The blare of the alarm pulls me from a restless sleep, its high-pitched sound demanding immediate attention. For a moment, I forget where I am, but then it all comes rushing back - the strange events of yesterday, the selection, the arrival at Project Genesis. This place is no joke.
The automated voice from the speaker announces, "All players, please proceed to your designated team meeting room." I sit up, groggy, noticing that GGS1 and Nadruk are already getting dressed, looking as ready as ever.
“Let’s go,” GGS1 says, pulling his jacket on, his expression focused. “We need to figure out how we’re playing this.”
The three of us leave the room and head down the long hallways to Room 24, which we were given keys to the night before. Inside, most of the team has already gathered - names and faces I’m just starting to learn about: Redemption, Mihix, Deeko, Dark, Mint, Raul, Kinagase.
I sit up straighter. This is my team.
GGS1 looks around, clearly assessing the room as well. “Looks solid,” he mutters to me.
Before I can respond, the screen shifts, displaying the first matchweek fixtures:
Team V vs Team W
Team A vs Team B
Team C vs Team D
Team X vs Team Y
I exchange quick nods with some of the others as the door shuts behind us. We all know what we’re here for - figuring out our formation and strategy. There’s no coach in this place, no one to guide us. We’re on our own.
Raul clears his throat. “So, any ideas on how we’re setting up for this?”
Everyone’s quiet for a moment, thinking. GGS1 is the first to speak. “We need a solid defense. They’ll probably come at us hard in the first game, so we can’t risk being too exposed at the back.”
Mint nods. “I agree. A three-at-the-back system would give us stability and let us control the midfield better.”
We all look at the screen where a basic outline of our positions is displayed. The conversation kicks off, with each of us weighing in. After some back-and-forth, it’s clear that a 3-4-1-2 formation makes the most sense. Three central defenders, four midfielders, and two up top, with Jink in a free role behind the strikers.
Nadruk, who’s quickly emerging as the voice of authority, gives her nod of approval. “I like it. Keeps things balanced.”
Kinagase, sitting beside her, speaks up. “Yeah, we’ve got enough strength in the midfield with Mint and Dark. The wide players - Raul and Luffy - can support both attack and defense.”
It’s settled. The screen updates with our formation:
Formation: 3-4-1-2
GK: GGS1
CB: Mihix,
LCB: Deeko
RCB: Redemption
LM: Raul
RCM: Mint
LCM: Dark
RM: LuffyX
LS: Nadruk
RS: Jink
I glance at the lineup, taking it in. But something still doesn’t make sense to me. “GGS1,” I say, turning to him, “you’re really playing in goal?”
He smirks, leaning back in his chair. “Yeah. Always been good at controlling the air. You’ll see. I can handle it.”
It’s an unexpected move, but if he’s confident, that’s what matters. The conversation shifts to captaincy next, and it’s clear who should lead the team.
“We should vote for Nadruk,” Deeko suggests. “She’s got the skills and the presence to lead.”
The team quickly agrees, and Nadruk is voted captain without any argument. Kinagase is picked as co-captain, his tactical awareness and calm demeanor making him the right choice.
With that, we’ve got our team structure, and we’re ready for the first challenge ahead.
After the meeting, I head to the training pitch alone. I need time to focus, to put the strategy into practice. The day is still early, and the crisp air helps wake me up as I step onto the field.
I start with light cardio, jogging the perimeter of the pitch. My muscles ache from yesterday’s travel, but I push through, gradually increasing the pace. After a few laps, I switch to sprinting drills, running between markers to build my speed and reaction time.
When my body feels loose enough, I focus on ball work. I head to the wall and start passing the ball back and forth, fast and precise, working on my touch. I want my passing to be razor-sharp for the game, especially as a wing midfielder. Controlling the ball at speed will be key.
After that, I set up cones in a zig-zag pattern and dribble through them as fast as I can, cutting inside and aiming for the far top corner. I do this over and over, testing myself with every run, making the cuts sharper, the shots more accurate. This is where I’ll make a difference - beating defenders and getting the ball into dangerous areas.
As the hours pass, sweat pours down my face, but I don’t stop. My focus sharpens with every drill. Tomorrow is the first real test. I have to be ready.
YOU ARE READING
GNS: A Rising Striker
AçãoWe follow LuffyX, a young and promising striker from Stuttgart. Who knows what unexpected turns his life might take?
