Ethan, a factory porter with old injuries, faces job cuts due to automation but catches the attention of Shawn, captain of the River League Nova FC, who needs a right back. Despite Ethan’s age and injuries, Shawn emphasizes natural talent and urges him to join the team. Ethan reflects on a decade of running and missed opportunities but commits to training with Shawn to reach the World Cup in ten years. Meanwhile, Shawn reveals he’s been tracking Ethan’s relentless practice routine, hinting at a mysterious past as he cryptically admits, “I just... died once.”