Soccer System: All the Skills, One Player!

When the cab stopped at the train station, Lucas and John got out with their bags. The London morning was cold and damp, with a fine drizzle gently spraying their faces as they walked into the station. The air smelled of wet concrete and stale coffee, mixed with cigarette smoke coming from a nearby area.

The station was full of hurried travelers, the sound of footsteps echoing on the platforms, voices conversing in different languages, and the illuminated signs announcing the next train departures.

John checked his tickets while Lucas observed the movement around him. He had always liked trains and, for a moment, he forgot the anxiety of the test, allowing himself to feel the excitement of being somewhere so different and far from home. The train to Brighton was already standing on the platform, with its elegant carriages, and they quickly boarded, finding seats next to the window.

The carriage was comfortable and warm, a pleasant contrast to the cold air outside. Lucas looked out of the window as the train departed, watching London pull away. The rhythm of the train, smooth and steady, brought a sense of temporary calm.

"Are you ready for tomorrow?" John asked, adjusting his seat.

Lucas shrugged, trying to look casual. "I think so. I'm nervous, but I guess that's normal, right?"

"Absolutely. Nervousness is normal. It means you care."

Time passed quickly and, before he knew it, the train was slowing down, announcing its arrival in Brighton. Lucas straightened up in his seat, looking out of the window as the city's station approached. Compared to London, Brighton seemed quieter, although the traffic around the station was intense.

Travelers were rushing out, many with umbrellas, trying to protect themselves from the drizzle that still persisted.

"This is it." John said, getting up to get his suitcase from the compartment above the seats.

Lucas did the same, throwing the strap of his backpack over his shoulder as he felt the cold outside invade the carriage as soon as the doors opened.

Brighton was everything John had described and more. The streets were narrow and charming, full of old buildings and independent stores that gave the city a welcoming air. Lucas watched with interest as they took a cab to the hotel in the center, people walking around, shop windows full of local products. It was a smaller city, but it had a charm that he couldn't ignore.

The hotel where they would be staying was comfortable and discreet, a building with a simple but elegant façade. Upon entering, Lucas was greeted by a welcoming atmosphere, with dark wood furniture and the scent of lavender coming from an air freshener on the counter. After checking in, they were led to their room, which had two separate beds, as John had requested.

Lucas threw his suitcase in the corner and immediately threw himself on the bed. The mattress sank slightly under his weight, and he closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the tension in his muscles begin to ease. Traveling was also very tiring. Still, he knew he had something important to do.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"I'm going to the hotel gym. I need to get in shape." He said, sitting down again.

John laughed lightly. "You're right... Well, good luck. I'm going to take a break."

Lucas left the room and went downstairs to the hotel's small gym. It wasn't big, but it had enough for a quick workout. He spent the next thirty minutes exercising, feeling the sweat trickle down his skin as he tried to keep his mind focused.

After his workout, the system notified him that he had completed the daily mission, and Lucas smiled as he opened the loot-boxes he had received from that day's workout and the previous two days. However, his smile quickly disappeared as each box opened and brought nothing useful: just ordinary items that wouldn't make much difference the next day, but could be useful later.

"More of the same..." he muttered, returning to his room.

After that, Lucas spent the rest of the day resting from the trip. The next morning, Lucas woke up early. The sky was bluer and the day sunnier. He stretched slowly, feeling the tension in his muscles relax as thoughts of the day's test dominated his mind. After all, he was in Brighton, about to take part in a screening that could change his life.

After a quick shower, Lucas put on comfortable clothes for the day and went downstairs to the hotel's small restaurant. John was still asleep, snoring lightly in the bed next to him, which gave him the feeling of being on a solitary journey. It was good. He needed this moment to himself.

In the restaurant, the smell of fresh coffee and freshly baked bread mixed with the air, creating a cozy atmosphere. He took a cup of coffee and a croissant and sat down at a table near the window. His mind was already wandering to what lay ahead, while his eyes roamed the damp, deserted streets of the city.

With breakfast over and nerves building up in his chest, Lucas decided it was time to go. He picked up his cell phone, sent a message to his father telling him he was going for the test, activated the GPS and entered the address of Brighton's training center. He preferred to walk to warm up his muscles, and it wasn't far.

The city streets were still quiet, the few pedestrians walking hurriedly, trying to shelter from the drizzle.

Lucas walked absent-mindedly, following his GPS, but the CT was in a remote part of the city, surrounded by forest, so halfway there, the GPS signal started to get really bad. Lucas was so focused that he didn't even notice a figure in front of him until it was too late.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" A sharp, angry voice took him by surprise, followed by a slight impact.

Lucas felt his body slam into someone, his hands automatically grabbing the shoulders of the person in front of him to stop them both from falling. When he looked up, he saw a girl of medium height, blonde, with a long ponytail. She was wearing a school uniform, consisting of a navy blue checkered skirt and a white shirt with the emblem of some local institute.

Her face was frowning in an expression of annoyance.

"Sorry." said Lucas quickly, letting go of her shoulders and taking a step back. "I was distracted..."

She narrowed her eyes, clearly irritated, but something in her expression softened slightly at the sight of him. Perhaps she noticed the slight foreign accent in his voice, or perhaps she realized that he really was lost.

"You don't look like you're from around here," the girl commented, still with the tone of someone who wasn't willing to be friendly, but curious enough to continue the conversation. "Are you looking for something?"

Lucas scratched the back of his head awkwardly and took a quick look at the GPS before turning back to her.

"Actually, yes. I'm trying to find Brighton's training center. I have a test there today, but I'm not very familiar with the city."

Her eyes widened slightly, and for a brief moment, the annoyance disappeared, replaced by genuine surprise. She examined him for a second, perhaps reconsidering her first impression.

"A test? At Brighton CT?" She tilted her head slightly, her ponytail swaying. "Really?"

Lucas nodded, a shy smile forming on his lips. He could see that her attitude was changing, even if it was almost imperceptibly.

"Really." He gave a half-smile. "I don't look like I'm from around here, do I?"

She huffed, crossing her arms and looking away for a moment, as if she was internally debating what to do. Finally, she sighed and pointed ahead.

"The training center is just a few blocks from here. Coincidentally, it's practically next door to my school. I'll show you the way."

Lucas smiled in thanks, relieved that he wouldn't have to get even more lost in the city. He followed her in silence, trying to keep pace with her steps while observing his surroundings. Brighton, with its maritime air, seemed to have a rustic and welcoming charm.

The girl, although not exactly friendly, was an efficient guide. It didn't take long for them to pass along a path until they finally reached a more open area. There, Brighton's training center stood out with its modern design and spacious facilities, which contrasted with the simplicity of the surroundings. Read new chapters at empire

"Here we are," she said, stopping in front of the main entrance. "Good luck with the test."

Lucas looked at her with a slight smile, surprised that she had been so helpful after all.

"Thanks... Oh, and sorry again for bumping into you."

She shrugged, still keeping a certain emotional distance.

"It was nothing. Just pay more attention next time."

Lucas laughed lightly, sensing that, despite her harsh behavior, she wasn't as unapproachable as she seemed.

"That's fine. And thanks for bringing me here. What's your name, by the way?"

She hesitated for a second, but answered with an air of indifference.

"Chloe."

"Thanks, Chloe. I owe you." He said with a nod and started walking towards the CT entrance.