The sun hadn't risen yet, and Cleiton was jolted awake by a familiar sound in his mind, like an insistent notification he couldn't ignore. It was 5 a.m., and the system had given him a new mission, promising a challenging path on his journey as a center-back.
---
New Daily Mission: Basic Physical Conditioning
Tasks:
Walk: 20 km (0/20 km)
Run: 8 km (0/8 km)
Complete 50 push-ups (0/50)
Complete 100 sit-ups (0/100)
Rewards:
E- Rank Stamina Potion (Boosts endurance and aids in injury recovery). (Available only on first completion of the mission)
Access to host's status display
5 system points
System Note: With a scrawny, undernourished body like that, you won't even be able to stop a fly! One word: Improve!
---
"Now!" Cleiton exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with determination. He couldn't let this opportunity slip away. Quickly putting on his training gear, he ate a light breakfast and headed out, set on completing the tasks the system had given him. The thought of becoming a real center-back motivated him more than anything.
Starting his 20 km walk, he took in the fresh morning air. Cleiton lost himself in his thoughts, imagining what it would be like to dominate the field, tackle opponents, and be a wall of defense for his team. He felt at peace, far from the worries of everyday life.
The first few kilometers went by quickly, and the energy he felt from being active kept him going. Each step was a reminder that he was one step closer to becoming the player he dreamed of. As the sun began to light up the sky, he felt more confident.
After completing the walk, Cleiton prepared himself for the 8 km run. He knew he'd need to keep his focus and pace. With every stride, he pictured himself in a game where speed and stamina were crucial. His heart pounded, adrenaline coursed through him as he ran.
As he ran, Cleiton remembered the training sessions he'd had with friends and how much he wanted to stand out. His muscles began to ache, but he ignored the pain, thinking of all the great players who inspired him. The run became a form of release, a chance to leave his insecurities behind and fight for his dream.
Of course, asking him to complete a 20 km walk and an 8 km run all in one go was a bit much for Cleiton's slender frame. Even with all his experience working on construction sites—pushing heavy wheelbarrows, unloading thousands of concrete blocks, and carrying 50 kg cement bags—he was far from physically ready for this.
So Cleiton took breaks every few kilometers to rest and hydrate before persistently getting back on track. It took him a long time, but eventually, he finished the run, even if his pace was nothing to brag about. Still, a win is a win, right?
With the run finally over, Cleiton headed home for lunch, as it was already past noon. When he got back, he found his father, José, making lunch. Cleiton quickly sat down and ate the typical meal of the average Brazilian: rice, beans, and steak.
While he ate, Cleiton remarked, "Dad, you're getting better as a cook every day. You should quit your job and start working at a restaurant."
José rolled his eyes and looked at his son. "Stop lying, boy. Not even you believe that."
Honestly, his dad's cooking wasn't the best, but hunger made up for it. For as long as Cleiton could remember, José was his only family around. His mother, Helena, had died giving birth to him, and father and son avoided the topic. Since then, it had always been the two of them against the world.
After lunch and a brief rest, Cleiton found a quiet spot to do his push-ups. He got down and started counting, pushing himself to keep going. Every rep was a battle, but he knew he was building something bigger than just physical strength—he was shaping his character.
After the push-ups, he moved on to sit-ups. With sweat covering his body and his muscles burning, he focused on every movement, visualizing how these exercises would help him become stronger and more agile on the field. The effort felt worth it; he could feel his determination growing.
When the training was complete, Cleiton sat down to catch his breath, a satisfied smile on his face. That's when the system's notification echoed in his mind:
'Congratulations on doing the bare minimum, Host! You've completed your Daily Mission.'
Rewards:
(1) E- Rank Stamina Potion has been added to your inventory.
Access to the host's status display has been granted. Just think of accessing user status, and the system will take care of the rest (as usual).
Ignoring the system's strangely passive-aggressive tone, Cleiton couldn't help but smile as he looked around; the world seemed just a bit brighter. He knew this was only the beginning of his journey.
Without wasting any more time, Cleiton thought, "status," and a screen instantly appeared before him.
---
Status:
Name: Cleiton Silva
Position: Center-Back (Beginner)
Age: 14 years
Height: 1.72 m (5'7")
Physical Status: Prone to injuries due to low muscle mass
Attributes:
Physical:
Strength: F+
Speed: F-
Agility: F
Endurance: F+
Mental:
Focus: F+
Resilience: E-
Discipline: E+
Technical:
Positioning: F
Defensive Awareness: F-
Game IQ: F-
Standing Tackle: F+
Interception: F-
Jumping: F+
Heading: F
Passing Accuracy: F-
System Note: Terrible at everything and good at nothing. Look on the bright side; at least you're consistent.
---
Cleiton sighed as he read the system's harsh assessment, but his smile remained. He knew every training session, every step he took, was progress toward his goal.
As he reviewed his status, Cleiton quickly grew confused with his attributes—or rather, the lack of attributes he considered essential. Feeling too exhausted to think much about it, he decided to ask the system directly.
"System, why are there so few technical attributes? Shouldn't there be more, like finishing, dribbling, penalty kicks, free kicks, corner kicks, first touch, and a lot of others?"
'The system's goal is to turn the Host into the greatest center-back in history. To achieve this, the system's Artificial Intelligence has determined that it will only display the attributes deemed most crucial for a respected center-back. Of course, the host can still train in attributes not shown by the system; they will simply improve at a slower rate.'
Not entirely convinced, Cleiton shrugged and decided to let it go; after all, he thought, don't look a gift horse in the mouth. He certainly wasn't about to argue with the system over a minor issue like this.
Feeling ready to move on, Cleiton turned his attention to the best part of his day: the reward of an E- Rank Stamina Potion. Honestly unsure what to expect, he summoned his system inventory and retrieved the stamina potion.
It looked like a simple glass bottle, no more than 5 cm tall, filled with a yellowish liquid. As Cleiton examined it in his hand, an unexpected notification appeared.
'The host has 30 seconds to consume the potion, or it will automatically self-destruct.'
Surprised, Cleiton froze for a few seconds but managed to regain his composure just in time to unscrew the cap and gulp down the liquid in one go.
Immediately, Cleiton's taste buds were hit with a flavor so revoltingly salty it tasted like pure sweat. His hands flew to his mouth as he fought back a sudden urge to throw up.
After a few seconds, the taste subsided, but just as he thought he was in the clear, a strong tingling and numbing sensation washed over his entire body. It felt like an eternity before the numbness finally faded away.
Still a little dazed from the experience, Cleiton couldn't hold back his question for the system.
"System, what the hell was that? Why did my whole body go numb, and, for God's sake, why does the potion taste like sweat?"
'It's simply the sensation of having a physical attribute boosted by the system all at once. As for the taste… the stamina potion is derived from the sweat of the Gods. Do not ask further questions.'
"What? So it is sweat?"
After a long internal debate, Cleiton decided to let it go—again. Gift horses and all that.
Finally, after a long, cold shower, Cleiton collapsed onto his bed, exhausted from both the physical and mental strain of the day, and quickly fell into a deep sleep.