The dawn broke with a splash of golden light across Valencia's skyline, but for Tobi Oliveira, the weight of the new day pressed heavier than usual.
It had been over a year since he joined the first team. He had fought his way from Sporting's academy, been tested in the harsh crucible of Spanish football, and now stood as a regular starter in La Liga. But the victory wasn't sweet. It was laced with exhaustion, sacrifice, and whispers.
He stood at the window of their modest family apartment, gazing out over the city while sipping a protein shake. The distant sounds of morning life filtered in through the half-open window—honking cars, barking dogs, the soft rhythm of joggers' feet against pavement.
Behind him, the living room was quiet. Clara had left early to negotiate Leonor's training schedule with Valencia's youth development director, and Leonor herself was still asleep, her trial week leaving her delightfully exhausted.
Tobi's body was sore. His legs felt like iron, muscles strained from double sessions and consecutive matchdays. But the mental fatigue was worse. The pressure was a shadow with claws.
---
Shadows in the Locker Room
He arrived early at the Mestalla training ground. The locker room was almost empty save for a few veterans—Rodrigo, the defensive captain, and Martín, the seasoned goalkeeper. Tobi greeted them, nodding silently as he slipped into his usual spot.
From the corner, a voice sniped at him. "Careful today, golden boy. Don't want to trip over your own hype."
Tobi didn't even turn. He knew the voice—Alejandro Reyes, a 22-year-old midfielder frustrated at losing his spot to the teenage prodigy. The tension had been simmering for months.
Coach Moreno entered moments later, silence falling instantly. The whiteboard lit up with tactics for the upcoming match against Villarreal. Tobi's name was on the lineup—again.
But his heart didn't leap like it once did.
He felt like a chess piece, moved by unseen hands.
---
Tactical Training & Mental Fog
Practice was brutal. High-press simulation, triangle passing drills, possession warzones. Tobi was sharper than most, but he wasn't perfect today. His passes were half a second late. His sprints lacked bite. Coach Moreno didn't yell, but his silence was worse.
> [SYSTEM ALERT] Match Readiness: 74% (Optimal: 85%) Fatigue Level: High Suggestion: Rest 48 hours or risk micro-injury
He dismissed the warning. They had Villarreal in three days. He needed to be sharp.
At the end of the session, as the players filed out, Alejandro cornered him.
"You're burning out," he said. "Might as well pass the torch."
Tobi met his eyes calmly. "I'm still standing."
"For now."
---
School, Again
Back at school, he slumped at his desk. The math lesson flew over his head. He barely noticed when the bell rang.
Only one person sat beside him who seemed to understand—Inés. She was brilliant, sarcastic, and the only student who never asked for selfies.
"You look like crap," she said bluntly.
"Thanks," he muttered.
"You're failing Math."
"I know."
"Want help or not?"
He blinked. "Seriously?"
She handed him a folder filled with neat handwritten notes. "Just don't get used to me saving you."
Tobi managed a smile. For once, school didn't feel like drowning.
> [SYSTEM EFFECT] Stress Reduced: -4 Academic Performance Boost: +6 Social Connection: Inés (Developing Bond)
---
Family Ties
That night, the apartment was alive with laughter. Clara had brought back Leonor's official contract packet—uniforms, ID, training schedules, and a welcome letter signed by the youth director.
Leonor was dancing around in her oversized hoodie, spinning with joy.
"You're looking at the future national team midfielder!" she announced, arms wide.
Tobi grinned. "I thought that was my title?"
"You're old news."
Clara rolled her eyes. "Can we eat before the trash talk?"
They had homemade feijoada and garlic bread, followed by chocolate pudding. It was loud, messy, and perfect.
That night, as they washed dishes together, Clara touched his arm.
"You're tired, son."
He nodded. "Yeah."
"You don't always have to carry us. You're allowed to fall. We'll catch you."
He didn't reply. But his chest felt lighter.
---
Game Day – Villarreal
The stadium roared as fans flooded in. The press room had hyped the match as a battle of emerging titans. Tobi vs. Villarreal's breakout star, Gaspar.
Warm-ups were clean. His legs responded better today. The system buzzed.
> [SYSTEM FOCUS MODE – ENGAGED] Crowd Noise Dampened: +2 Composure Tactical Awareness: +3 Stress Suppression Active for 90 mins
Kick-off.
The match was fire. Villarreal attacked hard. Tobi, slotted behind the striker, had to dictate tempo. He played clean through-balls, short passes, took one shot from range. It clipped the bar.
In the 44th minute, Gaspar broke through Valencia's midfield and scored.
0-1.
Halftime.
Coach Moreno looked at him. "Wake up, Oliveira. You're better than this."
Tobi nodded.
Second half began. He stepped it up.
In the 64th minute, he threaded a ball between three defenders. Goal. Assist.
1-1.
Then in the 78th, he was fouled hard. Alejandro subbed in for him.
Final whistle: 1-1 draw.
Back in the locker room, Alejandro muttered, "You're slipping."
But Coach Moreno clapped Tobi's shoulder. "You made that point happen."
> [SYSTEM UPDATE] Match Rating: 7.4 Stats: 1 Assist Team Performance: Stable Mental Energy: -22
---
Nightfall
That night, Tobi didn't study. He didn't even watch the match replay. He sat in the dark living room, Leonor asleep on the couch beside him, still clutching her new Valencia badge.
He pulled up the system.
[SYSTEM INTERFACE – FULL REPORT]
Name: Tobi Oliveira Position: CAM Club: Valencia CF – First Team Age: 17
Technical:
Dribbling: 89
Passing: 90
Vision: 92
Shooting: 76
Physical:
Stamina: 84
Strength: 73
Speed: 81
Mental:
Determination: 97
Stress Tolerance: 68
Leadership: 82
Tactical IQ: 90
Confidence: 77
Recent Matches:
5 Games | 2 Goals | 4 Assists
System Status:
Fatigue: Medium-High
Mental Load: High
Emotional Stability: Moderate
Bond Effects:
Leonor Sync: Active (+2 Tactical IQ)
Inés Tutor Link: Active (+5 Academic Focus)
> Next Objectives:
Rebalance Health & School
Continue Form
Mentally Recover
He sighed and shut the display.
He wasn't perfect. He didn't win every game. He didn't ace every test. But he hadn't broken yet.
Tomorrow would be another fight.
And he'd show up.