who left me when I was nothing…
Now defending the guy who tried to end my career?
> [Emotion Lock: Temporarily Activated]
Do not waste time on the past.
Only legacy matters.
---
That night, I opened the system shop.
New items had unlocked.
> ⚽ [System Store — Unlocked Tier 2]
"Vision Upgrade Lens" – See passing lanes before defenders do
"Ghost Touch Boots" – Boost close control and trap
"Reflex Core Serum" – Sharpen reaction by 12% (1-match boost)
But my eyes locked on one thing:
> 🔒 Skill Tree Branch: "Kingmaker" – LOCKED
> Requirement: Break into National Trials Squad.
I clenched my fists.
Aryan tried to injure me.
Sneha tried to doubt me.
But the system?
The system believed in me.
---
The next chapter of my story wouldn't be about revenge.
It would be about evolution.
Let the world bring dirty plays.
I'll bring unstoppable growth.
---