r3yaxx

[r3yaxx]

CROWN OF STRIKER

Chapter : 00

The rain had just begun to fall over Seoul on a chilly autumn evening when Officer Kim Dong-hyun discovered a small, shivering infant tucked away in a baby box near the police station. In that quiet moment, as neon reflections danced on wet pavement, Dong-hyun's hardened eyes softened. He lifted the fragile bundle with steady hands and murmured, "You'll be my little fighter." And so, that night, a child was reborn—not as an orphan lost to fate, but as a promise that even in darkness, hope could be found.

From that day forward, the baby—later known simply as (Name)—grew up under the firm yet caring guidance of Officer Dong-hyun. Her new father was no stranger to hardship. He had seen the worst of humanity, yet in raising her he found a renewed sense of purpose. Every morning before the break of dawn, Dong-hyun would rouse (Name) from her sleep, insisting they run together through the empty streets. "Strength is forged in cold mornings and long miles," he would say, his voice steady despite the chill. And so, while other children slept, she learned discipline, resilience, and the art of never giving up.

School, however, was a different battlefield. At the age of eight, (Name) was already accustomed to the sting of cruelty. Whispers followed her in the hallways, calling her "the foundling" and "the abandoned one." But she never allowed those taunts to shatter her spirit. Instead, she found solace on a tattered football pitch behind her school—a rough, uneven ground where she would dribble a deflated ball as if it were the key to her destiny. Every kick, every sprint, was a silent declaration that she was more than the sum of her scars.

At the age of twelve, destiny intervened when (Name) was invited to join a local youth football academy. It was here, amid polished pitches and the gleam of new equipment, that she first encountered Min Gi—a girl whose life had been very different. Min Gi came from wealth and privilege, her every need catered to by an overbearing family that prized perfection above all. Where (Name) had known struggle, Min Gi was accustomed to adoration and praise. And with her flawless technique and confident swagger, Min Gi carried an ego as grand as her talent.

Their first meeting was unceremonious. In a training session filled with bright chatter and the smell of fresh grass, Min Gi's voice cut through the noise. "You play?" she asked, glancing dismissively at (Name) as she laced up her immaculate boots. (Name) replied coolly, "Yeah. You?" The brief exchange hung in the air like a challenge. Min Gi smirked. "I'm the best here," she declared, her tone dripping with arrogance.

For (Name), the spark was lit. She didn't care about social status or the weight of wealth. She cared about the ball, the rush of the game, and the promise of a future she was determined to build with sweat and skill. Over the following weeks, during drills and scrimmages, their rivalry unfolded on the field. Each time Min Gi tried to dominate, (Name)'s relentless drive forced her to play defensively. It culminated in one fateful match where (Name) outpaced and outwitted her at every turn. The final whistle blew on a staggering 6-0 scoreline—not only a victory for (Name)'s team but also a humbling defeat for Min Gi.

After the match, as the echo of cheers faded, Min Gi's anger bubbled over. Cornered in the locker room, she confronted (Name), fury in her eyes. "You think you're better than me?" she spat. (Name) met her glare with a calm smile and replied, "Aren't I?" The retort stung, and though Min Gi's pride was wounded, something unexpected happened that day. In a moment of vulnerability, as tears shimmered on the brink of falling, Min Gi found herself whispering, "Teach me."

"Huh? You want me to teach you?"

"I want to be reborn"

Thus began an uneasy alliance: Min Gi, the once indomitable prodigy, now clinging to (Name) like a shadow. From that day on, Min Gi's defiance gave way to a secret admiration—a desperate need to learn from the girl who had shattered her invincible facade.

Officer Dong-hyun, now weathered by years of discipline and sacrifice, sat her down in their modest living room. His lined face was serious as he looked into her eyes. "You want to pursue football at the highest level?" he asked quietly, almost as if fearing her answer.

"Yes, Father," she replied, her tone steady despite the swirl of excitement and anxiety within her.

He paused, choosing his words carefully. "If this is truly what you want, then I won't stop you. You have the heart of a warrior. But promise me—you'll be careful. The world out there is unforgiving, and once you step onto that field, there's no turning back."

Her eyes softened at his words. "I know, Father. I'll be careful. I promise."

Dong-hyun's gaze lingered on her, a mixture of pride and concern. "Remember," he added, "true strength isn't just about winning games. It's about knowing when to fight and when to protect yourself. Your talent is a gift—but with it comes responsibility."

In that quiet moment, (Name) felt the weight of her decision, balanced by the love and caution of the man who had raised her against all odds. His reassurance was a silent vow that no matter how far she soared, he would always be there—watching, guiding, and loving her unconditionally.

Meanwhile, far from the warm reassurance of (Name)'s home, Min Gi faced the bitter cold of her own reality. Back at her family's mansion, her decision to commit fully to football was met with shock and disappointment. Her mother's voice had trembled with anger during their heated confrontation.

"You were meant to be a scholar, Min Gi! Not some ... footballer," her mother had scolded, her eyes blazing with hurt and indignation.

Her father's words had been no kinder, laced with the expectation of legacy and refinement. "Our family name is at stake. You throw it all away for a game?"

Unable to bear the weight of their criticism, Min Gi had run out into the night, tears mixing with the drizzle. The cold pavement was merciless beneath her feet as she fled, her heart pounding with a mixture of rebellion and despair. For hours, she ran, until the familiar comfort of a quiet park allowed her to pause and reflect. It was in that lonely moment that she realized the only person who truly understood her passion was (Name)—the one who had shattered her pride and shown her what it meant to fight for something real.

And even as the pain of her family's disappointment gnawed at her, a spark of resolve lit within her. She would follow (Name) to the ends of the earth if need be, proving that true talent was worth any sacrifice.

The training was brutal. The national team recruitment process was a crucible that tested every ounce of (Name)'s willpower.

Sprints until they threw up. Technical drills until their feet bled. Matches against seasoned professionals.

But they never backed down.

By 18, they were ready. Their debut match at 18 was nothing short of sensational. The stadium was packed with cheering fans, and the atmosphere crackled with anticipation. The South Korean U-20 Women's National Team—soon to be known as Cheongryong FC—faced a formidable opponent from Europe. From the first whistle, (Name) set the tone with her fierce determination.

The stadium lights shone brightly, illuminating the field as the match entered its final moments. The scoreboard read 2-0, with Cheongryong FC on the verge of securing their victory. But (Name) wasn't satisfied with just that. She wanted one more goal—her third, her hat trick.

From the VIP section, some of the world's most renowned footballers sat with their eyes fixed on the game. Noel Noa, Snuffy, Lorenzo, Loki, Chris Prince, Lavinho, and a few others had gathered to witness the rising force that was South Korea's golden girl.

"She's something else," Chris mused, tapping his fingers against the armrest of his seat.

"Fast, technical, and composed," Loki added, eyes narrowed in deep analysis.

"Yeah, yeah, but does she have flair? That's what really matters," Lavinho smirked, already plotting how he'd get a reaction out of (Name) later.

Lorenzo, lounging lazily with his signature shark-like grin, chuckled. "She's like a shark herself—once she sees the goal, she's not letting it go."

Noel remained silent, watching with the calculating gaze of a man searching for the next great talent.

Back on the field, (Name) adjusted her stance, her signature pink hair catching the wind as she surveyed the pitch. The opposing team had tightened their defense around her, desperate to prevent her from sealing the game with a third goal. But she saw the gaps.

Min Gi, as always, was shadowing her, ready to support. "You ready?" Min Gi called out, eyes scanning the defenders.

"Always," (Name) replied, a sharp smirk curving her lips.

The moment the ball reached her, she sprang into action. A sharp feint to the right—her defender followed. Another cut to the left—she was free. The goal was in sight, and she knew exactly what to do.

She launched the shot.

The stadium seemed to hold its breath as the ball soared, curving beautifully before slamming into the back of the net.

GOAL!

The crowd erupted. 3-0. Hat trick complete.

(Name) turned around, triumphant, as her teammates swarmed her, cheering. Min Gi, of course, was the first to grab her, lifting her up for a brief second before setting her down with a huff.

"You just had to be dramatic, huh?" Min Gi muttered, but there was no real bite in her tone.

"You love it," (Name) shot back, grinning.

Their celebration was short-lived.

A heavy hand slammed against (Name)'s shoulder.

"You... you think you're untouchable, huh?"

One of the opposing players, face twisted with frustration, stood before her.

(Name) raised an eyebrow but remained calm. She extended a hand, offering sportsmanship. "You played well."

The player slapped it away.

"You—!" The girl's voice cracked, emotions spilling over. "You're not some football god! You're just lucky!"

Min Gi moved instantly, stepping between them, her entire frame radiating hostility. Her voice was dangerously low.

"Watch your tone."

The tension was thick enough to suffocate. (Name) gently touched Min Gi's shoulder, grounding her.

"It's fine," she murmured.

But Min Gi's fingers curled into fists. This wasn't about (Name) being fine.

This was about validation.

Because to Min Gi, (Name) was the only one who had ever mattered.

And no one—no one—was allowed to disrespect her.

As the celebrations continued, the professionals in the stands exchanged looks. From the stands, Noel Noa and the other football legends observed the scene. Chris Prince smirked, adjusting his headband.

"Interesting," he mused.

Noel Noa crossed his arms, his gaze locked onto (Name).

Snuffy nodded approvingly. "She's got the killer instinct."

Noel finally spoke. "She's efficient. No wasted movements. If she keeps this up, she'll be dangerous at an international level."

Chris leaned forward, intrigued. "She'd make a perfect striker under me, don't you think?"

Loki laughed. "You say that about every talented forward."

Lavinho stood up, stretching. "Enough talk. I want to meet her."

You can read more chapters on my Wattpad account under same username @ r3yaxx