“The last round is going to be penalties, but with a twist.”
Coach Irene’s stern tone were replaced by a mischievous smiles as she addressed the last three players, raising her voice enough for the other players to hear her.
“But instead of the usual structure, we’re going to make it fair for player and goalkeeper.” She placed the ball on the penalty spot.
She turned to Oliver patiently waiting in the nets, readying himself for whatever the next challenge had in store for him.
“We’re going to allow the goalkeeper to take a step forward when making a save.”
“…”
The three remaining players said nothing, silently calculating their next moves at the increase of difficulty.
Oliver had a small smile at the news, but he was still locked in.
[Will this make it more difficult?]
Mini-ball asked in Julian’s mind, floating just above his shoulder.
‘Yes.’ Julian confirmed.
‘It will allow the goalkeeper to close the distance and make it easier for him to block the shots, plus he will have better mobility to kick off his legs and dive for the ball.’
[Will that be a problem for you?]
‘No.’
“Julian, whenever you’re ready.”
‘Wish me luck, my friend.’
Julian stepped forward when his name was called, pitch-black hair bobbing with every step he took.
“Haaa…”
Julian took measured breaths as he readied himself, the sound loud in his ears, the distance shout from the coach on the other side of the field drifted across the entire grounds.
“Haaa…”
But the sound didn’t reach him.
It was as if he became deaf, unable to hear the sharp echo of the whistle, nor the beating of Oliver’s gloves as he brought his hands together.
All sound was drowned by his intense state of focus, gaze locked onto the goal, on the series of percentages hovering across the goal.
“Haa.”
With the last release of breath, he kicked forward, speeding to the ball.
Oliver’s gaze was instantly locked, not on the player, but on the ball.
But at the last moment, he made a mistake, lifting his eyes for but a fraction of a second.
Julian lined his body up for the shot, left foot firm, shoulder dropped, leaning back, arm raised and leg driving forward with power.
Oliver took a massive step forward and went right–the same side Julian scored the last two times.
At the last second, Julian twisted his foot down, before lifting it sharply up, scooping the ball up with his toe.
Oliver watched with agony as he dived the wrong way, the ball calmly dipping into the middle of the net.
-ding-
[Technique +2]
“…”
Julian left the gathered group players and coach quiet once again, before they erupted in whispers of amazement.
“Goddess.”
“Holy fuck.”
“How did he do that? I’ve never seen anything like that.”
“Tch, tch, tch, tch.” One player just shook his head, a loss for words.
“You never cease to amaze me, Julian Valecrest.” Coach Irene stepped forward, clapping a hand on his shoulder, her words genuine.
“Thanks, Coach.”
Julian nodded, face completely calm, as if unbothered.
But inwardly:
‘Praise me more.’
[Attention whore.] Mini-ball quickly cut in.
‘Shut up, idiot.
Don’t ruin my moment.’
“Danny, show me what you got.”
The dusty blonde boy walked forward.
Tall, lean and strong physique, long legs took stretched steps.
He placed the ball on the penalty spot before taking a few steps back.
–thud–
Danny abandoned all need for precision, going for power instead.
Hitting the ball with the top of his foot with full strength.
The ball blasted over the top of the posts, striking the wired fence behind it before dropping drown.
A few laughs broke out, but no one could deny the surprise they felt at the sheer amount of power in the young boy’s legs.
“Austin.”
The person in question stepped forward, still with a confident smile, no doubts in his mind that he was going to score.
He struck the ball with the inside of the foot, sending it forward with pace and precision.
Oliver took a big step forward, knees bend, arms spread–making himself bigger–eyes on the ball.
He dove to the side, low and fast with outstretched hands and pushed the ball out with both hands.
Another round of applause erupted, everyone congratulating the goalkeeper.
“Congratulations, Julian.” Coach Irene praised, raising her voice enough for everyone to hear.
“You’ve earned yourself a definite spot in this weekend’s starting eleven.”
“Thanks, Coach.”
No one clapped this time, but they couldn’t hide the looks of jealousy and admiration they casted his way.
“With the fun part out of the way, let’s go to the last training session of the day: passing drills.”
********
“You were really amazing today, young Master.”
Julian heard a voice sound behind him as he made his way back to the dorms, the day’s training session finally over.
The training session itself wasn’t too physically demanding, but Julian still craved a shower to get rid of the sweat he accumulated by training in the harsh sun.
He turned around to see the striker who played with him on the yellow bibs during the trial approaching with fast strides.
“Ah, Johnathan.” He greeted, remembering the boy’s name.
“You haven’t seen nothing yet.”
‘Of course, dude.
What do you think I am?’
Mini-ball didn’t answer, it was Johnathan who spoke up next, falling in step next to Julian as they made their way to the dorms, the sun making its slow descend behind them.
Johnathan was also called up to the A-team since he had a goal and assist with a rating of 8.9/10, and was fighting for the main striker position alongside Danny Bremang.
“I’m sure of that, young Master. You’ve shown glimpses of your remarkable talent during the trials, and even that little bit was enough to strike awe in everyone’s hearts.”
[He’s a asskisser.] Mini-ball’s voice had bite in it.
‘He’s perfect.’ Julian countered.
‘The most important thing a arrogant young master need is henchmen to stroke his ego.
He fits the bill perfectly.’
[You and this silly delusions.] Mini-ball rolled his eyes.
‘Shut up, dude.’ Julian’s words had no real bite in them.
‘This is my second chance at life and I’m going to live it to the fullest, regardless if others see my actions as silly, foolish or delusional.’
“If they are already impressed by only that much, then they have a hell of a shock coming their way when they see how I truly perform.”
Julian responded to Mini-ball and Johnathan at almost the same time, continuing their walk to the electric carts.
“I believe you, young Master.” Johnathan praised, clearly a veteran in the game of asskissing.
“You’re not the type of person to say things and not mean it.”
“You got that right.” Julian replied with a smug smile, deciding to play the game Johnathan was playing.
[Tch. Asskisser.]
‘That he is.’
********
–ding–
The system notification suddenly sounded in Julian’s mind while he was at the kitchen table of his dorm, eating dinner.
“Mini-ball?”
The floating ball didn’t answer, instead the system window appeared in front of Julian’s vision.
[Mission Complete!! Mission: Get selected for this weekend’s starting eleven. Objective: Impress enough during training so that Coach Irene has no choice but to select you for the starting eleven. Time Limit: 3 days Reward: +5 points to Finishing. Bonus Reward: +New skill: Dribbling(C-)]
“A mission? I didn’t know I had a mission ongoing.” Julian was surprised, but still grateful for the rewards.
[You didn’t. I was going to give it to you after training, but I had no idea that Coach Irene would hold that competition.]
“I guess I got to thank Coach Irene, than.”
“Status.”
Julian called out for his status but only focused on the important changes.
********
Finishing: 66->71
Technique: 66->69
[Skills]
Eye Of Probability(S), Offside Line(A), (NEW)Dribbling(C-)(NEW)