Richard stood outside the training ground, his bag slung over his shoulder. The sun was setting, casting an orange glow over the field where he had spent countless hours grinding, sweating, and dreaming.
Now, he was leaving it all behind.
Beerschot VA had sent his official invitation—his flight was booked, and in less than 48 hours, he would be in Belgium. It still felt surreal.
His teammates surrounded him, some hyped, others trying to act like it wasn't a big deal. Femi, of course, was the loudest.
"My guy is going to Europe!" Femi threw an arm around Richard, grinning. "Just don't forget us when you start balling in the Champions League."
Kelechi smirked. "Forget us? Never. He's taking us with him, right?"
Richard chuckled. "As long as you guys don't get lazy while I'm gone."
That got a laugh out of everyone, but there was an undeniable weight in the air.
Goodbyes weren't easy.
Coach Martins clapped him on the back, his usual stern face softer than usual. "You deserve this chance, Richard. But remember—getting there is one thing. Staying there is another."
Richard nodded. "I won't waste it."
The coach studied him for a moment before nodding. "I know."
The rest of the team gave their own send-offs—some teasing, others serious. It was all hitting Richard at once now. He had no family to leave behind, no home that felt permanent, but these guys had been the closest thing to it.
And now, he was stepping into the unknown.
---
Later that night, Richard sat in his small apartment, staring at the blue screen floating in front of him.
[SYSTEM MENU]
Player Stats
Star Cards
Challenges
Inventory
He hadn't had time to truly understand what this thing was. It had changed everything in an instant, but now he needed control.
He tapped Player Stats, and a breakdown appeared:
[PLAYER STATS]
Pace: 72
Dribbling: 74
Passing: 79
Shooting: 68
Defending: 61
Physical: 70
Not bad, but not world-class. If he was going to survive in Europe, these numbers had to rise—fast.
He checked Star Cards, and his heart sank.
[No Active Star Cards]
The De Bruyne card had been a one-time boost. He had felt like a god on the field with it, but now? He was just himself again.
He scrolled down and noticed something new:
[Upcoming Star Card Unlock: Complete the 'Welcome to Europe' Challenge]
His eyes narrowed. Challenges?
He tapped the section.
[CHALLENGES]
Welcome to Europe (Unlocks on arrival)
Make a Name for Yourself (Score your first professional goal)
Earn Their Respect (Win Player of the Match in a league game)
So this was how the system worked. He didn't just get stronger—he had to earn it.
Richard leaned back, gripping his phone. His flight was in the morning. This was real. No more small tournaments, no more weekend matches on dusty pitches.
From now on, it was win or get left behind.