The next day, Rexville was already at the training ground when the rest of the team came. He was already in the training kit, busily juggling a ball with his feet, knees, thighs, and even shoulders.
He looked graceful with his ball movement, with his yellow hair moving around in the breeze and what seemed like smoke to come out whenever he breathed out because of the morning chill, his red eyes glimmered as they followed the ball.
He was so immersed in it that he didn't notice his teammates had already arrived and were watching him until the coach called him.
Rexville!!, 'Dennis yelled. Rexville turned swiftly towards where his name was called as the ball he was juggling, bounced off his head, and rolled away.
He noticed his coach and teammates all staring at him as he ran to meet them. Good morning, coach. Yes, what a wonderful morning. How long have you been here
Rexville: I haven't been here for too long, maybe an hour or so, I guess
Wow, you're a punctual one, huh? I didn't expect that, especially from a rich kid like you. I like that, keep it up, 'Dennis said while patting Rexville's shoulder.
Oh, and the name Rexville is too long to call out all the time, so I'm going to be calling you Rex from now on. Is that okay with you?
Rexville: Fine by me, coach.
Good, now join the squad. I've got a pep talk for y'all. Okay, "Rex replied.
As Rex went over to stand in line with his teammates, they all greeted him.
Hey bro, "Nathaniel said with a cheery smile and dreadlocks swinging as he raised his hands to receive a dap up from Rex. The dap was perfectly executed by them both, and they looked at each other with fulfilment.
Dennis: Okay! Boys, the new season is upon us, and I'm sure we know and don't want what happened to us last season to repeat itself in the upcoming one, "Everyone simultaneously nodded no."
Good, that's what I thought, so I hope you know we have got to bring our absolute best and go all out next season, which is in less than 2 weeks.
As you all know, we've got a new signee, I want y'all to guide him and make him get comfortable quickly in the new environment because words coming from the Top, is that Rex is going to be our secret trump card next season, our joker card that'll surprise everyone especially our rivals who beat us to the league cup with only 2 points "MONVIÉDÖ PØRTO CLUB DE FUTBÕL".
They're our biggest threat next season, but that's why the board got Rex. To be an unpredictable player that our rivals won't see coming.
I honestly don't know what the owners see in you to have invested so much in you. But kid, the bar has been set so high up that I do hope you reach it and crazily enough surpass it. All the best, Rex.
And the same goes to all of you, no slacking off. This next season, we're going to be champions, and we'd better make that happen. That's all, back to training.
As the team scattered to go about their training. Nathaniel tapped Rex and told him, "Just be calm, no pressure, play your best, I know you'll achieve it all."
Thanks, Nat, "Rex replied.
Two weeks went by in a flash, and the season opened.
It was time for our boy Rex to shine.
John Papleman: A good afternoon to the viewers and all lovers of football, I'm John Papleman, here along with David Bezos to give the viewers and listeners live feedback on the match today.
Today's opener is a game between last year's league runner-up SPÖRTING BENCICA CLUB DE FUTBÕL versus newly promoted side ELBÁNÃ FUTBÕL CLUB. What are your thoughts on today's game, David?
David Bezos: It's going to be an intense game because, SPÖRTING CLUB will be looking to start the season strong on good notes and get the win to secure an early 3 points ahead of league champions MONVIÉDÖ PØRTO who play tomorrow.
But it's not going to be a breeze because they play away to ELBÁNÃ FUTBÕL today who are coming in as champions of Leaguë 2, and they would be looking to announce their return to the Main league with a good result today at Home.
But who do you think will take all 3 points today? "John asked
When it's all said and done, it is most likely for SPÖRTING CLUB to win, "David replied.
John: And today might be the day we see SPÖRTING CLUB's new signing in action. But he isn't in the starting lineup he's on the bench as a substitute.
David: Yes, John, I would love to see him play, especially after all the hype surrounding his signing for the club. But the decision to play him remains in the coach's hands.
While sitting on the bench, Rexville thought.
Wow! It's finally happening, breathe Rex, breathe, no need to feel nervous, just do your thing, "Rexville soliloquised.
Hey, Oswald, "Rexville called, then the system appeared.
[What do you want to ask Rex?] "the system asked, having gained more animation after being named OSWALD by Rexville.
How do I compare to average professional soccer players? "Rexville asked.
[In comparison? There is no comparison. With the diamond physique you possess as well as the many skills you have because of me, you're undoubtedly one of the best players on the planet, only lacking in real game experience, but overall you're Super.]
Thanks, Oswald, "Rexville said.
And so the teams' starting lineup came on the field, and the captains exchanged flags. The referee made the coin toss to select who was going to kick off first. ELBÁNÃ won the toss and proceeded to kick off the game.
You could tell the football season is back because the Estadio ELBÁNÃ stadium with a capacity of 23,000 was packed to the brim with fans of both sides. The chanting, playing of drums, and other miscellaneous instruments, including the conversation between the audience and even the banter, all in a sunny afternoon with a light breeze blowing.
Rexville was awed as he took it all in, his first ever match as a player.
Fweeeeett!!, the referee blew his whistle to start the match.
John: Ohh, there was a miscommunication between the centre-backs of SPÖRTING CLUB. Carrerâs the main forward of ELBÁNÃ capitalised on the error and slots it behind Stanley Phillips, To give ELBÁNÃ the early lead at only 13 minutes played in the game.
David: That was a terrible error to make, especially from defenders of that calibre, but let's talk about the good positioning Carrerâs have to take advantage of their slip-up and score.
He has been threatening the back four since the start of the game, and it finally paid off, 1-0, ELBÁNÃ leads.
John: Not the kind of start SPÖRTING CLUB and their fans expect, already trailing behind after holding most of the possession. We just have to wait and see how they'll respond.
John: ELBÁNÃ continue to press forward, and they get a corner. Suprëet their centre midfielder, is going to take the corner from the left side.
Corner was taken and punched out by the goalkeeper, then cleared by Gosu.
The ball lands perfectly in Francisco's legs, and suddenly SPÖRTING CLUB is on a counterattack. Francisco gives a pass to Patella, who then dribbles past Mosaná the ELBÁNÃ defender and cuts back inside to throw him off balance. Patella sends a through ball targeting Carlos Priossi.
Carlos, while fending off the opponent defender, ran to the ball and took a one-time shot straight to the bottom right corner of the goal.
John: Gooooaaaaallll!!!, and the forward of SPÖRTING CLUB gets the equaliser just before half time at minute 44.
Just look at how ecstatic their fans have become.
David: Well it's no surprise, Carlos Priossi scored, because even though SPÖRTING BENCICA CLUB didn't win the league last season, Carlos was the top goalscorer for the last season, winning the league golden boot for the 4th time in a row. He's an outstanding striker.
Fweet ,fweet. And the referee calls the half-time to a close.
John: That was an intense first half, ELBÁNÃ "are really bringing the heat to SPÖRTING CLUB. But it's all square after the first half. All to play for in the second half.
It's the 81st minute, and it's still 1-1 in ESTADIO ELBÁNÃ.
A throw-in for SPÖRTING CLUB, but they're going to use this opportunity to make a substitution. Number 7 out for Number 21.
David: Number 21, isn't that their new signing? Ladies and gentlemen, Princeton Rexville is coming up to make his debut.
John: Yes, David, we were sceptical about the coach putting him in on the first game, but I guess we get to see the wonderkid perform.
Rexville was a bit surprised when the coach told him to get ready, that he was going to come on soon. As he was on the byline, he was busy stretching and doing some jumps while waiting for Patella to come off.
He clapped both hands with Patella as he came onto the pitch, and the fans cheered for him, further boosting his morale.
John: It's the 84th minute, and SPÖRTING CLUB is pushing forward.
Godwin Coleman to Francisco, who then passes to Christian McKelly, who gives the ball to Rex.
Rex dribbles past the opponent, then goes past the second one with ease. He has such nimble feet.
Rex was moving as if the ball were part of him, as he made a leg over and cut to the right thereby cancelling out the defender's stance, but as he was about to go through he was held back by the defender who lost balance but held on to his shirt purposely dragging him back and away from the ball.
The referee immediately blew his whistle and gave a free kick to Rexville and a yellow card to the player who fouled him.
Christian McKelly was the main free-kick taker of the club with a direct free-kick conversion rate of 39%, but today, he decided to let Rexville take it.
Hey mate, how about you have this one? "Christian said to Rexville while giving him the ball.
Oh really, thanks, I won't let you down.
Rexville stepped up to make the free kick. He was standing alongside Christian facing the walk of players and the goal behind them.
The spectators' loud ramblings were reduced to light chatter as the referee blew the whistle.
Rexville just kept repeating in his head, "Just do like you've always done in training, make this moment count and score."
He kicked the ball with the side of his foot and sent it flying just inches above the wall of opponents who jumped to try and block the shot, and the ball curved sharply in finesse towards the goal, and the goalkeeper dived in the direction of the ball but couldn't reach it as the ball passed him into the top right corner.
The stadium erupted with cheers from SPÖRTING BENCICA CLUB DE FUTBÕL supporters as Rexville scored an amazing free-kick.
John: Gooooaaaaallll!!, what an outstanding free-kick made by the wonderkid, his first professional goal, and an amazing one at that. SPÖRTING CLUB (2), ELBÁNÃ (1).
David: That was a superb debut goal to give his club the lead in the 85th minute. Kudos to the young star.
Rexville, full of smiles, looked at Christian, who ran to hug him as other teammates came to join and celebrate the goal with him. Rexville, feeling proud of himself and smiles brightly as he waves to the stands where the fans were cheering for him while both teams were regrouping to continue the game.
Rexville glanced at the VIP stand to see all his family members cheering for him, especially Felicity, who was crazily moving about as her brother just scored. He saw the proud expression on his dad's face, who then gave him a nod of approval, and Rexville nodded back.
Pheeee!!, the referee whistled to kick start the match after Rexville's goal.
John: It's already 90 minutes, and there are 4 minutes added on. Let's see if there is going to be any late drama here in ESTADIO ELBÁNÃ.
Goal kick, the keeper passes the ball to Nathaniel, who then crosses it to Tristan Davies. Tristan looks upon and sees Rexville signalling a run.
Tristan raises a thumbs up and then sends the ball on a really long pass towards the left side of the field from the midfield.
Rexville ran from behind the opponent defender, who was marking him, with such speed that it threw the defender off balance, leaving Rexville in the clear.
Rexville's eyes glowed purple as he approached the flying ball, and then a system prompt appeared, [USING PASSIVE SKILL, ''ABSOLUTE BALL CONTROL"].
And with his arms spread slightly away from his body, he raised his left leg to control the ball with precision. Afterwards, he began running with the ball towards the goal.
Carlos Priossi was already in the box, awaiting a cross, but Rex continued to run until he was just outside the 18-yard box when a defender came to intercept him.
With the PHANTOM PLAYING FIELD training still fresh in his mind, he made a feint with his body moving it to the left, then rolled his right foot over the ball as if to show he's moving right.
The defender didn't fall for the feint and decided to tackle him, but almost immediately with his right foot on the ball, Rexville performed a snake bite move through the legs of the opponent defender and skidded passed him.
The goalkeeper rushed out towards Rexville, closing the distance and spreading out his body to block his shot.
But Rexville, being quick-witted, fast, and flexible, chipped the ball over the keeper with a lob shot and into the empty goal net.
The stadium bursts with loud cheers as Rexville scored. Rexville ran to the corner flag and did the iconic Suii!! Celebration of football legend Cristiano Ronaldo.
Then he did a gesture pointing to himself and then to the ground which symbolises that "he has arrived and is here to shine".
The ELBÁNÃ fans wore a calm and quiet expression as if accepting their loss.
Soon after his teammates jumped on him, and hugged him in his goal celebration.
John: (jaw dropped in shock), what an amazing bit of footwork and superb finishing from the teenager, he has scored two goals on his debut. The score is 3-1 in favour of SPÖRTING BENCICA CLUB DE FUTBÕL.
David: A masterclass in dribbling and finishing from SPÖRTING CLUB'S new number 21, as he scores a brace in the 93rd minute. Take a round of applause for we are witnessing the beginning of greatness.
As the team went back to take their position, Rexville raised his arms with his fist rolled to the fans triggering another wave of screams from them. Then he glanced at his parents to see them both waving at him and Felicity jumping wildly as her personal attendant tried to control her.
Rexville full of joy ran back to his position for the referee to restart the match.
Pheeee, Pheeee, Pheeeeeee!!!, the referee whistled signalling the end of matchday one.
Rexville received massive congratulations from his teammates and coach in the locker room on a successful professional debut.
He was on the Internet, and his name was everywhere on the news nationwide with critics downplaying his performance and bloggers hyping his very existence.
Rexville, in his room at home and on his tablet surfing through the Internet, was actually surprised at how much traction he made from that one match. It almost felt unreal.
System: [EVERY FAVOURED FOLLOWER OF GODDESS VERADIS IS GRACED WITH DIVINE CHARISMA, BUT I REPRESENT IT AS A HIDDEN PASSIVE SKILL CALLED "CHARM"].
Oh, so that's why.
A system prompt appeared
[FOR SCORING AND WINNING YOUR DEBUT PROFESSIONAL MATCH, YOU ARE REWARDED WITH AN INCREASE IN LEVEL AND, +2 IN ALL STATS]
VERADIS SYSTEM
[OSWALD]
LEVEL: 36 RACE: Human
POSITION: Left Winger (ATTCK)
AGI: 46 DRI: 48
STR: 46 PHY: 49
SPD: 49 SHO: 46
DEF: 32 STM: 48
FLX: 46 G.IQ: 152
SKILL
Spatial Awareness: The user receives a 360-degree view of the area expandable to 300 metres and everything moving in it for a duration of 1 minute and 30 seconds
Cool down: 3 hrs
Uses: ♾️
---------------TAP TO SEE MORE-----------------
Wow, Sweet!.