Chapter 44: Chapter 43: New Horizons [I]
The tunnel stretched long and cool as players from both teams moved toward the dressing rooms with sweat-soaked kits clinging to tired bodies, and the sound of cleats clicking against concrete echoed off the walls while conversations flowed in muted tones about chances missed and moments celebrated.
Demien walked beside Luca as exhaustion settled deep in his muscles, and the 3-3 scoreline still played through his mind while part of him felt proud of the performance against his former club and another part wished they’d found the winner.
Just as he reached the dressing room door, the system chimed softly in his head.
「MISSION UPDATE」
「Mission Name: Proving Fiorentina Wrong」
「Objectives:」 ・Score at least 1 goal ✓ COMPLETE ・Complete at least 5 accurate passes ✓ COMPLETE (14 accurate passes)
「Victory Condition: WIN THE MATCH ✗ FAILED (Match Result: 3-3 Draw)」
「Base Rewards:」 ・4 SP ・50 MP (Match Performance Currency)
「REWARDS GRANTED」 「+50 MP | +4 SP」
「Current Balance: 146 TP | 10 SP | 50 MP」
Demien’s lips pressed together briefly as the failed victory condition registered, though the mission objectives themselves had been completed, and he’d still earned solid rewards for his performance against Fiorentina.
Before he could fully process the notification, the system chimed again with rapid succession of alerts.
「INCOMING CONTRIBUTIONS」
「danjuma has sent 3 Power Stones to Ultimate Gacha System」 「Enzyx11 has sent 3 Power Stones to Ultimate Gacha System」 「BladeofKirin34 has sent 2 Power Stones to Ultimate Gacha System」 「mud104 has sent 3 Power Stones to Ultimate Gacha System」 「HikenAce has sent 1 Power Stone to Ultimate Gacha System」 「danjuma has sent 3 Power Stones to Ultimate Gacha System」 「Wassim_Harrabi has sent 3 Power Stones to Ultimate Gacha System」 「danjuma has sent 3 Power Stones to Ultimate Gacha System」 「HikenAce has sent 1 Power Stone to Ultimate Gacha System」 「mud104 has sent 3 Power Stones to Ultimate Gacha System」 「Royale7000 has sent 1 Power Stone to Ultimate Gacha System」 「BladeofKirin34 has sent 2 Power Stones to Ultimate Gacha System」
The notifications continued stacking as Demien paused with his hand on the door handle, and a warm feeling spread through his chest as he realized just how many people were supporting him.
「Total Power Stones Received: 28」
「CURRENCY UPDATE」 「Current Balance: 174 TP | 10 SP | 50 MP」
"Thank you," Demien whispered under his breath as the door swung open, and genuine gratitude filled his voice while he added, "All of you, seriously, thank you."
The dressing room was already buzzing with conversation as players peeled off sweat-soaked jerseys and unlaced boots while recounting moments from the match, and the mood was surprisingly upbeat despite not winning as most felt they’d put in a strong performance against Fiorentina.
"That curve on your shot though," someone called out to Luca as they entered, and several players nodded in appreciation while Luca’s face flushed slightly with the attention.
Demien had just begun untying his boots when the room suddenly quieted, and he looked up to see Coach Rossi entering—but he wasn’t alone.
Beside him walked Gasperini, Atalanta’s first team coach, his presence immediately commanding attention as every conversation died instantly while players straightened unconsciously where they sat or stood.
First on the bus, now in their dressing room—Gasperini’s interest was becoming increasingly conspicuous.
Coach Rossi stepped to the center of the room while Gasperini remained slightly behind him, and Rossi’s voice carried pride as he addressed the team.
"Gentlemen," he began while his eyes swept across all the faces, "that was excellent football today, every single one of you can be proud of that performance against a strong Fiorentina side."
Players nodded in acknowledgment while some exchanged glances, clearly wondering why the first team coach was present for this post-match talk.
"The fight you showed, the quality, the discipline even when going behind—this is what we expect from Atalanta players at every level," Rossi continued while his hands moved with emphasis, and he added, "Special mention to Parisi for your movement in the second half, Moretti for those crucial defensive interventions, and of course, Luca and Demien for the goals that kept us in the match."
Luca and Demien received pats on the shoulders from teammates sitting nearby, and Rossi let the moment settle before he stepped aside slightly.
"I’ll now hand over to Mister Gasperini, who wanted to speak with you directly," Rossi said as the room went completely still, every player’s attention locked on the first team coach.
Gasperini stepped forward while his expression remained neutral and professional, though his eyes carried intensity as he surveyed the young players before him.
"I don’t often come to watch the U23s play," Gasperini began, his voice measured and authoritative, "but today I saw football that would not have looked out of place in Serie A."
The statement hung in the air as several players shifted in their seats, and Gasperini continued with the same measured tone.
"The combinations, the pressing, the technical quality under pressure—there are senior professionals who would struggle to match what some of you showed today," he said while his eyes moved across the room, pausing briefly on certain players.
"This club has a philosophy that runs from the academy through to the first team," Gasperini explained as his hands clasped behind his back, "and what I witnessed today tells me that philosophy is being implemented correctly at every level."
He paused, and the silence in the room was complete as everyone waited for what would come next.
"As you know, the first team begins pre-season next week," Gasperini continued while his posture remained formal, "and based on what I’ve seen today—and what Coach Rossi has reported to me over recent weeks—I’ve made some decisions."
Demien’s heartbeat accelerated as David Drinkwater’s thirty-seven years of football experience told him exactly what might be coming, but he kept his expression neutral as hope and anxiety battled inside him.
Gasperini’s eyes found Demien directly.
"Walter," he said, the name cutting through the silence, "I’m not usually the one to deliver this news—the sporting director typically handles these matters—but after today’s performance, I wanted to inform you personally: you will be training with the first team when you return to Zingonia."
The room erupted with cheers and applause as several players slapped Demien’s shoulders and back while his face froze in momentary shock before a smile broke through, and the noise continued until Gasperini raised his hand slightly for quiet.
"Matteo," Gasperini continued while looking at another player who’d performed well, "you too will be joining the first team for pre-season."
More applause filled the room as Matteo received the same treatment, his face showing disbelief and joy in equal measure while teammates celebrated around him.
"For the rest of you," Gasperini said once the noise had settled again, "keep working. Keep developing. This club’s doors are always open to those who earn their opportunity through performance and attitude."