I'm curious why she's trying to recruit Oswin. Is she really a scout? And why is she being so secretive? I searched for her name online, but nothing came up. That match Oswin described was too specific, too. A player skilled enough to rival Oswin's dribbling... I really want to open this envelope.
But seeing how badly Oswin was affected by that match, I don't think I could open it right now without feeling guilty. One thing at a time, Winston. I need to focus on the upcoming match before I worry about this envelope. And this woman named Diana... there's something strange about her. I need to be careful from now on.
For now, I'll keep the envelope inside my suitcase. I can deal with it later.
Right now, I need to focus on training with Dumi. I have to absorb as much knowledge and as many techniques from him as possible and use them to refine my own skills. Thanks to Boris's training, I already feel more agile. Maybe the Nethen Essence and Voltage Core will reward me with even more points.
Ding!
[Stats]
Name: Daley Winston
Age: 19
Weak Foot: 2
Foot: Right
Profession: Footballer
Team: Westminster F.C. (Under twenty-one team)
Player Rating: 84
Position: Center forward.
Potential: 88
Speed [Voltage Core: 69%]
Shooting [Voltage Core: 69%]
Passing
Dribbling
Physical [Nethen Essence: 69%]
Reward Points: 050
Skills moves: None.
Winston pondered as he walked down the steps toward the training ground. During his third week, he had been drawing up plans for how to win the upcoming match. Thanks to his sleepless nights, he had spent countless hours thinking about different playing styles and the skill moves he wanted to unlock.
"Oh, you're here, kid. It's unusual to see you this late." Dumi was standing with Oswin and looked surprised to see Winston.
Winston jogged toward them, rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "Sorry, Coach. I overslept."
In truth, Winston hadn't slept at all. He had been too engrossed in everything that had happened with Oswin.
"You good, bro? It's not like you to miss training. You're a workaholic." Seeing Oswin in such a cheerful mood, Winston wondered whether he had already spoken to Dumi about one-on-one training. He scanned the training ground and noticed various pieces of equipment scattered across the field.
Dumi interrupted his thoughts. "This is your third week, so I know you've been waiting for this one. Today, we'll focus on shooting."
He turned toward both Winston and Oswin. "Any questions?"
Winston immediately remembered the dead-ball technique he had asked Dumi about during the second week. "Yes. About dead-ball techniques."
"Mmm. You want to specialize in free kicks?"
"Not exactly. I want to master it without relying on free kicks or penalties. That twin from Arlesey used it against us. He performed the dead-ball technique while he was moving."
"Oh, yeah. That kid had somewhat mastered it. But if you paid attention, he didn't use it while sprinting. He stopped, dribbled into open space, and then triggered the ball in front of him."
"Oh. Is it possible to use it without stopping?"
"Yes, but you'll need much greater precision." Dumi tapped the ball in front of him. "Let me show you."
He dribbled toward a row of mannequins arranged in a defensive formation. His rapid-fire footwork carried him between them in a blur of motion, leaving Winston and Oswin staring in disbelief.
As he approached the penalty area, Dumi unleashed a shot. The ball curved through the air in a seamless ninety-degree S-shaped trajectory before spinning precisely into the top-right corner.
Winston's eyes widened. What the hell was that? The sight was so bewildering that the hairs on the back of his neck prickled.
Oswin suddenly grabbed Winston's shoulder and shook him excitedly. "Bro! What the—oh shit! Did you see that?" He turned toward Dumi, "Old man Crowe, can you teach me that too?"
Dumi looked toward the goal. "I'm a little rusty, but I can teach you the basics. I also have a friend who specializes in your position. He's a professional at training this skill. He'll be here two days from now."
Dumi pointed toward the goal. "That move is called a finesse shot."
"Yes! Thank you, Old Man Crowe!" Dumi chuckled.
"The technique depends heavily on your body positioning. If you were paying attention to that kid from Arlesey, you would've noticed his kicking position was fundamental to the shot. He leaned forward before shifting his weight back, generating the arc and curve." He paused. "Of course, it's effective, but it takes time to prepare. That's why his version requires explosive acceleration, quick reactions, and calm composure."
Winston thought about Dumi's explanation before looking back at him. "The one you just used was different. It looked more like Oswin's style."
"Not exactly. Mine is somewhat similar to Darwin's." Dumi glanced toward the goal. "That skill is my amateur attempt at imitating my favorite winger, Atlas Zebalini."
"Lucky for you, kid, the person who's coming to teach you is the best winger who ever terrified defenders in the senior league!"
Oswin practically shouted the words. "Thank you, Old Man—uh, I mean, Mr. Crowe! I can't wait!"
Dumi shook his head. "Alright, let's get back to training. There are several shooting techniques you need to master."
He began counting them off on his fingers. "Instep drive, or laces shot. Inside-of-the-foot, or placed shot. Outside-of-the-foot, also known as the trivela. Chip or lob shot. Headers. And the knuckleball, or dip shot."
Winston thought for a moment. "Is it possible to combine any of these shooting techniques with dead-ball?"
"Mmm... It could work, but you'd need to be extremely quick with your movement."
Dumi rubbed his chin. "A placed shot would probably be the easiest combination with dead-ball."
He thought for another moment before shaking his head. "But for now, let's focus on mastering the basic shooting techniques first."
The first shooting drill involved Winston receiving high balls from Oswin. His first few attempts were clumsy. Dumi patiently demonstrated how to cushion the ball against his chest and smoothly transition it down to his feet without trapping it too tightly. After several repetitions, Winston became accustomed to Oswin's lofted deliveries. He began controlling the ball against his chest before bringing it down cleanly and preparing for the shot. However, his shooting stance was inconsistent. His first few attempts flew wide. One struck the goalpost.
Dumi immediately stepped in. "Your stance is too stiff. Relax your upper body and position your supporting foot properly. When you strike the ball, lean slightly according to the direction you want the shot to travel."
Winston listened carefully. He tried again, And again. After twenty attempts, then thirty, and eventually forty, his movements began to feel more natural. His shots became cleaner, more accurate, and more powerful. Soon, the ball began finding the back of the net with increasing regularity.
Dumi gradually changed the drill. First, Winston shot from thirty meters.
Then twenty, Then ten. The closer he got to the goal, the faster Dumi demanded that he control the ball and finish. The drill eventually incorporated headers as well. Dumi had noticed that Winston often played as a target man, meaning his aerial ability needed to be just as reliable as his finishing.
By the end of the session, Winston's body was exhausted, but his mind was buzzing with new information.
There's still so much I don't know. He looked toward Dumi. If I want to become the best striker in the club, I have to learn everything I can from him.
After some time, Dumi suggested they practice the shooting techniques Winston was eager to learn. Winston's first request was a long-range shot. Ever since he was young, he had admired Dumi's ability to score from distance and often rewatched his old highlight reels. Dumi demonstrated the technique, carefully explaining his body positioning, planting foot, and the way he generated power through the strike.
Unfortunately, Winston wasn't paying close enough attention. When it was his turn, he rushed into the shot with poor form. His planting foot was too far from the ball, his body leaned too far backward, and he struck underneath it. The ball soared high into the air, sailing harmlessly over the goal.
Winston stared at it in disbelief, Dumi sighed and shook his head. "You were not watching me?"
Winston rubbed the back of his head awkwardly. "Sorry, Coach. I got a little too excited."
Dumi walked over and pointed toward Winston's feet. "Power isn't everything when you're shooting from distance. Your technique comes first. Watch carefully this time."
Winston nodded and took his position again. Alright... this time, I'm paying attention.
Ding!
[The skill is not acquired]
Winston glanced at the flashing notification. He had forgotten that, in order to master or use a specific skill, he needed to purchase it first. He had also completely forgotten that he had accumulated points from his previous training.
While Dumi demonstrated his impressive long-range shooting ability, Oswin tried to replicate the same technique. Winston quickly summoned the Core System and navigated to the Skill Move Shop. Without hesitation, he used his accumulated points to purchase the long-shot skill.
[User skill move: Acquired]
[Dead Ball]
[Dead ball: Equipped]
[Long Shot Taker]
[Long Shot Taker: Equipped]
After Dumi finished his demonstration, Winston took a few deep breaths before sprinting toward the ball. He planted his foot beside it and struck through it with all his strength. The ball rocketed toward the goal, rising rapidly before crashing into the top corner of the net. Winston stared at the net in surprise. So that's the difference.
He had the technique now, but simply knowing how to perform it wasn't enough. The Core System had made that clear. If he wanted to truly master these shooting techniques and use them in matches, he needed more reward points to unlock and improve the necessary skills.
I need more points. Winston clenched his fists, his eyes fixed on the goal. If I want to become the best striker, I can't stop here.