There was no need for Coach Herald to shout.
Romeo's incredible assist had already cemented the trust of the red team players.
That's just how it is in professional football—if you've got the skill, respect follows fast.
The game continued, and Romeo had fully blended into the team.
Even though his dribbling and footwork were just average, he didn't need to show off with fancy touches or stepovers. With the help of his vision and tactical awareness, he simply passed the ball at the right time, in the right place.
The yellow team's defense was riddled with holes. Romeo didn't even have to think—just one glance, and he could find the most dangerous passing lane every time.
Laser-guided through balls split the defense clean.
Unfortunately, Traore and Rollon wasted several scoring chances in a row.
It wasn't that they were playing poorly—they just lacked that killer edge.
Herald had been quiet up until now, but his voice broke through the sidelines.
"What the hell were the people at the American Football Association thinking? A player like this was blacklisted?"
Herald had been briefed on Romeo's background the day before. The American FA had even sent a formal fax asking the club to expel him.
Herald's response?
One word: "Scram."
Barcelona B wasn't under the American FA's jurisdiction. And with talent like Romeo on display, no federation was going to tell Herald who to play.
"Now I get why their national team never goes far…" Pimienta muttered sarcastically.
Meanwhile, back on the field—Araujo won a header and directed it to Pujic, who passed it straight to Romeo.
Suddenly, a vivid red line flashed in Romeo's vision.
Success Rate: 99%
That number meant one thing—assist potential.
Without hesitation, Romeo flicked the ball with the outside of his foot.
It curved through the air in a strange arc, slicing through the yellow team's backline again.
Rolon sprinted like a wild horse, got to it just in time—
Boom!!
The goalkeeper charged out, but Rolon smashed the ball into the net with a diving header!
2–0.
Romeo had now delivered two assists in one game.
"Beautiful!!"
The cold expression on Herald's face finally cracked. He clapped with excitement, already seeing a future where Romeo was the heart of the midfield and the team stormed through the league.
Even if they couldn't be promoted, that didn't mean they couldn't win it all.
"Alright! That's it for today!"
Seeing that the yellow team had no real threat left, Herald blew the whistle and called it off.
He handed a fresh sheet of paper to Pimienta.
"Announce the starters for next match!"
"Forwards: Traore, Navel, Rollon."
"Midfield: Pujic, Romeo, Patrick."
"Defenders: Araujo…"
"Romeo!"
Pujic ran over, beaming. "Congrats—you're in the starting XI!"
"Thanks," Romeo nodded coolly.
He wasn't particularly emotional. What mattered now was whether his system quest had been completed.
Herald approached him and clapped him on the shoulder.
"You've grown a lot. Forget whatever happened with the American FA. You're a La Masia product, and this club will always have your back."
Romeo nodded.
[Ding! Mission complete! You've been awarded a Novice Treasure Chest!]
System notification echoed in his mind.
---
Later that day.
Pujic drove Romeo home.
"I'll swing by tomorrow. Rest up," Pujic said as he waved and drove off.
Romeo entered the villa and dropped onto the couch.
Time to check the system…
[Would you like to open the Novice Treasure Chest?]
"Open it."
[Opening… Treasure Chest opened successfully! Congratulations! You've received: Maradona Ball Control Template!]
Electricity shot through Romeo's body. His stats started to change.
His ball control attribute climbed rapidly:
80... 84... 89... 96!
Overall rating? Now 73.
Romeo's initial shock turned into elation.
Maradona's ball control…?
Images of Diego's legendary warm-up flashed through his mind.
Just then—his phone rang.
It was his older brother, Alan Teixeira.
"What's up, bro?"
Romeo answered.
"We heard what happened with the American FA," Alan's voice was warm and firm. "But forget those clowns. You're playing beautifully. Don't let them get in your head. Just enjoy your football."
Romeo, once an orphan in his past life, couldn't help but feel a deep warmth in his chest.
Family… was the greatest gift.
"Thanks, bro."
"Oh—and your contract with Barça B is almost up. I've got an agent lined up for you. He'll come to Barcelona soon. Whether it's renewal or transfer, let him handle it."
"Got it."
Romeo hung up with a smile.
Man, having a family really changes everything…
---
The next morning.
Pujic picked him up as promised.
Morning sessions were tactical—focused on preparing for Castilla.
Afternoon? Team training.
On the pitch, Herald stared at Romeo in disbelief.
"Is it just me, or did this kid level up overnight?! His footwork and feel for the ball are on a whole new level!"
"Maybe you're just noticing it now," Pimienta laughed. "He's always been solid. Top product from La Masia."
"Hmm... Maybe I imagined it," Herald scratched his head, still watching Romeo dominate the ball.
Soon enough, the game against Real Madrid Castilla arrived.
The First Division season was over, and now this second-tier national derby was in the spotlight.
Crowds filled the stands.
Two late arrivals, both wearing shades, drew attention as they took their seats.
One bald, one short—recognizable instantly.
Andrés Iniesta and Lionel Messi.
Just crowned La Liga champions, they hadn't even started their vacation yet.
Messi squinted down at the pitch. "who is this?"
Iniesta chuckled. "That's Romeo Teixeira. American-Argentine, trained right here at La Masia."
---