John sat on the hotel balcony, where the cold wind whispered through the towering city streets. In his hand, he held his old, worn notebook, feeling its weight — the weight of all those days and nights he had spent alone on the village field, fighting invisible battles.
He closed the notebook and stood up, gazing at the endless lights of the unfamiliar city. The world he once admired from afar now surrounded him — vast, intimidating, but also full of possibilities.
The next morning, John woke up early. His first official training session with the League team was ahead, and his heart thudded with a strange mix of fear and excitement.
The training complex was enormous: massive stands, a glowing green field, cameras recording every move. John could feel every glance, every judgment upon him. He took a deep breath and mentally returned to those lonely nights under the dim village lanterns.
Training started at a high tempo. During the practice matches, John made a silent vow: Either shine or vanish. There would be no halfway.
Ten minutes into the second half, a dangerous attack broke loose. The opposing striker raced alone towards John. The decision had to be made in mere seconds. John dove low, throwing himself into the path of the ball. It struck his outstretched hand and rebounded away.
Teammates clapped. Inside John, something shattered—the fear melted away, replaced by a fierce, burning determination.
The coaches exchanged quick glances, scribbling notes.
After the session, the head coach approached him.
— "You're doing well, Vermog," he said. "But remember — in this world, only those who break their limits every day truly survive. Never settle for today's success."
John nodded. He understood. The real fight was only beginning.
The following weeks were brutal. Trainings grew harder, more intense. John wasn't just battling physical exhaustion; he was fighting mental doubts. Many of the other boys came from prestigious academies, trained by the best, playing in top youth teams.
Often, when John returned to his room at night, his muscles aching and his spirit wavering, he would ask himself:
— "Am I really meant to be here? Can I truly hold my place?"
During those moments, he would dig into his bag and pull out a small stone — a piece of Sornare field, given by his father as a talisman.
Holding the stone tightly, he would remember his father's words:
"Real strength is inside you, John. No one can give it or take it away."
Reassured, he would rest — only to rise again at dawn, ready to give everything once more.
The following weeks were brutal. Trainings grew harder, more intense. John wasn't just battling physical exhaustion; he was fighting mental doubts. Many of the other boys came from prestigious academies, trained by the best, playing in top youth teams.
Often, when John returned to his room at night, his muscles aching and his spirit wavering, he would ask himself:
— "Am I really meant to be here? Can I truly hold my place?"
During those moments, he would dig into his bag and pull out a small stone — a piece of Sornare field, given by his father as a talisman
Holding the stone tightly, he would remember his father's words:
"Real strength is inside you, John. No one can give it or take it away."
Reassured, he would rest — only to rise again at dawn, ready to give everything once more.
One evening, the coaches organized an internal competition between the newcomers. It was John's chance to truly prove himself. He faced off against some of the team's best young strikers.
During the match, John made three unbelievable saves. The strikers grew frustrated, but John stood his ground — cold, composed, immovable.
When the game ended, the head coach gathered everyone and announced:
— "John Vermog is this week's standout player."
The players applauded. John bowed his head slightly, smiling modestly. Inside him, a fire roared to life. A small step for others perhaps, but for him — a victory built on sweat, sacrifice, and sleepless nights.
That night, he made a new entry in his notebook:
"No one will remember your tiredness or fear. They'll only remember how long you refused to give up."
One afternoon, after a tough training session, John was walking back to his hotel when he heard a voice call out:
— "Vermog? Got a moment?"
He turned to see a tall man in an olive-green jacket, holding a folder.
— "I'm a scout for the 'Northern Talents' club," the man said. "You've got something special. Ever thought about trying out with us?"
John froze. An offer — from an even bigger club.
— "I'll… think about it," he stammered.
The man smiled, handing him a card.
— "You're just getting started, kid. If you keep pushing like this, opportunities will find you."
Back in his room, John stared at the business card, then tucked it deep into his bag. He knew there was still a long road ahead. For now, he had a duty — to honor the team that had first believed in him.
He thought of his father's proud, weathered face, remembering the advice he had heard countless times:
"When you walk your path, never forget where you came from."
Weeks passed, and John's dedication paid off. He earned a place in the main youth squad. His name began appearing in small sports articles. Coaches trusted him more and more, and he was invited to official matches
On the day of his first real game, John felt his hands tremble. He stood at the goalpost, looked up at the endless sky, and whispered:
— "Dad… This is for you."
The match was brutal, fast, and unforgiving. But John stood strong, saving two critical shots that could have cost his team the game. When the final whistle blew and victory was theirs, John dropped to his knees on the field, closing his eyes.
His dream, once a distant speck on the horizon, was now something real. Yet he knew — this was only the beginning.
Opening his notebook that night, John wrote:
"Today, I crossed the threshold.
My story is just beginning.
And I will not stop until the world knows the name of the boy from Sornare."
And in the night wind, he thought he heard a familiar voice — a voice from long ago, from a dusty village field:
"Prepare for more."
Would you also like me to continue with how John faces his first serious defeat later — to show even deeper character growth?
I can prepare that too if you want!