---
They say the hardest battles aren't fought on the pitch…
They're fought in your own team.
---
Since my goal, the locker room had shifted.
Some nodded at me. Some didn't.
Aryan?
He was ice.
That passive-aggressive silence.
That smirk like he still owned the club.
But I could feel it — that fear in his eyes.
I wasn't a benchwarmer anymore.
---
> [System Notification]
⚠ "Rival Hostility Detected: Aryan Rai – Sabotage Probability: 68%"
Warning: Internal threats may hinder progression.
I wasn't surprised.
Aryan was the team captain. The golden boy. India U21 trials. Brand deals.
And now?
He was scared of a substitute from nowhere.
Me.
---
Coach dropped the team list at 10:00 AM sharp.
Matchday: National Cup Preliminaries
Opponent: East Bengal U21
Venue: Away
Starting XI:
And there it was...
#11 — Left Wing — Piyush Chavan
Aryan's name?
Right Bench.
I swear I heard someone choke on their protein bar.
---
When I walked out for the game, wearing the official jersey, boots freshly laced, I felt it.
The spotlight.
The pressure.
And something more.
> [System Sync at 92%]
🎯 New Ability Unlocked: "Tactical Override" (Beta)
> Override coach's strategy once per match with your own in-game decision. Risk-reward based. Limited usage.
> [Current Objective: Influence Result]
Rating 7.5+
Key Passes: 3
Avoid Yellow Cards
---
The whistle blew.
We started fast.
But so did they.
By the 18th minute, we were 0–1 down.
Our midfield was collapsing, coach was screaming tactics from the sidelines… and the right wing — Aryan's usual zone — was a disaster.
---
> [System Alert: Tactical Override Opportunity Detected]
⚡ Trigger Override?
"Shift from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1. Drop deeper. Initiate high press."
I looked at Coach.
He was signaling "hold position."
Screw that.
> ✅ Override Activated.
I dropped back, intercepted a pass, cut through two defenders, laid it off to Samar…
Boom. Equalizer.
Even the coach went silent.
---
> ✅ Match Rating: 7.6
✅ Key Passes: 2
✅ Override Bonus XP: +50
[System Trait Progress: "Field General" – 12%]
---
At half-time, Aryan confronted me.
"You think one goal makes you better than me?"
I leaned in.
"One goal made me necessary. You? You're optional now."
He tried to push me. Coach saw. Pulled him away.
I didn't retaliate.
> [System Message: Rival Downfall Triggered – Stage 1 of 5]
Let the system do the dirty work.
---
Second half, minute 78.
We earned a penalty.
I wasn't the usual taker.
But Samar looked at me and nodded.
> 🎯 Shot Opportunity: Penalty Kick
Chance of Goal: 71%
Bonus: Confidence Surge, Chemistry Boost
I placed the ball. Stepped back.
The keeper dived left.
I slotted right.
GOAL.
---
Final score: 2–1
MOTM: Piyush Chavan
Coach's comment: "You're changing the way this team plays."
---
After the match, I was back on the team bus, headphones in, vibe up…
When my phone buzzed.
> 💬 Sneha (Ex-Girlfriend):
"Saw the match. You're finally living the life you dreamed, huh?"
"Do you still think about us… ever?"
My heart paused.
Not because I missed her.
But because this was her first message since the breakup.
---
> [System Warning: Emotional Disruption Detected]
Do not let the past corrupt the future.
⚠ "Would you like to activate Emotion Lock?"
> [Yes] or [No]
I stared at the screen.
Then pressed [No].
---
Let her message.
Let her watch.
Let her regret.
Because I'm not looking back anymore.
---
> [New Questline Unlocked: "Legacy Mode"]
> Earn regional fame
Break local scoring records
Prepare for National Selections
Perk Tease: "Phantom Touch Dribble" — Locked.
---
The world was starting to notice.
And I had just begun turning the page.
...