Chương 12: The Doubled Mission
The alarm echoed through the still-dark room. Cleiton stirred, feeling groggy but resolute. Five in the morning. It was the first day of the doubled mission, a challenge the system had set for him to boost his readiness for the Sub-17 Baiano Championship.
He knew the effort would be grueling, but he was determined to give it his all. He dressed quickly, and as he prepared to head out, his phone buzzed in his hand.
It was a call from Nathan.
"Hey, Cleiton!" Nathan sounded surprisingly enthusiastic. "Cássio and I decided we're going to join you for this extra training. If you're going all out, then we're doing it together."
Cleiton blinked, surprised by the sudden decision, but a smile soon spread across his face. The company of his friends would make the mission feel lighter—or at least more enjoyable.
"Really? That'd be awesome!" Cleiton replied. "How about we meet up at the neighborhood square in fifteen minutes?"
"Deal!" Nathan replied, and Cleiton could already picture his friend's eager grin.
Shortly after, Cleiton headed toward the square, where he found Nathan and Cássio, both dressed in sports gear with determined looks in their eyes, ready to take on the challenge with him.
"So, what's the plan, coach?" Cássio joked, masking a bit of nervousness about the intense workout that lay ahead.
"Well," Cleiton began, a little hesitant, "I'm planning to double my daily training in preparation for the championship. So that means we're talking 40 kilometers of walking, 16 kilometers of running, and to finish, 100 push-ups and 200 sit-ups. It's going to be tough, but I'm sure we can handle it."
Nathan and Cássio exchanged surprised glances at the intensity of the challenge, but both nodded, ready to give their best.
They started with the walk, and at first, the trio was lively, chatting and laughing as they roamed the quiet neighborhood, the sun just beginning to rise on the horizon. But as the kilometers ticked by, fatigue began to settle in. Nathan and Cássio, in particular, struggled, not used to such an intense workout. While Cleiton maintained his pace, his friends were already breathing heavily.
"I think… I underestimated this extra training," Nathan admitted, wiping sweat from his forehead as they continued.
"I don't know how you do it, Cleiton," Cássio said with a laugh, though clearly exhausted. "We're only halfway, and my legs are already on fire!"
Cleiton smiled, encouraging his friends. He knew this was an even bigger challenge for them.
After hours of walking and running, the trio managed to finish most of the mission, but time was running short. They had to head back home to get ready for school, leaving the push-ups and sit-ups for later. Cleiton suggested they meet again after classes, and despite their exhaustion, Nathan and Cássio agreed.
Once school ended, they met up again. Although clearly tired, their dedication hadn't wavered. Together, they completed the remaining exercises. The push-ups and sit-ups proved especially challenging for Nathan and Cássio, who struggled with each repetition, while Cleiton, already accustomed to the regimen, was better prepared for the challenge.
The exercises continued each day. Nathan and Cássio still felt the muscle aches, but they showed up, joining Cleiton without knowing the full extent of the mission—transforming it into a pact of friendship and commitment.
"I don't know whose crazy idea it was to join you, Cleiton," Cássio joked, out of breath one morning as he struggled through the last of his sit-ups.
"It was yours, remember?" Nathan replied with a laugh.
As the days passed, the friends started to adapt. Although it wasn't easy, the trio stayed disciplined and determined, facing each day as another step toward the Baiano Championship.
—
On weekends, Vitória took advantage of the time to play friendlies against smaller teams who wouldn't be participating in the Baiano Championship. Cleiton, Nathan, and Cássio were eager to see the progress their extra efforts had brought them, and as the games unfolded, each of them began to show noticeable improvement.
Vitória 6 x 1 Xique-Xique Juvenil
In the first friendly, Vitória dominated Xique-Xique Juvenil. The opposing team fought hard, but Vitória's quality was undeniable. Nathan shone with two headed goals, always positioned perfectly to receive Cássio's precise crosses from the right wing.
Cássio, playing with remarkable accuracy, set up numerous scoring chances, while Cleiton held a solid presence in defense, blocking the opponent's attacks and commanding the defensive line with confidence.
Vitória 5 x 0 Youth Football Institute Kleber IV
In the second match of the weekend, Vitória faced Youth Football Institute Kleber IV and secured an easy 5-0 victory. Once again, Nathan stood out, scoring a hat-trick, with one of the goals being a precise header after a perfect cross from Cássio.
The connection between the two friends was growing stronger with each game. Cleiton, on the other hand, showed leadership on defense, organizing the backline and blocking any attempt by the opponents to advance.
During the week, they continued with their heavy training routine and Cleiton's extra mission. Cleiton watched with pride as his friends pushed through, even when Nathan and Cássio complained of sore muscles. Over time, the trio not only gained strength and endurance but also developed an even stronger bond of friendship and respect.
The second weekend brought more friendlies, and the Vitória team continued to impress with strong performances.
Vitória 3 x 1 Feirense Juvenil
Feirense Juvenil tried to withstand Vitória's relentless attack but couldn't hold off the offense. Nathan scored again, finishing with precision after yet another accurate cross from Cássio. With each game, Cássio seemed more comfortable on the right flank, mastering his crosses and supporting the attack.
Cleiton had a bit more work to do on defense, but his calm, assertive approach kept the opponents from creating any real chances.
Vitória 5 x 2 Jacobinense Juvenil
In the final friendly before the Baiano Championship, Vitória faced Jacobinense Juvenil and closed out their preparations with an impressive performance.
Nathan scored two more headed goals, both from crosses by Cássio, who had become an expert in providing assists. Cleiton, for his part, was a wall in defense, blocking numerous attacks and showing flawless positioning.
The weeks of intense training and friendlies served as essential preparation for the Baiano Championship. Cleiton knew that while these games had been against weaker opponents, they helped the team build confidence and test their strategies.
"Man, I'm exhausted, but I don't think I've ever been this ready for a championship," Nathan commented as they rested after the final friendly.
"Me neither," agreed Cássio, smiling. "This routine has been tough, but every drop of sweat was worth it. Now, we just have to face the championship head-on."
Cleiton looked at his friends, feeling the same way. Those days of doubled missions and intense training had prepared them for what lay ahead. They felt stronger, faster, and more confident. Now, the big moment was just around the corner.
That night, as he returned home, Cleiton received a notification from the system: he had finally completed the system's mission.
His heart raced, knowing that all his hard work was about to be rewarded. And with Nathan and Cássio by his side, he felt that nothing could stand in their way.
'Mission Complete'
'Requirements: In preparation for the Under-17 Baiano Championship, double the requirements of your daily mission until the day before the championship begins.' (COMPLETED)
'Reward: Ticket for the Iron Roulette'
'ATTENTION: IT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED THAT 2 PEOPLE COMPLETED THE DOUBLED MISSION WITH THE HOST'
'IDENTIFIED PERSONS: NATHAN AND CÁSSIO'
'DO YOU WANT TO SHARE THE MISSION REWARDS?'
'YES' 'NO'
Cleiton was surprised by the option to share the rewards but also worried that this choice might reduce his personal rewards. It was a selfish thought, but it genuinely concerned him.
Feeling that thinking it over alone wouldn't help, Cleiton decided to simply ask the system.
'Don't worry, host, your greed and selfishness are safe. Your two friends will only receive the same type of reward you win from the Iron Roulette, adapted to their own positions on the field, without affecting your own rewards.'
Feeling slightly embarrassed, Cleiton quickly pressed 'YES' without further delay.
Cleiton was then teleported back to the system's roulette area, and this time, the only roulette illuminated was the Iron Roulette. It had the same options as the Diamond Roulette: Attribute Elixirs, Skills, Physical Power-ups, and Equipment, but with one difference: the areas were smaller, and about 70% of the roulette was taken up by a large gray area labeled 'NOTHING.'
Cleiton quickly understood that the Iron Roulette had a high probability of yielding no reward at all. He now appreciated the Diamond Roulette even more, which always guaranteed a reward, not to mention that they were ranked at the diamond level.
Nervous about the possibility of winning nothing, Cleiton spun the roulette with his eyes closed. The roulette spun quickly, and when Cleiton heard it stop, he finally gathered the courage to open his eyes.
He saw that the roulette had stopped in the skills section:
> **Congratulations! You have gained the skill: Defensive Leadership Aura - Carles Puyol (Iron Rank)**
Description: Puyol's leadership on the field was legendary. His presence boosted teammates' morale, kept the defense organized, and ensured everyone was aware of their roles. His intensity and focus inspired those around him to give their best.
Type: Passive skill, automatically activated every time the user is on the field
Skill Effects: Slightly increases the cohesion and defensive effectiveness of teammates, especially defensive players.
Upon seeing the skill he had just won, Cleiton couldn't help but break into a broad smile. "Defensive Leadership Aura from Puyol," he thought, almost in disbelief. It was a skill he had always admired in great defenders, and now he had the chance to inspire his teammates on the field just like his idol, Puyol, used to.
He felt more prepared to face the Baiano Championship, knowing that his presence could strengthen and organize the team's defense. This responsibility filled him with enthusiasm, and he was already imagining how useful this skill would be in upcoming matches.
Before he could fully process his reward, two new notifications appeared on the screen, and Cleiton read carefully, seeing that Nathan and Cássio had also received skills:
> **Congratulations! Nathan has gained the skill: Aerial Ability – Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Iron Rank)**
Description: Zlatan's height, strength, and timing make him formidable in the air. His heading technique allows him to win duels and score goals, giving his team an additional aerial advantage in the attack.
Type: Passive skill, automatically activated every time the user is about to head the ball.
Skill Effects: Slightly increases jumping power and heading ability when the user goes for a header.
---
> **Congratulations! Cássio has gained the skill: Cross Precision – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Iron Rank)**
Description: Trent is a master of delivering accurate crosses into the box. His precision made him a key playmaker, providing teammates with well-timed, precise crosses, creating numerous scoring opportunities.
Type: Passive skill, automatically activated every time the user is about to make a cross into the opposing box.
Skill Effects: Slightly increases the user's crossing accuracy and the likelihood of a perfect cross.
Cleiton laughed with excitement. "Nathan, with Zlatan's aerial ability... and Cássio, with Trent's cross precision?! This is amazing!" He knew how much Nathan loved heading the ball and how this skill would make him even more effective in the air, turning him into a powerful weapon in attack.
Meanwhile, Cássio, with a more precise crossing skill, could fully utilize his runs up the right flank, adding extra danger to counterattacks and increasing the team's scoring opportunities.
Feeling lucky to be able to share these skills with his friends, Cleiton clenched his fists with determination. These extra skills might just be what they needed to make a real difference in the Baiano Championship. Besides, he felt a deep pride in knowing that not only he but also his two best friends were getting more prepared for the challenges ahead.
"With these skills," Cleiton thought, "the three of us together will be unstoppable. Now it's our turn to show our worth."
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