Chapter 4 – Real Match Simulation
Zyren sat at the breakfast table, staring at the toast in front of him. His stomach churned with a mix of nerves and excitement.
Grandma Margaret looked up from her cup of tea, a small smile on her face. "Don't worry, zyren. I'm sure your parents are proud of you."
The words hit him harder than he expected. His parents were gone, and it had been Grandma Margaret who had raised him ever since. Every small victory, every hard day at the academy, he did for her. He swallowed and nodded quietly, a determined smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
I won't let her down. Not ever.
He pushed the plate aside and focused his thoughts. Inside his head, the familiar metallic voice spoke.
[GOAT System Active.]
Zyren let out a long sigh. "Alright, what training are we doing today?" he asked silently.
[Today's program requires entering System Space. Host will train as if in a real match, complete with fans and match pressure. Objective: prepare for upcoming youth league.]
"System Space?" Zyren muttered, raising an eyebrow. "You mean like… a video game?"
[Comparison inaccurate. This is a simulation with full sensory input and realistic physical feedback. Performance in System Space translates to real-life improvement.]
Zyren rubbed his temple. "Right… so basically, it's like a Champions League final in my head. Fantastic."
[Affirmative.]
He went to he room and slept on the bed, and the world around him blurred. In a blink, he was no longer in is room. Instead, he was in a massive stadium, the crowd roaring around him, banners waving, lights glaring, and the grass perfect under his boots.
"Whoa…" Zyren whispered. "This… this looks alive."
[Simulation confirmed. Environment mirrors real high-pressure matches.]
"System," he asked silently, "what position should I play? This center back am play at the academy is not my style.
[Analysis complete. Recommended positions: attacking midfielder or winger. However, host should not settle for one position. Modern teams value versatility. Optimal hybrid: Wing Forward / Attacking Midfielder.]
Zyren frowned. "Hybrid, huh? So I get to do both? Sounds tiring…"
[Yes. Program emphasizes versatility. Growth will be faster in multiple skill areas.]
He took a deep breath and nodded. Alright. Let's do this.
[HYBRID WING FORWARD / ATTACKING MIDFIELDER PROGRAM activated.]
⸻
Beating the Dummy 20×
Zyren started dribbling through dummies set up across the pitch, keeping control of the ball while avoiding collisions. Each successful run ended with a shot on goal. His legs ached immediately, but he could feel his ball control improving with every attempt.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Dribbling, +1 Finishing.]
⸻
Short Sprints 15×
He sprinted from one end of the pitch to the other, back and forth, as fast as he could. The stadium lights seemed to follow him as the system monitored his acceleration and sprint speed.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Speed, +1 Stamina.]
Penalties 15×
One by one, the balls were placed on the penalty spot. Zyren shot with care, trying to perfect his technique. Some went in perfectly; others hit the post.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Finishing.]
He groaned, muttering to himself, "Okay, at least I didn't miss all of them."
⸻
Pass the Cones ×40 (5m)
He passed repeatedly to cones lined across the pitch, working on accuracy and timing. His short passing started to feel sharper.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Passing.]
⸻
Passing Into the Bin ×20 (15m+)
He aimed at bins set at a distance, adjusting power and angle. Some passes bounced just short, others went too far, but he steadily improved.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Passing.]
⸻
Run Around Pitch ×15
Zyren ran laps around the stadium, keeping his pace steady. Each circuit built stamina and endurance. He imagined he was in a real match, chasing down attackers and covering ground.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Stamina.]
⸻
1v1 Finishing ×10
The system placed a goalkeeper in front of him. Zyren dribbled, feinted, and shot, learning to time his finishes perfectly.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Finishing.]
⸻
1v1 Take-ons ×5
A defender appeared, and Zyren had to dribble past him. His first attempts were clumsy, but he adapted with each try.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Dribbling.]
⸻
1v2 Take-ons ×5
Two defenders now challenged him at the same time. He used his body, feints, and clever passes to get past.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Dribbling, +1 Passing.]
⸻
1v3 Take-ons ×5
Finally, three defenders were in front of him. It was chaotic. Zyren dodged, ran, and sometimes lost the ball. But each failure taught him timing and positioning.
[Drill complete. Stats updated: +1 Dribbling, +1 Mentality.]
⸻
Zyren collapsed on the grass for a moment, panting, his chest heaving. So that's how it is… he murmured.
[System] spoke in its calm voice: "I suggest the host to start again . Only 1 week left until the youth league begins. Grind must continue without delay."
He nodded, determination flaring inside him. One week. One week to prove I belong. I won't let Grandma Margaret down.
The thought of her pride gave him energy. His parents were gone, but every drop of sweat, every sprint, every pass, he was doing it for her and so his parents will be proud of him — for the family that believed in him.
[HYBRID WING FORWARD / ATTACKING MIDFIELDER PROGRAM complete for day one. Next session tomorrow. Stats recorded.]
Zyren stood up slowly, flexing his aching muscles. Alright… one week of this, and then the final match before the cut out I can do this.
[System] added: "Coach will conduct a final match to determine which players remain in the academy. Only top performers will continue. Host must prepare."
Zyren clenched his fists. The youth league, the match, the competition — it all loomed ahead. But he felt ready, in a way he never had before.
One week to grind, one week to rise… I can do this. I have to.