The morning sun of Spain streamed through the window into the meeting room of the Rayo Vallecano training base.
The walls were covered with tactical analysis diagrams of Real Sociedad.
After the news of Isak's injury broke, the entire Madrid sports media's sentiment changed drastically.
The front page headline of AS boldly read: "Rayo Vallecano's chance has come!" Marca even directly predicted: "A segunda división team's historic promotion is within reach."
Outside the training base, reporters gathered early, their camera lenses pointed at every player entering and exiting.
"Lu Chuan! What are your thoughts on Isak's injury?"
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"How confident are you about advancing?"
The media's clamor made the air restless.
On the streets of Vallecas District, red and white flags fluttered from every window and every balcony.
Juan, the coffee shop owner, wiped glasses, AS Lu Chuan's goal highlights played on a loop on the TV.
"Hey, old friend, do you think we can really make it to the final?" Martín, a regular customer, puffed on a cigarette, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.
"Make it? We're not just making it, we're winning!" Juan loudly thumped the counter. "This kid was sent by God to save us."
The ladies at the next table were chatting even more animatedly.
"My grandson wears his number 9 jersey to school every day now."
"When I went grocery shopping yesterday, even the vegetable vendor was talking about that Chinese kid."
"I heard his girlfriend is a big star?"
"Who cares who she is, AS long AS she can help us get promoted."
The entire district was buzzing, like a carnival on the eve of a festival.
On the training ground, Paco Jémez's expression was unusually serious. He tapped the tactics board, producing a crisp sound.
"Listen up, everyone!" Paco's voice cut through the players' whispers. "Forget Isak! Real Sociedad's most terrifying aspect is their midfield! It's Ødegaard! It's Oyarzabal!"
Captain Trejo adjusted his shin guards, "Coach is right, we can't be complacent."
"But without Isak, their attacking threat has definitely decreased," Suárez mumbled while stretching.
Paco glared at him, "Mario, it's that kind of thinking that will kill us! Ødegaard alone can tear through any defense!"
Álvaro García looked up, "Then we'll mark him tightly."
"Mark him tightly?" Comesaña shook his head with a bitter smile. "Try marking a guy who can turn in a phone booth."
"Then two people mark him," Savić thought seriously. "Catena and I will take turns."
Paco nodded in satisfaction, "Now that's the attitude we need. Remember, we're facing the sixth-place team in La Liga, not some weakling!"
The tactical drills began, and Paco, like a tyrant, demanded perfection in every detail.
"Lu Chuan! Your positioning is too far forward!" Paco pointed at the markers on the grass. "Drop back three meters! Create interference for Ødegaard!"
"Comesaña! During set-piece defense, you're responsible for marking Oyarzabal's runs!"
"Advíncula! Your defensive recovery on the wing needs to be faster! Their left winger is not slow!"
Every aspect was practiced repeatedly until muscle memory was formed.
"Coach, we've been training for three hours," Savić wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Tired?" Paco's eyebrows raised. "Then don't expect it to be easy on the field tomorrow night!"
"I didn't say I was tired, it's just..." Savić waved his hand.
"No 'just'!" Paco interrupted him. "Either perfect, or go home!"
Trejo walked over and patted Savić's shoulder, "Old friend, just a little longer. For the final."
"For the final." Savić regained his spirit.
After training, Lu Chuan returned to his apartment and opened the system panel he hadn't touched in a long time. The blue, semi-transparent interface appeared in his mind.
[Current LP Balance: 3460]
[Remaining for Big Heart exchange: 40LP]
He anxiously searched every corner of the system, looking for ways to acquire LP. Suddenly, a forgotten icon glimmered.
[Achievement System]
Upon clicking, a list of achievements appeared. One of them glowed golden:
[Copa del Rey: Eliminated two La Liga teams consecutively: Completed]
[Reward: 100LP]
[Claim?]
Lu Chuan clicked confirm without hesitation.
[Ding! Congratulations, Host, you have received 100LP!]
[Current LP Balance: 3560]
The time had come. Lu Chuan took a deep breath and opened the Legend Store.
[Big Heart: 3500LP]
[Ding! Detected Host has Big Heart Shard x2. Use shards to reduce exchange cost?]
[LP required after use: 3500]
[Confirm exchange?]
"Confirm."
[Ding! Congratulations, Host! Successfully synthesized unique mental skill: Big Heart!]
[Effect: In crucial matches or critical moments, Host's all attributes temporarily increase by 5%-10%, mental strength, stress resistance, composure, and stamina recovery speed greatly increase!]
Instantly, an indescribable power surged from the depths of his heart. Lu Chuan felt his inner self become AS solid AS a rock, filled with a sense of control in the face of any challenge.
The doorbell rang, and a courier delivered a package from his parents. Inside, neatly arranged, were photos of his matches from childhood to adulthood.
His innocent face kicking a casual game on the community pitch at five, his youthful appearance in a school team jersey at ten,
his spirited look when he entered Evergrande Football School at fourteen, and his focused expression during training in Spain.
Each photo recorded his growth trajectory.
At the bottom of the package was a note, his mother's familiar handwriting appearing before his eyes:
"Son, no matter the outcome, you are the best champion in our hearts. Mom and Dad will always support you."
Lu Chuan's eyes were a little moist. He carefully placed the photos on the table.
The apartment door opened again, and Esther walked in, carrying shopping bags.
She wasn't wearing makeup, dressed in simple sportswear, like an ordinary girl next door.
"I bought your favorite Chinese pastries," she said softly, placing the food on the table.
"You won't try to sneak into the stands again tomorrow night, will you?" Lu Chuan looked at her worriedly.
"No, I won't." Esther shook her head. "I'll cheer for you at home."
She walked to the wardrobe and took out Lu Chuan's game attire for tomorrow, piece by piece, carefully checking every detail.
Jersey, shin guards, cleats, even the socks were neatly organized.
"You don't have to be so meticulous," Lu Chuan walked over and hugged her.
"I want to do something," Esther leaned against his chest. "Even if it's just organizing clothes."
Night fell, and in a hotel in San Sebastián, Real Sociedad coach Imanol faced the reporters.
"Losing Isak is certainly a blow, but you've all seen the resilience of this team."
Imanol's expression was resolute, "We are fighting for the entire Basque region, and we came to Madrid to take home the victory."
"What do you think of Rayo Vallecano's number 9 player?"
"Lu Chuan? He's excellent, but football is a game of eleven players. Tomorrow you will see what true powerhouse heritage means."
On the night of the match, the Madrid sky was dotted with stars. Lu Chuan stood on the apartment balcony, the distant Vallecas Stadium brightly lit, like a giant beast poised to strike.
He put on the wristband his father sent, which had two simple words engraved on it: Jia You (Go for it).
Clenching his fists, Lu Chuan felt the power of the [Big Heart] skill flowing within him. Tomorrow would be the moment to prove himself.
In the player tunnel, the two teams' players stood side by side, waiting to enter. The air was thick with tension.
Real Sociedad captain Oyarzabal paused AS he passed Lu Chuan.
"Today, I will let you know how big the gap is between a talent and a true powerhouse heritage," his voice was soft, audible only to Lu Chuan.
Lu Chuan looked up, meeting his gaze calmly. There was no expression on his face, but the [Big Heart] within him had already begun to quietly activate.
The match was about to begin.