"Reporter Hwang Tae-seok?"
"You remember me!"
The man sitting alone in the stands, waiting for Ho-young, was none other than a Korean sports journalist.
It was Hwang Tae-seok, the same reporter who had come to cover Ho-young at the airport when he returned to Korea last year.
"Hello. But what brings you all the way here...?"
No matter how he looked at it, he didn't think the reporter would have come to Brazil just for him.
"I came as a correspondent for coverage related to the 2014 World Cup. Thought I'd drop by."
"Ah."
He recalled a news report he'd seen.
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) had unanimously chosen Brazil as the sole candidate to host the tournament.
So lately, Rio de Janeiro's nights were nothing short of a festival.
"Haha. Anyway, thanks for stopping by."
"I should be the one thanking you. You're already famous from your appearances on TV, and if this article goes out, the reaction will probably be even hotter. You're not feeling pressured, are you?"
"Not at all. I'm grateful, actually."
There's a saying that goes like this.
Too much attention can ruin a child.
In some ways, it's true.
Excessive attention that ignores diversity and free thinking can be toxic.
But it's also only half true.
Regardless of attention, those destined to rise will do so on their own.
Like Messi and Neymar, who grew up under the weight of high expectations from a young age, overcoming that pressure is what leads to true greatness.
However, there was one thing to be careful about.
"As long as it's not something like malicious editing."
"Malicious editing?"
"Stuff like 'São Paulo FC's Ho-young, Brazil's level doesn't suit him'... you know, that sort of thing."
"Ah, haha! You mean the clickbait kind of headlines?"
"Exactly. As long as it's not that, I'm fine."
"You rascal."
With a chuckle, Hwang Tae-seok narrowed his sharp eyes reassuringly.
Soon, the interview began. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary.
Only toward the end did a tricky question pop up.
"I heard you're quite close to Coach Cha Bum-kun. If a call-up to the youth national team comes in the future, would you accept it? It's probably the question Korean fans are most curious about."
"Yes."
Ho-young responded without a moment's hesitation.
The Taeguk mark?
It's the dream of any Korean youth footballer.
But for Ho-young, there was another reason.
'Cha Bum-kun's talent.'
Even putting aside long-range goals from over 30 meters, to reach the semifinals of a FIFA tournament, he had to be selected for the national team.
'At least another 2–3 years to go.'
Then, Hwang Tae-seok asked another question.
"So what's your plan moving forward? Europe? Or are you thinking of making your pro debut with São Paulo FC?"
"For now, I'm just focusing on the present."
"You really are something."
It wasn't the concrete answer Hwang Tae-seok was hoping for, but he let it go.
"Thanks for taking the time to do this, even though you must be tired. And once again, congratulations on reaching the quarterfinals. I'll go ahead and pre-congratulate you on being named Man of the Match too."
"How do you know that?"
"Haha. Even a passing kid could tell. Anyway, great job. Let me just snap a few photos."
"Sure, go ahead."
The interview ended as Hwang pressed the camera shutter.
And sure enough, that evening's 'Man of the Match' award went to Ho-young.
However, completely exhausted, Ho-young had fallen asleep early and only learned the good news the following morning.
[Select the talent you wish to obtain.]
- Crown Prince's Playmaking (U)
- Faithful and Gentle Mindset (A+2)
- Stunning Top Speed (A+2)
- Sculpted Looks (A+)
- Powerful Mid-Range Shot (A+)
Ho-young rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up in bed, deep in thought.
His body ached from the match he had poured his soul into, but this was something he couldn't put off.
'I already have speed and the mid-range shot, so I can pass on those for now. Which means...'
His eyes darted up and down between the options.
Playmaking of the Crown Prince's Playmaking (U) and Sculpted Looks (A+).
It was a dilemma he had faced before, but now that it came down to actually choosing, it wasn't an easy decision.
This was the issue.
The U-grade talent was a rare and unmatched skill that only someone like Kaká possessed, but Sculpted Looks was also an extremely rare trait.
There was no telling when this option might show up again.
Of course, looks might not directly impact football performance.
'But I think it does.'
Everyone knew appearance and market value were often linked.
And more than anything, it was a talent he didn't want to miss out on as a human being.
However.
'Not yet.'
He had learned a lot from being around Kaká, especially about mentality.
Football was Ho-young's dream, and also the source of many regrets from his past.
So, his heart leaned toward Crown Prince's Playmaking (U).
[It will take 60 days → 30 days to fully acquire the talent. During those 30 days, no other talent can be obtained.]
It was a decision with clear reasoning.
'I'll just get both.'
If it took two weeks to obtain a U-grade, he figured he could pick up at least one A-grade talent in the remaining two weeks.
He was confident.
More importantly, acquiring the U-grade first would lower the difficulty of the next requirements, making future talent acquisition smoother.
'That seems like the right order.'
And he was proven right that very morning during training.
"You really went all out yesterday. Are you sure you're okay? You can take a day off if you want."
"No, I want to do it while I can!"
Kaká asked with concern but looked at Ho-young with a proud smile.
And then.
'Hehe.'
Looking at Kaká, Ho-young's eyes sparkled like lightning.
[Kaká]
[Possessed Talents: Crown Prince of Football (T), Crown Prince's Playmaking (U), Lightning-Fast Dribbling (S), Faithful and Gentle Mindset (A+2), Stunning Top Speed (A+2), Sculpted Looks (A+), Powerful Mid-range Shot (A+)]
(View more)
(You can obtain one talent by fulfilling the following conditions.)
(If you acquire a Title (T) grade talent, you may also absorb a portion of that person's sense. However, you must be over 18 years old.)
(Condition 1: Train together for over 300 minutes)
(Condition 2: Win a league match)
(Condition 3: Record 2 goals and 2 assists in official matches)
(Hidden Condition: 2,000 minutes of tutoring)
(*Lightning-Fast Dribbling (S) can be obtained solely by fulfilling the hidden condition.)
'Yes!'
Seeing the lowered conditions, Ho-young clenched his fist inwardly in joy.
And that wasn't all.
'S-grade.'
A hidden condition was all it took to obtain an S-grade talent!
Realizing it was right within reach, Ho-young grinned, and Kaká asked with a smile.
"What's got you so happy?"
Ho-young answered, holding up a thumbs-up.
"You, teacher."
That morning.
Estadão São Paulo Sports reported São Paulo FC U15's advancement to the quarterfinals, along with coverage of Ho-young's performance.
Following that, some interesting developments began among São Paulo FC's top brass.
Although it was a rare day off, Carlos met Director Victor for lunch.
As he stabbed his steak with a fork, Victor asked,
"Scouts haven't been pestering you lately?"
"Why? Has AC Milan already made contact?"
"Don't even get me started. One of their scouts watched yesterday's match and asked me for some info. Has anyone else approached you besides Milan?"
"I've got a feeling they will, and soon."
"Hmm... well, to be honest, the kid's form lately is just ridiculous."
Carlos nodded in agreement.
"So this season, can we expect a championship?"
"We'll give it our all. Speaking of which..."
Carlos brought up the topic he'd wanted to discuss for a while.
"We should send a report to the Brazilian Youth Football Federation's Competition Committee."
Carlos was firm in his request.
A few days later.
Responding to São Paulo FC's request, the Brazilian Youth Football Federation Competition Committee gave their verdict after thorough review.
[On May 28, 2004, São Paulo FC submitted a request to cancel Oscar's red card.
...The committee reviewed the events of the May 27 match between Fluminense FC and São Paulo FC, and determined that Oscar's actions did not appear intentional. We therefore acknowledge the referee's ruling as an error in judgment.
Accordingly, Oscar's red card has been overturned and rendered null. Until further notice, referee Thiago is suspended from officiating.]
On appeal, the committee sided with São Paulo FC.
Carlos, who had been more outraged than anyone about the poor officiating, had done what he needed to as a manager.
Meanwhile, back in Korea, Hwang Tae-seok's interview with Ho-young spread far and wide.
Recent photos of him were released alongside it, sparking endless discussion.
[South Korea's top prospect Ho-young named Man of the Match in high-stakes Super Championship round of 16 match...]
[Expresses strong desire to join the youth national team... Possible call-up as early as the year after next...]
└Ho-young, let's follow Park Ji-sung and go to PSV♥
└Might be too early to jump the gun
└Wait, isn't he only 12 years old? What's the record for youngest U15 call-up?
└He's already playing in Brazil's U15s... his physicality is beyond average middle schoolers
└Hmm. Think he'll make the youth national team?
└For a Korean kid, he's good... but Brazil's league isn't close to Europe. This might be a bit overhyped
└His skills are top-tier! But his looks... ugh
└I heard he has Spanish blood, but his face... starting to look more Southeast Asian
└Why talk about appearance when he's a footballer? Are you people supermodels or something?
└He's only 12! Who knows, maybe he'll grow into his looks after puberty
Comments like these poured in.
Ho-young's looks weren't particularly bad.
It was just malicious commenters trying to tear him down.
However, two weeks later.
Just after acquiring Oscar's talent, 'Razor-Sharp Decision-Making (A-)'...
Ho-young's ordinary appearance began to noticeably change.
It was the day he fulfilled all three of Kaká's conditions.
[Your current talent slots are full. Crown Prince's Playmaking (U) (16 days remaining), Razor-Sharp Decision-Making (4 days remaining) are on standby.]
[Please select the talent you wish to obtain in 20 days.]
Faithful and Gentle Mindset (A+2)
Stunning Top Speed (A+2)
Sculpted Looks (A+)
(View more)
That day, Ho-young chose Sculpted Looks without hesitation.
And Kaká, leaving behind the words, "See you next time on the field," departed for AC Milan.
Fortunately, before that, Ho-young had fulfilled the hidden condition and secured even the S-grade talent.
His first S-grade.
It was the most emotional moment for Ho-young that year.
Hard-earned through grueling tutoring sessions and fierce duels with Marcelo, it was a reward that felt especially worthwhile.
And then.
As time passed and the previously acquired talents were fully absorbed, he finally obtained Lightning-Fast Dribbling.
[You have acquired Lightning-Fast Dribbling (S).]
[The similar talent 'Chaminator's Run and Drive (U)' can be merged.]
[The lesser-ranked 'Chaminator's Run and Drive (U)' will be transferred into Lightning-Fast Dribbling (S).]
It was late June 2004.
Almost a year and a half had passed since Ho-young arrived in Brazil.
(To be continued.)