Wednesday, January 5th, 2017.
About a week had passed already, Vincent followed the mission given by the system. Although there were no consequences this time, he wouldn't miss out on free rewards and it's not like he's losing anything, it's a win-win situation.
They bought a PlayStation 4 to pass time at home while waiting for their first official training session.
Vincent's day for the past week usually started with him completing his 2km run in the morning by 6am, then he heads to the gym when he's done for a quick leg and upper body exercises with Bogani. He would then perform yoga for about 30 mins when he gets back to his apartment, which was quite tough and agonizing at the beginning but he's gotten a little used to it.
---
9am at the Luminus Arena.
Vincent and Bogani arrived at the stadium, they met some players already there and some staff. Vincent put down his sports bag and changed his shoes for the new red Nike Magista Obra 2 he bought recently.
After he was done he waited for Bogani who actually bought a pair black-gold Nike mercurial Superfly V boots, then they walked into the pitch together towards Trossard.
"Hey guys," Vincent called out in English as they walked over, causing Trossard who was talking to Jose to look over at him .
"Hey, Vincent and umm .... Bogani correct?" Trossard asked smiling as he waited for them to reach him.
"Yeahh," they both replied in acknowledgment.
"Hello, I'm Jose Naránjo, Jose for short," Jose introduced himself smiling.
After the introductions and agreement, they began doing warm-ups to prepare for the actual training that would commence when the whole team arrived.
Soon enough, others began to arrive shortly but they continued their warm-ups uninterrupted, except when being introduced to the other players by Trossard or Jose.
Albert Stuivenberg arrived and called for all the players to gather, ending their pre training session as they all gathered around the head manager.
"Good morning guys," Albert Stuivenberg said while locking eyes with Jason and Bogani beckoning them over.
"This here Michael Bogani I believe you know, if you read the emails I sent to you guys about his addition to the team," Albert stated as he patted Bogani's shoulder who currently stood beside with Vincent.
"I want you all to welcome him and treat him well as he too I now a friend and your brother in arms,"
"Also this is Madu Romano Vincent. Likewise, while not currently officially part of the team he's unofficially a member of this team and he will be joining in during training sessions he signs his pro contract with us, so welcome this young one well." Albert introduced Vincent to the team once again formally this time.
The team applauded after the manager stopped speaking and Vincent nodded in appreciation with a smile on his face.
"Alright, let's get back to work. Coach Cossey will direct you on what to do today as we have a match next tomorrow against SCHALKE. Training ends by 3pm today and tomorrow i need you all here by 8am for tactical meeting training, that will be all." Albert announced before retreating to his office.
----
After some more introductions and chat with some teammates, Vincent turned around and headed into Albert Stuivenberg's office.
*Knock*
*Knock*
"Come in," Albert answered behind the door.
"You wanted to see me Coach?" Vincent inquired.
"Yes," Albert responded .
"I've observed your play style and through our research during your matches and medicals. I believe we can turn you into a formidable winger or forward capable of terrorizing defenders in the professional leagues. So, the coaches and I have thought up good training plans to improve your all round capabilities, especially your speed technique, stamina and passing,"
"If you work hard on them regularly you should see the results in about two to three months." He said as he handed Vincenta folder.
Vincent was instantly full off smiles and thanks. He had been searching for effective ways to improve his abilities but without result.
"Go through the drills four times a week appropriately, as this shall be your main focus for the year and do remember there shall be a test for your improvements every six months, so do work hard." He said half smiling.
As soon as Vincent received the folder, the system notification rang in his mind, indicating he had a new system mission waiting for completion.
"If there is nothing else, you can return to training." Albert said returning to his somberness.
"Thanks Coach," Vincent replied politely,
to which Albert nodded.
------
Right after leaving the manager's office, Vincent asked for directions to the restroom area then he headed toward it. He confirmed that there wasn't anyone nearby since all the players were on the pitch undergoing various drills.
[System]
*DING**
{NEW MISSIONS GENERATED}
>Daily Task:
-Drink 5 litres of water daily.
-Run 2 km daily.
-Spend 1 hour at the gym daily.
-Spend 30 minute on yoga daily.
Rewards: 100 AP monthly.
>Task: Complete the workout given by your coach four times a week for a year.
• Passing Drills (30 minutes)
• Ball Control Drills (30 minutes)
• Stamina Drills (30 minutes)
• Shooting Drills (30 minutes)
• Speed Drills (30 minutes)
• Technique Drills (30 minutes)
• Dribbling Drills (30 minutes)
Rewards: 2000AP and 50SP.
Remark: To become an ICON, you have to have to earn it.
****
Vincent was surprised by this, it seemed like the missions given by an NPC from a game. He could now confirm that coaches could initiate system missions when giving him a task.
Vincent was baffled by the somewhat fat rewards given by the system his time, but considering the time frame it's probably reasonable.
Though he was suspicious, the system wasn't so kindhearted. He decided to check out the drills and it was like a bomb dropped on his brain, the system was simply punishing.
While other protagonists in the story have different perks such as body enhancement potions or provided instant mastery of a skill, he has to work hard and earn points just to be spent on the system again and they are probably overpriced.
Some of Vincent drills include; resistance band sprinting, butt-kicks, in and out leg exercise, b-skips, beat the dummy ×15, short sprints ×15, passing to the cones(5m), full pitch sprints ×10, cross to the dummy ×15(20m), penalties ×20, shot outside the box ×20(20m) e.t.c.
This is is quite the hassle but it's worth it, he only needed to be sure of his school arrangements and re-adjust his schedule to fit the training plan.
"The system altered the routine, although not by much but significantly."
After pondering for about 10 minutes, he rejoined the team. They performed various drills, rondo and played a few training matches amongst themselves under the watchful eyes of the coaches.
Eventually they went through a tactical session with Coach Albert, analyzing various top teams across the league's and explaining the various platelets and techniques that could be learnt by everyone.
By the time they finished it was already 4:30pm, but nobody complained or commented on the time. Vincent headed back to the apartment with Bogani and they played a few games then Bogani cooked them a light dinner before they retired early to their room as they classes tomorrow.