Chương 9: The First Building Blocks
As Aymar finalized the contracts for his three new signings, a sudden, familiar surge coursed through his mind. The CoachMaster Guidance System activated, flashing a series of notifications in rapid succession:
"Ding! Congratulations on completing the [transfer] mission and earning 1 achievement point!"
"Ding! Congratulations on completing the first signing of your life and earning 2 achievement points!"
"Ding! Because you successfully scouted a Continental Sensation potential player, the system automatically rewards 3 achievement point!"
"Ding! Because you successfully scouted a Continental Sensation potential player, the system automatically rewards 3 achievement points!"
"Ding! Because you successfully scouted a World Elite potential player, the system automatically rewards 5 achievement points!"
"Ding! Congratulations on completing a reputation upgrade, leaving the 'unknown pawn' category and entering the 'local level'; the system automatically rewards 2 achievement points!"
The flood of messages momentarily stunned Aymar, his mind buzzing with the realization of what he had just accomplished. For a brief moment, he stood still, processing the system's confirmation of the potential he had unearthed.
"What's wrong?" Pippo Glaviano asked, his sharp eyes catching the fleeting expression on Aymar's face.
Aymar shook his head with a slight grin. "Nothing. Just thinking about what comes next."
He turned his attention back to the three young players before him, each of them carrying a mix of excitement and trepidation on their faces. Aymar extended his hand with a smile, shaking hands with each of them in turn. "Welcome to Verona," he said warmly.
The first was Emanuele Torrisi, the 15-year-old defender Aymar had scouted in Milan. Standing at 1.85 meters and weighing 70 kilograms, Torrisi's positional awareness and composure were far beyond his years. With the versatility to play as both a center-back and a holding midfielder, he was a player with immense promise. According to the CoachMaster Guidance System, Torrisi had a current ability of 90 and a potential of 180, marking him as a World Elite potential player.
Next was Luigi Sepe, a 15-year-old goalkeeper from Torre Annunziata who had been playing for the youth team of ASD Pro Juventute. At 1.91 meters tall, Sepe was already a commanding presence in goal. His reflexes and positioning stood out even in modest settings, and his balanced technical skills showed significant promise. With a current ability of 70 and a potential of 155, Sepe had earned his classification as a Continental Sensation potential player.
Finally, there was Gianluca Nicco, a 16-year-old midfielder who had been playing for ASD Calcio Ivrea. Known for his agility, tireless work rate, and precise crossing ability, Nicco offered versatility as both a right-winger and a right-back. Despite his lower current ability of 85, his potential of 155 marked him as another Continental Sensation—a player whose development could yield remarkable results if nurtured properly.
However, the notable exception to his usual indifference toward the system was that Aymar Zambo had unknowingly completed a task. He hadn't paid much attention to the CoachMaster Guidance System's task functions before, so when these notifications popped up, he was taken by surprise—but it was a pleasant one.
The six notifications had brought him a total of 16 achievement points. Combined with the two he already had, his balance now stood at 18 points. Aymar couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. With so many points, he knew he could afford to splurge on the system's offerings—but how to use them effectively would require some careful thought.
For now, he shelved that decision. Instead, he directed Pippo Glaviano to take the three newly signed players—Emanuele Torrisi, Luigi Sepe, and Gianluca Nicco—out to meet the rest of the second team. Meanwhile, Aymar sat down at his desk and activated the CoachMaster Guidance System, navigating to the task interface to review his options.
It had been a few days since he last checked, and there were several new tasks available. One recurring task caught his attention: [Winning Hearts and Minds]. It was clearly a long-term task, rewarding him for building trust and rapport with his team. The achievement points earned per success were modest, but the task's repeatable nature made it a reliable source of incremental rewards.
Another task stood out as an immediate opportunity: [Win the First Game]. This task offered a generous reward of 5 achievement points, and according to its description, the victory didn't need to come from an official competition—it could even be achieved in a warm-up match. Aymar's next game was against a local amateur team, a side that had recently been trounced 5-0 by another regional club. The task practically guaranteed him the points.
Then there was another introductory task, [First Match as Head Coach], offering 1 achievement point. Aymar smiled at the simplicity of these early tasks; it felt as though the system was designed to ease him into the process with a mix of achievable goals and light encouragement.
Beyond that, there were several longer-term tasks with significant rewards, though completing them would take time. For now, Aymar scanned through the descriptions, taking mental notes before closing the system.
As he prepared to leave his office, the door swung open, and Gillo Urso stepped in. The two coaches met in the doorway, momentarily startled by each other's presence.
"I heard you've signed three new players," Gillo said, his tone neutral but his expression subtly betraying a mix of curiosity and skepticism.
Aymar offered a casual smile. "That's right. And they didn't cost the club a single euro in transfer fees, so I assume I don't need your approval for the signings?"
"Of course not," Gillo replied, though there was an edge to his voice. "I've always said the second team is your responsibility. But I took a look at who you signed—kids under 16 years old. Do you seriously believe a bunch of teenagers are going to help you have a decent season?"
There was a smirk on Gillo's face, the kind that seemed to challenge Aymar's entire approach. It was irritating, but Aymar kept his composure, his eyes narrowing slightly as he met Gillo's gaze.
"I don't just want a decent season," Aymar said evenly. "I want to prove that the team I build will be stronger than anything you've ever coached."
With that, Aymar sidestepped him and walked out of the office without looking back.
Behind him, Gillo let out a soft chuckle, a sneer curling at the corners of his mouth. To him, Aymar seemed like a naive idealist—a young coach full of big dreams but blind to the practical realities of football.
...
...
The arrival of Emanuele Torrisi, Luigi Sepe, and Gianluca Nicco caused a stir among the players of Verona's second team. Transfers were a rarity for the club, especially for a team operating with minimal resources. Most players had assumed such moves were beyond the team's capabilities, let alone securing three new recruits at once.
However, as soon as the newcomers joined training, it became clear they were anything but ordinary. Their presence alone shifted the atmosphere, with many players realizing they now had real competition for their spots.
Torrisi, the youngest of the trio, immediately impressed with his composure and physicality. Despite being just 15, his natural understanding of defensive positioning stood out. He consistently intercepted passes and directed the backline as if he had been with the team for years. His sharp distribution, especially in breaking the lines with diagonal passes, hinted at his potential to eventually step into a holding midfield role.
Sepe, stationed between the posts, exuded confidence. His tall frame and lightning-quick reflexes gave the defenders a new sense of security. During the training match, he made several spectacular saves that left even the senior players in awe. His ability to command the box and his vocal presence showed a maturity that belied his years. The second team hadn't had a goalkeeper of his caliber in years, and it was clear the competition for the starting spot would only intensify.
Nicco, a midfield dynamo, brought energy and creativity. Despite his slight build, he never shied away from physical challenges and had a knack for finding space. During the confrontation game, he provided two assists with perfectly timed through balls, slicing open the opposing defense. His technical skill, coupled with his relentless running, added a new dimension to the midfield.
Meanwhile, Mattia Cassani operated in an advanced midfield role during the training match. Aymar had tasked him with making late runs into the box, using his stamina and intelligence to exploit gaps in the opposition's defense. Paired with the tallest striker in the squad, who acted as a decoy, Cassani delivered. He scored a well-timed header, showcasing his ability to adapt to new responsibilities.
On the other side, Torrisi led the defensive line for his group, while Nicco dictated the midfield. Although their side narrowly lost, the individual performances of the new recruits were encouraging. Torrisi's calm under pressure, Sepe's heroics in goal, and Nicco's ability to maintain the team's shape hinted at their long-term potential. Aymar quietly observed, making mental notes for adjustments in future sessions.
The second team players couldn't help but feel both impressed and uneasy. The newcomers' energy and professionalism set a high bar, forcing everyone to reassess their own performances. For the first time in a while, the atmosphere in training was one of urgency and competitiveness.
As training concluded, Pierino Fanna, who had been watching from the sidelines, approached Aymar. "I'm starting to see what you're building here," he remarked, his tone curious.
Aymar shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It's still far from complete. There are too many rough edges."
Pierino raised an eyebrow, sensing the younger coach's relentless drive. Turning to Pippo Glaviano, who was nearby, Pierino said, "He's not just trying to build a team—he's trying to prove something, to establish his philosophy."
Pippo nodded thoughtfully. "It's understandable. With Gillo Urso's first team performing well, there's pressure on him to deliver. Neither of them wants to lose face, especially with that bet looming over them."
Pippo's initial doubts about Aymar had faded as he watched the training sessions unfold. The three new signings had clearly raised the standard of the team, and their impact was already evident. Despite being new, they had integrated quickly, showcasing professionalism and talent that elevated the entire squad.
When Pierino asked about the upcoming match, Pippo replied confidently. "We're ready. Aymar's done his homework on the opposition. Their level is mediocre, and after watching their recent game against the first team, we're feeling good about our chances."
Pierino nodded, reassured but cautious. He understood the stakes for Aymar. A strong performance in the next match could silence critics and solidify his position, but a misstep could give Gillo Urso and his supporters ammunition to question Aymar's methods.
As Pierino watched Aymar walk across the training ground, he couldn't help but admire the determination and focus radiating from the young coach. The players were responding to his vision, and the pieces were beginning to fall into place.
Quietly, Pierino hoped that Aymar Zambo's ambition would be rewarded.
SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
GxDesailly
GxDesailly struggled with what to write and how to structure my chapter, but I pushed through because I wanted to publish it. If you notice any inconsistencies, issues, or anything that might detract from the story, please feel free to let me know. Your feedback is always appreciated!
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