Still stunned by the Core's challenge, Winston remained silent during the drive to the beach. His mind was filled with questions. Does the Core have a hidden purpose? Does it know what's about to happen? Is it trying to protect me?
He had never intentionally hurt anyone before. Yet now, the system was pushing him toward something that felt far more serious than a football match. For the first time, Winston realized that the upcoming game wasn't simply about who had better skills or who was the better striker.
Everything had changed, A strange sense of unease settled over him as he stared out the car window, watching the scenery pass by. Is this really something I have to do?
His gaze slowly shifted toward the Core System.
Ding!
[User Daily Challenge]
[Score: 00/04]
[Goal heading: 00/01]
[Cripple Maximilian]
"Okay, kid, we're finally here. Remember to enjoy yourself," Dumi said as he parked his black SUV.
Winston stepped out and immediately felt the cool, salty air against his face. He drew a deep breath as they entered the two-story restaurant and made their way to an outdoor table overlooking the beach.
As they waited for their meals, Dumi studied him. "What's wrong, kid? You've been quiet the entire drive."
Winston looked out at the calm waves. After taking a sip of his apple juice, he hesitated before answering. "I was thinking about something. What would you do if someone warned you about something that might happen in the near future... and told you to injure that person first?"
Dumi pondered the question for a moment. "Hmm... If that person knew something was going to happen that could hurt me, I'd probably injure them first." He narrowed his eyes. "Is someone trying to hurt you, kid?"
"No. I was thinking about the situation with Oswin. Maybe someone tried to warn him. I mean, with the skills he has, he could've attracted people who envy his talent."
Dumi sighed. "Kid, listen. Football isn't as glamorous as it looks from the outside. Every player you see is fighting for a top spot, and some will go to extreme lengths to remove anyone they see as an obstacle." He leaned back in his chair. "Remember when the fans of Kelcy and Garicy clashed over who was the greater legend? The argument spilled onto television, newspapers, and eventually social media. It even affected the players themselves." Winston listened silently.
"Then Kelcy got injured while playing against Garicy. People immediately suspected Garicy had something to do with it. The whole situation went ballistic. And all of it started with a simple debate." Dumi took another sip of his drink. "That's the kind of world football can become. Cruel. Competitive. Some players will go to frightening lengths to injure or even cripple someone they see as an obstacle."
He looked Winston directly in the eyes. "Just be careful."
After finishing their meal, Winston wandered along the beach, listening to the gentle rhythm of the waves. Eventually, he noticed a group of children playing football barefoot on a hard concrete. There were no proper goals. Instead, each side used a six-inch concrete hollow block as a target.
The game wasn't about conventional football. It was all about flair, creativity, and technique. Winston watched for a while, fascinated. One of the youths stood on the sidelines, looking around for a partner. He had arrived late, and everyone else had already paired up.
Then he noticed Winston, the boy walked over briskly. "Hey, dude. Wanna play street football?"
Winston hesitated. "Sure, but I don't know the rules."
The boy smiled with relief. "Don't worry. They're simple. It's basically football, except the goal is that concrete block." He pointed toward the makeshift target. "The first person to score two goals wins."
"Oh, and don't worry if you're new to this style. You'll pick it up quickly. It's supposed to be fun."
Winston smiled. "Alright." He removed his shoes and placed them beside the boy's red ice-cream cart. "I'm ready."
After the other youths finished their games, it was finally Winston and the boy's turn. A quick coin toss determined who would start. The boy flicked the ball up to knee height and immediately began dribbling. His touches were incredibly smooth and fast. He rolled the ball around his ankles before ducking beneath another youth's outstretched arm.
Then he shifted the ball onto his toes and sent a quick pass toward Winston. Winston reacted instinctively. He controlled the ball before executing an Around the World, smoothly circling his foot around the ball before nutmegging the defender guarding the concrete block. The small crowd erupted. Winston carefully struck the ball with the outside of his foot, avoiding the concrete with his toes.
THUD!
The ball slammed into the block, the spectators applauded and cheered. Winston and the boy exchanged a high five before returning to their side of the makeshift pitch.
A few moments later, Winston and boy added up winning—with the dribbling skills of the boy. Winston noticed the boy collecting money from another youth, who appeared to be organizing the games. When the boy finished, he returned to Winston, breathing heavily but grinning.
"Thanks, dude. By the way, my name's Ike."
"No problem, bro. I'm Winston. I didn't know you had to pay to play."
Ike laughed and fist-bumped him. "It's fine. I paid for my spot earlier this morning, since I sell ice cream."
He walked over to his red three-wheeled cart, which was connected to a bicycle.
"Are you a professional player?"
"Not yet. I'm still playing in the junior league."
"I knew it." Ike's eyes lit up. "The way you were playing was way too skilled. And I don't think you were even giving it your all." He tilted his head. "What club do you play for?"
"Westminster F.C. Under-21s."
Ike's eyes widened. He looked Winston up and down before rubbing his eyes as if he couldn't believe what he had heard. "Holy moly... you're a big deal!"
Winston laughed. "You should go for a tryout. I'm sure there are teams looking for skilled players like you."
Ike's expression changed. He paused for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh. "I'd love to, but life has other plans."
Winston didn't press him. He understood immediately. Not everyone had the luxury of pursuing their dreams the way he had.
"But don't worry," Ike continued. "I'll attend the upcoming tryout at the end of the season. So wish me luck, bro." He climbed onto his bicycle. "Anyway, I better get going. Mom's waiting for me at home." As Ike pedaled away, he waved. "I'll keep watching your matches, Winston!"
Winston waved back. A voice suddenly came from behind him.
"Made a new friend?" Dumi stood beside him.
"Yeah. His name's Ike. He's a really talented kid."
Dumi nodded before turning away. "I saw the game."
He glanced back at Winston. "C'mon, kid. Let's go. I don't want us getting back to the hotel at night, and I definitely don't want to get stuck in traffic."
Winston nodded and followed him.