---
The morning of the match carried a quiet tension.
Clouds hung low over Stadio Dossenina, the home ground of Fanfulla Lodi, their black-and-white flags fluttering in the cold February wind.
Virtus Lombardia's bus pulled up outside, greeted by a chorus of mixed cheers and boos. Inside, no one spoke much — everyone knew how important this was.
They'd clawed their way from 14th to 11th. Another win, and they'd finally break into the top half of the table.
Jaeven sat by the window, earphones in, staring at the reflection of his own calm face. His mind replayed the goal against Crema FC — the fake pass, the explosion, the shot.
But this time… he wanted more.
Not just another goal.
A statement.
---
The pre-match talk was short.
Coach Rossi stood in front of the squad, arms crossed.
"Fanfulla's at home, and they'll come out strong. Compact defense, physical midfield — that's how they play. But they're slow at recovery. If we win the ball and move fast, they'll crumble."
He turned to Jaeven.
"Han, same plan. Left wing. When you see that right-back pushing up, that's your trigger."
Jaeven nodded. "Got it, Coach."
Rossi's eyes softened slightly. "You've been carrying us lately, kid. Just… keep playing smart. You don't have to do everything alone."
Jaeven smiled faintly. "I'll make it count when it matters."
---
Kickoff.
Fanfulla started aggressively, their home fans roaring behind them.
Virtus held their shape, defending deep as Rossi had instructed.
The early minutes were scrappy — sliding tackles, heavy challenges, and a few stray elbows. But Jaeven stayed patient. He tracked back, helped defend, then waited for the one chance that always came.
In the 18th minute, it came.
A misplaced pass in midfield — Matteo intercepted, poked it toward Jaeven, and suddenly there was space.
"Here comes Han again!" the commentator's voice cracked through the loudspeakers. "He's been unstoppable lately!"
Jaeven sprinted down the flank, the right-back charging toward him. He dropped his shoulder, slowed slightly, eyes flicking toward Russo at center-forward.
The defender tensed — expecting a through ball.
That's when Jaeven sold it.
A feint pass.
The defender bit — lunging sideways.
Jaeven shifted the ball — left foot, then right — two lightning touches, clean and sharp.
[Superstar Skill: Double Touch – Activated]
The ball zipped through the gap.
He was past.
"OH, THAT'S FILTHY!" the commentator shouted. "That's pure magic from the Virtus winger!"
Jaeven cut inside, 20 meters out. The keeper stepped up. One more heartbeat — then he drove the ball low to the far post.
GOAL!
The net rippled. Silence — then an explosion of cheers from the away end.
"JAEEEEVEN MORETTI HAN! The boy can't stop scoring!"
His teammates mobbed him near the corner flag. Matteo ruffled his hair. "You're not even human anymore, bro!"
The fans chanted from the stands, stamping their feet rhythmically:
> "Han! Han! Han!"
---
The rest of the match was war.
Fanfulla threw everything forward in the second half — high pressing, crosses, long shots.
But Virtus defended like their lives depended on it.
Jaeven dropped deep several times, sprinting back to block crosses and chase down loose balls. In the 77th minute, he slid in to stop a counter — earning applause even from the opposing fans.
"Han's working both ends tonight!" the commentator shouted. "The winger's doing it all — attacking, defending, leading!"
As the final whistle blew, exhaustion melted into relief.
Virtus Lombardia had done it again.
Full-time: Fanfulla Lodi 0 – 1 Virtus Lombardia
---
In the locker room, the atmosphere was pure joy.
Coach Rossi stood before them, arms folded, his usual calm expression hiding pride.
"Two games. Two wins. You're earning respect out there."
Then he turned to Jaeven. "Han, you've given us belief. Keep your feet on the ground — but keep your fire burning."
Jaeven just nodded, sweat still dripping, chest rising and falling fast.
His system pinged softly in his mind.
---
[Match Summary]
Result: 1–0 Win
Goal: Jaeven Moretti Han (18')
Match Rating: 8.5
League Position: 9th (↑2)
Body Synchronization: +2% (Now 72%)
Superstar Skill: Double Touch (Messi) – 3% Mastery Progress
Player Skill: Enhanced Ball Control (Intermediate)
Phase Card: Neymar Goal vs Villarreal (2015/16) – Unused
---
Outside the stadium, fans waited for autographs.
A few even held banners with his name.
He smiled awkwardly, signing a few before slipping his hands into his jacket pockets.
The night was cold, but his heart burned with quiet pride.
He'd earned another step up.
Not just on the table — but in his own evolution.
And somewhere deep inside, the system pulsed again — faintly glowing as if whispering:
> "You're not done yet."
---
End of Chapter 29
Virtus Lombardia: 9th place (Serie D – Group A)
Recent Form: 2 Wins, 1 Draw
Jaeven Moretti Han – Rising Star Form