Hello loyal readers! Thank you for your patience and prayers. After having to step aside for a moment due to my declining physical condition, finally my health bar was fully filled again. The main "player" behind the scenes is ready to put together words again to continue William Carter's story. Let's continue this journey!!
Because my body is still not very fit, so I only wrote a little for this chapter.
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The training session moved to the players managed by Lorenzo, namely several young players who were deliberately asked to train with the senior team by Guardiola to join the main players in 11 vs 11 training.
"Are we going to be a team?" Foden asked William who was beside him.
"I don't know, it all depends on how the boss sees us – you know that person has different thoughts from ordinary people," William answered calmly.
Arteta, who heard William's words, smiled and said, "He will stop you from getting a place in the first team if he hears what you said earlier."
William glanced at Arteta and smiled "Okay, I won't say things like that again" But William continued with a grin "But if you and the coaching staff weren't there I might still criticize him."
"You look like you're looking for trouble, kid, Lmao" Arteta shook his head because only William dared to say something like that to Guardiola as if they had known each other for a long time.
Lorenzo blew his whistle, signaling the start of the internal 11-on-11 game session on the CFA main court. William was in the yellow vests alongside De Bruyne and Agüero, facing a first-team defense led by Kompany and John Stones.
As soon as the ball was rolled, William immediately activated the skill [The Puppeteer's Strings]. In his eyes, thin golden lines began to appear on the grass, indicating the deadliest running paths for his comrades. He saw Kyle Walker overlap on the right side and immediately released a through ball without looking, a no-look pass that split the opposing team's defense.
"Hehehe, this is why I like being on the same team as him," Walker exclaimed as he chased the ball which landed right in his natural running space.
One by one, William completed his system missions. He directed Leroy Sané's movement with a small wave of his hand, then sent in a cross that sent Stones' defense into disarray. William made all those passes well, he utilized his new skills to play better. Right on the fifth pass that sparked a goal opportunity for Agüero, a transparent notification appeared in front of him:
[ MISSION COMPLETE: 5/5 SKILL USE ]
[Successfully Claimed Reward: Physical Synchronization and additional +5 stat points in the Acceleration Subcategory in the main stats.]
[Notice: Physical synchronization and additional statistics will be automatically added while the Host is sleeping so that the Host does not experience pain due to changes in the body]
Seeing the system notification, William smiled and started playing more freely without having to use his new skills too often.
After the intense internal training session ended, William walked towards the sidelines with his breathing starting to become even, while sweat soaked his training uniform. His success in completing the system mission gives him satisfaction, because his body synchronization will start when he sleeps, so currently his body has not been repaired by the system, especially the additional +5 in acceleration statistics.
William feels very happy to have this system, with the help of the system William can become the best player among the best in the world.
However, having this system is not an excuse to be lazy. In fact, the system motivates him to try harder in every training session and match. The system gives him the tools he needs, but it's up to him to use them effectively.
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Meanwhile for Manchester City. Manchester City has now officially closed the winning streak over Everton and shifted all their focus to the third week of the 2017/18 Premier League season against AFC Bournemouth. On the standings, City trails Manchester United with a score of 7 goals and a goal difference of +6, while Manchester United is ahead with a goal difference of +7. However, in terms of Manchester City's game at the start of this season, competitors are starting to be wary.
Vitality Stadium will be the next proving ground for Pep Guardiola's troops. Bournemouth, led by talented young manager Eddie Howe, is not an opponent to be underestimated even though they suffered two consecutive defeats at the start of the season. Howe has just strengthened his defense by recruiting Nathan Aké permanently from Chelsea, who is projected to be the main wall to stop City's midfield creativity.
Apart from Aké, The Cherries also have a real threat in attack through veteran striker Jermain Defoe, who has just returned to the club, as well as the creativity of Joshua King. Guardiola is well aware that Howe's Bournemouth often play openly and boldly, a style that Pep really likes as it gives his midfielders opportunities to exploit space.
In the tactical meeting room, Guardiola showed video analysis of Nathan Aké and Charlie Daniels' movements. He turned to William who was sitting calmly beside Kevin De Bruyne.
"William, Kevin, Bournemouth will try to close the middle lane very tightly," said Pep while pointing to a strategic area on the screen. "But they are often slow in transition when their wing-backs overlap. I want you to keep turning the ball quickly to lure them out of position, whoever starts this time do their best."
William nodded, he understood that with the Acceleration sync that would be fully active after he rested tonight, his ability to make quick transitions would be the main key to breaking down Eddie Howe's defense.
This match is not only about chasing three points, but also about maintaining the momentum of City's dominance in the English league which is already starting to get excited about the figure of their young 'Maestro'.
The tactical training session that afternoon ended with a long whistle from Pep Guardiola. Before the players dispersed to the dressing room, Guardiola gathered the entire squad in the middle of the pitch to announce the starting eleven that would be brought to Bournemouth's headquarters.
"Listen, rotation is the key to the next match," said Guardiola while looking at his clipboard. "For the midfield at the Vitality Stadium, David Silva has fully recovered. So, David, Kevin and Fernandinho will start from the first minute. William, you will start from the bench. Prepare your energy, I need an instant change from you in the second half if the situation is locked – things like this may happen often not because you are not good at the game but I need you to take care of your body before you can play the full game"
William nodded firmly. Even though there is little desire to continue as a starter, he knows David Silva is the life of City's game. Being on the bench actually gives him the opportunity to observe gaps in the opponent's defense before he comes in with his new speed statistics with additional acceleration statistics as well as his Puppeteer's Strings skill.
If he plays as a substitute, he is sure that with his slightly increased acceleration and playing against tired players, he will be a deadly weapon, especially with his new skills, he will definitely be able to control the game.
"Okay, for the other players who haven't had the chance to play as starters or later on match day don't get the chance to play, don't be discouraged," Guardiola exclaimed, this time his voice was firmer and more emphatically "it's not because you're not good, but you can't replace the players I've prepared – your competition is not only with the opposing team but also with your teammates, show me the best of you on the training ground and also if you get the chance to play" Guardiola assured the players to stay ready with his words.
And the players who listen are of course encouraged to show their best in training sessions and in matches if they get the opportunity.
Even the players who are starters feel that the competition within this team means they have to stay fit so they don't get sidetracked and can keep playing.
Guardiola, who saw the players showing their competitive spirit, nodded and smiled before speaking once again "But remember, don't hurt your friends in training or I will immediately make sure you won't be able to play in this team again."
"Okay, that's all for today's training and don't forget tomorrow's training because our next opponent will definitely be wary of us," continued Guardiola before ending today's training.
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"Will, did you bring a car today?" Foden asked William.
"No! I'm still too lazy to bring my own car," answered William as he called his father and asked if he had arrived at the parking lot.
"Hey!! If you play well like before, I'm sure that soon you will get a sponsor."
"Yes! Actually several brands have contacted me but Maria's father said not to take them yet because in the future someone might offer a higher price" William answered again, remembering the sponsorship issue.
Foden, who heard that, immediately understood and it seemed like he would also do something like that later "By the way, what about the agent? Has an agent contacted you?"
"Me? Not yet! In fact, if there was, I would ask for advice from my father or Maria's father because I know that they have many connections in England and several football agents also often eat at my father's restaurant," answered William regarding the agent problem.
"I can't believe I'm friends with a rich kid who doesn't even want to take his own car to training," Foden exclaimed, shaking his head.
"Oh and if you have a sports car sponsor in the future - this is just to look after England's best young players okay so let me drive your car later to check it" continued Foden with a serious expression on his face but it was different from the meaning of his words.
William looked at Foden with a serious look and answered in an authoritative voice, "Of course, let's do it when that time comes."
The two of them laughed at their own antics, if anyone saw, maybe people would believe that they were friends from birth.
The two of them continued chatting and joking until they reached the parking lot.
"My father didn't answer my phone but it seemed like I saw a car that I knew there," said William while pointing at the car in question.
"Oh, that's Aunt Ana's car, it looks like she's the one who picked you up this time," said Foden after he saw the car.
The two of them got near the car and from inside the car a small woman emerged who immediately jumped at William.
"Brother"
And of course it was Ami who came to pick up William.
William picked up his little brother and carried him, but before he spoke his mother's voice was heard.
"Your father had guests at the restaurant so he came there to chat," explained Ana, smiling, looking at her son, who even though he looked very tired, was still carrying his spoiled little brother.
"Oh Phill, long time no see, why do you rarely come to our house to play now?" Ana asked after seeing Foden who was next to her son.
"Ah–I didn't see Foden, sorry," said Ami, who was in William's arms.
"I'm busy training, Auntie. You know William has now become one of the important players on this team so I don't want to be left behind by him," Foden answered with a shy smile.
"And Ami, why are you so heartless with me that you don't even see me next to your sister?" he continued.
"Hehehe–wleeee" Ami answered while sticking out her tongue.
After that short chat, Foden's invitation also arrived and finally they separated.
After getting into the car and the journey home was underway.
Ana and Ami listened to how William trained today, they also heard that William would not be a starter in the next match.
Ami was initially angry because her brother didn't play from the start, but after hearing the reason why Guardiola didn't play William from the start, it was because William's body remained fit - because if he was forced to play for too long, William's stamina would be drained and because physical problems were also worrying, which made William likely to get injured, Ami, who heard this, immediately thanked Guardiola because he was worried about his brother.
Ana also breathed a sigh of relief because after seeing him in the first match, she knew that her child would always be a target for other players and would definitely be dropped more often in the future.
Then the discussion this time changed. For the rest of the journey, his little brother couldn't stop chattering. "Brother! Did you know? Earlier at school, my deskmate said he wanted to swap brothers! He said his brother was boring, while my own brother—I mean Brother William—is the prince of Manchester City!"
William laughed loudly as he ruffled his younger brother's hair. "Tell your friend, I can't trade for his Pokemon card collection."
The journey continued with the three of them having sales until they didn't realize they had arrived at the Carter family's house.
When they got home, their housekeeper, who treated William like his own son, opened the door with a beaming face.
Then they were greeted with the aroma of delicious food which really aroused their appetite, especially William who was tired after his intense training.
"Welcome back, Young Master William! The pride of Manchester!" Greeted the waiter with a tone of genuine pride. "I have cooked a special menu to celebrate yesterday's victory. The whole neighborhood is talking about you, they say you are the future of this team."
William smiled politely. "Thank you, Auntie. Auntie's cooking is always the best."
William took off his shoes and put his football boots on the shelf near the trophy cabinet that William had gotten.
While enjoying dinner with his mother and sister, the atmosphere felt very calm. William listened to his mother tell stories about the family's plans, while his younger brother continued to show off how famous his older brother was on social media.
The conversation continued and this time several people who worked at William's house also spoke. They all gathered in the living room and the place felt like a large family home, not a place where workers worked.
After that chat, William took a shower and went into his room quietly. William lay down. Instantly, the system's transparent screen appeared before him.
[ SYNC STATUS: 100% COMPLETE ]
[ SPEED: 65+1 | VISION: 97 | PASSINGS: 97 ]
"System, what's the next plan after I achieve this synchronization?" William asked himself.
[ System: Host, your performance continues to improve. There is additional information: If you succeed in bringing your team to win an official competition (Premier League, UCL, or FA Cup), the system will provide a 'Legendary Skill Drop'. ]
"Legendary player skills?" William was stunned.
[ Right. You have the potential to get 'Dribbling Slalom' a la Messi or 'Knuckleball' a la Cristiano Ronaldo. This skill not only provides technique, but will also permanently boost the physical stats relevant to the skill so that your body is able to execute it without injury. ]
[And if you get skills such as passing or vision you can exchange them for statistics and move them to less statistics because to become a player who is called a complete midfield maestro your statistics must be balanced]
William clenched his fists. The motivation in his chest burned even more. With this he doesn't need to worry about how to become a complete football player but the world must be ready to see the birth of players with complete abilities and statistics without any gaps.
After talking to the system for a while, William decided to sleep. However, before he could actually close his eyes, William's cell phone vibrated. A video call request from Maria. Once connected, Maria's beautiful face appeared with a calming smile.
"Hey, Manchester Star. How are the preparations for Bournemouth going?" Maria asked gently.
"I'm on the bench this time, but it doesn't matter," William replied. "I miss you, Maria. It feels strange not seeing you cheering in the stands when I compete even though in the past at Academy matches I always saw you screaming enthusiastically."
"I miss you too, William. I watched all your clips until I memorized them," replied Maria in a sincere tone.
However, the romantic moment was suddenly interrupted. Maria's female cousin's face suddenly appeared on the screen, pushing Maria aside.
"Brother William! Don't forget your promise!" he exclaimed enthusiastically. "Send two signed City shirts, will you? One for me and one for Maria! Please, please, please!"
"My friends on campus don't believe that I have a connection with you," he continued.
Maria laughed embarrassedly while trying to push her cousin away. "Sorry, William, he just can't keep quiet."
William laughed at their behavior. "Don't worry, tomorrow after practice I will prepare it. And tell your friends later that I will give up on you two myself."
"Wait William! Are you going to London?" Maria asked in a disbelieving tone.
"Yes, maybe after the match there will be a 2 day holiday so I can go there and stay one night," said William with a sincere smile at Maria.
But before Maria could respond, her cousin's voice was louder this time "ahhhhhh–I'll show it off to my friends while you're here."
The conversation continued until William was really sleepy and Maria knew that William was very tired from training earlier "Okay, even though I still miss you, I know that our Prince of Manchester also needs rest - good night William" Maria's voice was very sincere and soft.
"Yes, sorry I'm really tired–good night too Maria"
William answered before the video call was turned off.
The call disconnected, and William fell asleep with a smile on his face, ready to face whatever awaited him at the Vitality Stadium.
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There will be many characters like Cousin Maria in the future and I can't decide on a good name so please help me come up with names for the characters.
That's your job as my members, let's build our own world in this novel - but I'll still filter out the good ones.