Morning sunlight shimmered through the glass panes of the Virtus Lombardia training center, casting long streaks of gold across the artificial turf. The low thud of footballs echoed rhythmically, mixing with the whistle's sharp calls and the steady hum of conversation.
It had been three days since Jaeven's debut match against Siena Calcio, and the glow of that victory was still fresh in the minds of his teammates. For Virtus, it wasn't just a win — it was the spark that reignited belief. From 16th in the table, they had begun to look alive again.
But for Jaeven, things felt different in more ways than one.
The Ethereal Physique Resonance had continued its quiet work. Every morning, he noticed small shifts — his skin seemed clearer, his posture naturally aligned, his movements smoother. His reflection no longer carried the sleepy-eyed uncertainty of a boy finding his place. He didn't look entirely different, but there was an undeniable composure in the way he carried himself.
And people noticed.
Not in loud or obvious ways, but in subtle glances, second looks, or brief hesitations during conversations. His teammates didn't comment outright anymore, but he caught the way their eyes flickered briefly before they spoke — the kind of subconscious recognition that something had changed, even if they couldn't define it.
He could feel it too. There was a quiet gravity about him now, something that drew attention without effort.
> [System Notice]
Charm Stat Adjustment: +1
Current Charm: 49
He sighed quietly, tying his boots on the bench. "At this rate, I'll end up with sponsorships before fame."
"Talking to yourself again?" Matteo dropped onto the bench beside him, spinning a ball in his hand. "You're becoming weirder every day, Han."
"Helps me think," Jaeven said, smiling faintly.
"Right, philosopher boy," Matteo said, grinning. "You've got that press meeting later, yeah? After training?"
Jaeven raised a brow. "Press meeting?"
"Yeah, the PR staff said something about a small post-debut feature. You scored two goals, remember? They're milking that."
He groaned. "Great."
"You'll be fine. Flash that face and half the questions will answer themselves."
"Is that your expert advice?"
"Absolutely." Matteo winked and jogged out toward the field.
Jaeven followed, shaking his head.
---
The drills started with quick passing patterns — triangles, one-twos, half-turn plays. Rossi was in his usual intense mood, pacing along the sideline, barking corrections when passes fell short.
Jaeven slipped into rhythm quickly. The ball obeyed him in small, satisfying ways. His touch had that soft elasticity — a trait honed by repetition and control, but now refined by something more instinctive. Every movement felt balanced, every motion fluid.
When the play transitioned into a short scrimmage, he found himself drifting between lines again — the familiar pattern of his position. He wasn't forcing the ball; it came to him naturally.
A give-and-go with Lorenzo cut through midfield, his speed carrying him past a defender. He didn't even think — his body knew. A soft touch, a faint shimmy, and he slipped by another marker before curling the ball toward the far post.
It struck the inside net with a clean thud.
Rossi blew his whistle once, voice calm but approving. "Good execution. That's what I want. Repeat it."
The others clapped lightly as they reset.
Jaeven jogged back into position, heart steady. Each session now felt like progress, not struggle. The flow he'd discovered during the Siena match was still there — not perfect, but tangible.
By the end of the session, the team was drenched in sweat and satisfaction. The air buzzed with quiet optimism — something Virtus hadn't felt in months.
As they cooled down, Coach Rossi gathered them briefly.
"Our next opponent, Legnago, sits ninth," Rossi said. "They're organized defensively, but their midfield is weak in transitions. We'll exploit that. Tomorrow, we begin tactical prep. Han, you're in the starting rotation again. Maintain your form."
"Yes, coach."
"Good. Dismissed."
---
After showering, Jaeven changed into casual clothes and followed the PR intern toward the small media room beside the lobby. The interview setup was simple — just a backdrop with sponsor logos, a table with microphones, and a few local journalists.
"Relax, it's informal," the intern said. "They just want to get your perspective on your debut."
He nodded, offering a polite smile as the cameras adjusted focus.
One of the reporters, a woman in her mid-twenties with dark hair tied neatly behind her, greeted him with a firm handshake. "Jaeven Han, right? Congratulations on the debut."
"Thank you," he said softly.
"Two goals in your first appearance — that's impressive for someone your age. How did it feel stepping onto the pitch for Virtus for the first time?"
Jaeven paused, recalling the rush of adrenaline, the crowd's distant roar, and the weight of his parents' eyes in the stands. "It felt… right," he said finally. "Like everything I've worked toward was aligning. I was nervous, but once the whistle blew, it all faded. It's just football then."
The reporter smiled. "You speak with a lot of composure. Not many young players do."
"Maybe because I've spent more time watching football than playing it before now," he said, grinning faintly.
There was a small ripple of laughter in the room.
As the questions continued — about his training, his inspirations, and his goals — Jaeven noticed something subtle. The woman interviewing him occasionally hesitated, her gaze flickering up at his face for half-seconds before returning to her notes. It wasn't intrusive — more like she was momentarily distracted.
> [System Notice]
Charm Stat Influence Detected: Passive aura effect (Low Intensity).
Charm increased by +1.
Current Charm: 50
He kept his expression steady. So that's what it does.
After the session ended, she shook his hand again. "You're remarkably grounded, Jaeven. I think fans will like you a lot."
"I hope so," he said. "Thank you for the interview."
As he turned to leave, she called out, "I'll be following your next match. Don't make me regret praising you."
He smiled. "I'll do my best."
---
By late afternoon, the sun dipped lower, casting an orange hue over the quiet streets as Jaeven walked home from the training center. The city felt different these days — not louder, but somehow more aware of him. Maybe it was the post-match buzz. Maybe it was his imagination.
He stopped at a small café near his apartment, ordering an iced espresso and sitting by the window. His phone buzzed with messages again — mostly from teammates, a few from classmates congratulating him, and one from his mother.
> Mom: You looked so happy in the interview, dear.
Mom: Appa says you reminded him of yourself at 10 — all fire and focus.
Lucia: You're trending on local sports feeds btw
He sighed with a soft smile. "Trending, huh…"
He scrolled through the feed briefly — short clips of his goals, edited fan reels, even a few comments about his "calm face" or "visuals."
> "Who's the new guy at Virtus Lombardia?"
"Low-key handsome. Definitely one to watch."
"Serie D doesn't deserve him ."
Jaeven snorted under his breath, pocketing his phone.
He didn't crave attention. What mattered was the football — the work. But he couldn't deny the small, growing thrill in his chest. This world was different from the one he'd known before — a second chance, one where his talent finally had a body to match his will.
---
When he returned to his apartment, the sky had dimmed to a dusky purple. He collapsed onto the couch, muscles pleasantly sore, and pulled up his System Interface once more.
> [SYSTEM UPDATE LOG]
• Ethereal Physique Resonance: Active (Progress: 7%)
• Charm Stat: 50
• Emotional Stability: Excellent
• Public Recognition: +2
[Daily Summary Complete.]
He exhaled slowly. The numbers were just numbers, but each one represented something real — a shift, a sign of growth, a reflection of change.
He leaned his head back against the couch and let his eyes drift shut.
He didn't know what the rest of the season would bring — promotion, failure, rivalry — but for the first time, he wasn't anxious about it. The flow he'd been chasing, the quiet rhythm that guided every step, was still there, humming beneath the surface.
And as long as he kept moving with it, everything else would fall into place.
The Ethereal Physique Resonance pulsed faintly within him — a heartbeat in tune with his own.
Outside, the city lights came alive, and Jaeven's new journey — on and off the field — continued quietly under their glow.