The Seven-Year Possibility

This thread follows Max’s fear that the curse may disappear and his attempt to build a self that can survive without it.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Dependency Fear

The Dependency Fear Max worries that his football career is entirely dependent on the curse’s screens. Borrowed Ability If the interface vanished, he might lose the confidence to scout, coach, or negotiate. The Central Anxiety His new identity may be real only because something supernatural validates it.

The Body’s Alteration

The Body’s Alteration Max discovers that the curse has changed not only his vision but his athletic capacities. Unexpected Performance He moves, passes, and finishes with a precision beyond his former ability. Loss of Consent The improvement is exciting but frightening because he did not choose to become a player.

The Medical Proof

The Medical Proof Livia and the doctor find Max’s physical balance and joint capacity extraordinarily high. Objective Confirmation Professional tests validate what Jackie saw on the pitch. Existential Shock Max can no longer dismiss the possibility that he has become genuinely gifted.

The Refusal to Play

The Refusal to Play Max remains more interested in management and agency than in accepting a player’s career. Control Preference He wants to arrange the game rather than submit himself to its physical violence. Identity Conflict His greatest talent may be the one role he is least willing to inhabit.

The Trial Ahead

The Trial Ahead Jackie arranges a future trial for Max and Raffi, forcing the question into the open. A Limited Promise Max agrees to try but sets boundaries around injury and humiliation. An Unfinished Self The book ends with Max not transformed into a player, but unable to deny the possibility.

after learning the interface

after the five-a-side injury

Chester medical examination

after the medical

near the ending