The words "Commencing System Initialization" lingered on the blue screen for a moment before the display shifted. The lines of code and abstract symbols rearranged themselves, coalescing into a more structured interface. The large football icon at the center pulsed more brightly, and several smaller icons around it became more defined. Ackah watched, mesmerized, forgetting all about his marble and the argument with Abena.
As the initialization progressed, a progress bar filled at the bottom of the screen, accompanied by a percentage counter that slowly climbed from 0% to 100%. During this time, more text appeared above the progress bar, displaying terms Ackah didn't understand: "Multiversal Database Connection: Established," "Talent Assessment Protocol: Initiated," "User Profile Configuration: Pending."
Finally, with a soft chime, the progress bar reached 100%, and the screen changed again. The large football icon now dominated the center, and beneath it, a new set of options appeared in clear, concise text in his local language:
Welcome, Ackah Emile. Ready to Begin?
Below this central question were two prominent options, highlighted by glowing outlines:
[Yes] [Later]
Ackah's heart pounded with excitement. This felt real, important. He instinctively reached out and tapped the "[Yes]" icon. The screen responded instantly, the football icon briefly flashing before transitioning to a new display. This time, the screen was divided into several sections, each with a title and accompanying information:
[Daily Tasks]
* Task 1: 10 Consecutive Toe Taps (Reward: 5 GSC)
* Task 2: 5 Basic Juggling Repetitions (Reward: 10 GSC)
* Task 3: Observe a Professional Football Match Highlight Reel (Reward: Knowledge)
[Training Modules]
* Basic Ball Control (Locked)
* Passing Fundamentals (Locked)
* Shooting Accuracy (Locked)
* Physical Conditioning (Locked)
[Profile]
* Name: Ackah Emile
* Age: 9
* GSC Balance: 0
[Leaderboard] (Locked)
Ackah's eyes scanned the information, his brow furrowed in concentration. "GSC?" he wondered, then noticed the reward amounts next to the tasks. It clicked. This "System" seemed to be offering him money – Galactic Standard Credits – for doing football-related activities. His mind raced. Five GSC for just ten toe taps? That was more than he sometimes found scavenging in a whole day!
He looked at the training modules. They were locked, but the names intrigued him. Basic Ball Control, Passing Fundamentals… these were things he knew he needed to improve if he ever wanted to be a real footballer, better than anyone in Aluro.
The third task caught his attention: "Observe a Professional Football Match Highlight Reel (Reward: Knowledge)." What kind of knowledge? Knowledge about the game? He was already obsessed with watching the old, pixelated football matches on the flickering screen in the local viewing shack whenever he could scrape together a few coins.
A grin spread across Ackah's face. This wasn't just some strange magic; it felt like an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, to get better at the game he loved, and maybe, just maybe, an opportunity to earn some money to help his family. He looked down at the rusty piece of metal in his hand, a sense of excitement bubbling within him. This was his secret now, his chance. He glanced around the deserted courtyard, a newfound determination hardening his young features. He was ready to begin.