บท 5: Fuel for Success
In the days that followed, Tristan immersed himself in the training sessions at Leicester City, step by step. He soon began to forge friendships with his first-team teammates, finding the atmosphere to be a blend of competition and camaraderie. Each time he stepped onto the pitch, he felt exhilarated, fueled by the energy of his new surroundings. The training sessions were a whirlwind of drills and tactical exercises, and he eagerly embraced the challenge.
After each daily training session, Tristan made it a point to head to the video room alongside Mahrez. "You know, it's not just about playing; it's about understanding the game," Mahrez said, his tone both encouraging and serious. Under the keen eye of the tactical coach, they meticulously reviewed game footage, seeking to understand the intricate patterns of first-team play. They studied everything: the art of movement on the field, the dynamics of frontcourt organization, and the execution of offensive routines.
"Look here," Mahrez pointed at the screen, "see how Jamie times his runs? It's all about anticipating the play before it happens."
Tristan nodded, soaking in every detail. Despite having inherited the memories of his previous self, he quickly realized that the tactical complexity of the youth team paled in comparison to that of the first team. "I've got to step up my game," he thought, determination burning in his chest.
In these sessions, Tristan discovered a new world of footballing knowledge. Every detail mattered, and each video analyzed provided him with invaluable insights. He learned how to create space, how to read opponents, and how to time his runs to perfection. This was football at a different level, and he was determined to master it.
Stepping onto the training ground one bright morning, Tristan's heart raced with anticipation. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the turf, while the sounds of laughter and shouts from his teammates created a vibrant atmosphere that was both exhilarating and intimidating. Just a few days ago, he had been a spectator; now, he was part of a team—a feeling he had longed for in his previous life.
As the session progressed, Tristan found himself engrossed in the drills, his body responding with newfound vigor. His muscles were still adjusting to the rigorous demands of professional training, but he embraced the challenge. This was his chance to prove himself, to turn the failures of his past into the fuel for his success. He pushed himself harder, focusing on every touch, every pass, and every movement, knowing that he had to seize this opportunity.
During one of the breaks, Tristan sat on the sidelines, catching his breath. He observed his teammates, each one displaying unique strengths. "He's fast," he thought, watching a teammate sprint down the flank. "I need to improve my speed." Some had explosive speed, while others showcased deft technical skills. It was in that moment he realized how much he had to learn. Yet, he felt a fire igniting within him, a determination to rise to their level and beyond. He recalled the countless times he had been overlooked and reminded himself that he would not allow that to happen again.
As the players gathered for a hydration break, an older midfielder named Danny approached him with a playful grin. "Hey, superstar, do you need me to show you how to actually dribble? I've seen cats with more finesse," he teased, laughter echoing around them.
Tristan shot back, a smirk on his face. "Just wait until I show you how a real genius plays. You might have to take notes."
The group erupted in laughter, and Danny clapped Tristan on the back. "I like this kid. He's got guts!"
Through the training and team competitions over the past few days, Tristan discovered something very important: his attribute values could be improved through training! The professional training of the first team had altered some of his attributes. For example, the [Off-ball Movement] attribute in the [Spirit] category had gone from 66 to 67. The [Steal] attribute in the [Defense] category increased from 38 to 40, and the [Marking] attribute grew from 35 to 37.
"Every little bit counts," he mused, feeling a sense of pride in his progress. From these changes, Tristan began to grasp the mechanics of this mysterious system. Every time he executed a player skill during training or absorbed game footage, he was earning training experience corresponding to those attributes. Once enough experience accumulated, the attribute value would increase. It was almost like a video game, leveling up as he honed his skills.
"Just like a game," he thought with a smile, imagining the rush of leveling up in a video game. He reflected on the team competitions where he had intercepted the opponent's passes; this action had contributed to his [Steal] attribute. However, he noted a peculiar detail: his passing attributes had not improved at all, despite practicing passes on the pitch daily.
"Maybe I need to focus more during drills," he contemplated. Tristan theorized that the effectiveness of training might correlate with the attribute values. The lower the attribute, the less experience was needed for an upgrade, making it easier to enhance. Conversely, higher attributes required significantly more experience, posing a more considerable challenge.
"Sounds about right," he thought. This made perfect sense to him. Mastering a skill was easiest in the early stages, but achieving perfection became increasingly difficult as he advanced. The notion filled him with hope—if he continued to push himself and leveraged the system, he could refine his attributes, making him a stronger, more well-rounded player.
Tristan felt a surge of excitement coursing through him. What would it feel like when all six of his attributes reached S-level one day? The mere thought sent shivers down his spine, and he was determined to find out.
"Just imagine," he whispered to himself, picturing the cheers of the crowd, "playing at the highest level, where everyone knows my name."
After the tactical courses, Tristan would return to the players' dormitory, pulling out his densely written notebook to review the lessons learned. He understood that no matter how advanced the training or how sophisticated the system, personal effort was crucial. Even with the advantages the 'Champion Codex' offered him, hard work remained essential. The lessons he absorbed were not merely about skill; they were about mental fortitude and adaptability.
Meanwhile, while Tristan quietly leveled up at the Belvoir base, the repercussions of the FA Cup upset began to ripple through the media landscape. The tournament, with its rich history spanning over a century, was notorious for producing "upsets"—moments where lower-tier teams toppled their more illustrious counterparts. The charm of football lay in these stories, where the underdog could seize victory against the giants.
It wasn't the first time a Championship team had triumphed over a Premier League side in the FA Cup. Just two years prior, Wigan Athletic had suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Swindon Town, a team from League Two. But the circumstances surrounding Leicester City's victory over Stoke City were different this time. It wasn't just another match; it was a dramatic comeback led by an 18-year-old emerging talent.
Leicester City Football Club, Belvoir Base.
The tactical room was already full of first-team players, buzzing with anticipation for tomorrow's match. Leicester City was set to face Derby County, nicknamed "The Rams," in the 25th round of the league.
After 24 league rounds, Leicester City boasted an impressive record of 16 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses, placing them firmly at the top of the standings with 51 points. Meanwhile, Derby County followed closely with 13 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses, totaling 44 points and ranking fourth. The tension was palpable as Burnley, in second place with 47 points, and Queens Park Rangers, in third with 46 points, all vied for the two direct promotion spots to the Premier League. The four teams were separated by a mere five points, less than two games' difference, making this match a crucial six-point battle.
Leicester City had to secure a victory against Derby County to maintain their lead in the promotion race.
As per routine, head coach Nigel Pearson prepared to announce the starting lineup and the 18-man roster the day before a league or cup game. The players settled into their seats, anticipation hanging in the air.
"Okay, next, I will announce tomorrow's starting lineup," Pearson began, scanning the room before proceeding.
"Casper," he announced, and the players nodded in agreement. "Morgan." Another familiar name. "Danny Drinkwater." The room remained calm, players mentally preparing for the next name.
"Jamie Vardy."
A murmur rippled through the tactical room as the final name was called. Many players displayed surprised or shocked expressions. They all shared the same thought: Why was Tristan, the "rising star" who had been performing so well in training and receiving media praise, not in the starting lineup?
Pearson's gaze drifted to the back row, where Tristan sat, ready to observe his reaction. However, to his surprise, Tristan maintained a calm expression, betraying no anger or frustration.
Seeing this, Pearson nodded secretly in his heart. "This kid is very calm. Not bad."
What Pearson didn't realize was that Tristan had anticipated he would not start. After all, he had only recently been promoted to the first team, and his understanding and coordination with the team's tactics and players were still developing. With the league now halfway through, the framework of Leicester City's starting lineup had already been established. It was only natural that the head coach wouldn't want to risk putting an untested player in the starting lineup, even if his training performance had been impressive.
Tristan understood that his chance would come. He just needed to be ready to seize it when it did. The pressure and anxiety that might have overwhelmed others felt manageable to him. Instead, he felt a surge of motivation coursing through him. He was determined to make the most of his chance, even if it meant starting from the bench for now.
As the meeting came to a close, the players dispersed, heading for the exit. "Hey, Tristan," Mahrez called, his voice carrying over the chatter. "I know it can be frustrating not to start, but you've made great progress. You just need to keep working hard. You'll get your chance."
Tristan smiled, gratitude filling him. "Thanks, Riyad. I appreciate it."
With that, he left the tactical room and headed outside, where a group of fans had gathered outside the players' entrance. The air was electric with anticipation. "I've got to be on my A-game," he thought, excitement bubbling within him.
As he walked towards the fans, one young boy stepped forward, clutching a piece of paper and a pen in his small hands. "Can I have your autograph, please?" the boy asked, his eyes wide with admiration.
Tristan paused, his heart swelling with appreciation. "Of course!" he replied, kneeling down to meet the boy's gaze.
The moment felt significant, reminding him of why he had worked so hard to reach this point. As he signed the paper, he looked into the boy's eyes, reflecting the dreams he had once shared himself. "Keep dreaming big," he said, handing the paper back with a warm smile.
This small interaction ignited a fire within him. "If I can inspire just one fan, then I'm on the right path," he thought as he returned to the players' dormitory, his mind racing with determination. Tomorrow was not just another day; it was a stepping stone towards fulfilling his dreams.
The atmosphere in the dormitory was lively, with players discussing tactics and strategies for the match against Derby County. As he settled in, Tristan felt a renewed sense of purpose. He was ready for the challenge ahead, ready to prove that he belonged among them.
He pulled out his notebook, flipping through the pages filled with notes from training and insights from Mahrez's teachings. Each page represented not just his ambitions but the countless hours of hard work that had brought him here. "This is just the beginning," he whispered to himself, a promise to keep pushing forward.
As the evening settled in, Tristan closed his eyes, envisioning the match that awaited him. He could see himself on the pitch, the roar of the crowd behind him, the thrill of competition in the air. The journey had only just begun, and he was determined to make the most of every moment.
With a final glance at his notes, he took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his aspirations. Tomorrow would be a day of opportunity, a chance to step onto the pitch and showcase his hard work.
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