That evening, the double champions held a grand victory banquet.
Mike had booked out the entire venue in style, with tables covered in premium champagne and an array of exquisite dishes.
Leo Lin could not drink alcohol, so he stuck to soft drinks. Even though there were still matches ahead, Klopp allowed the players to drink, as long as they kept it under control.
The celebration went on until 1:00 a.m. Barnett drove Leo Lin home, with Maria in the car as well.
Maria had attended the FA Cup final in person. After comforting her father post-match, she stayed by Leo Lin's side the entire time.
She was the one caught in the most complicated position. One side's head coach was her father, while the other side's key player was someone she shared a close relationship with.
All she could do was try to remain neutral. Still, she followed Barnett to take Leo Lin home, leaving her heartbroken father in her mother's care.
Leo Lin rolled down the window, enjoying the gentle night breeze. Maria sat beside him. In front, Barnett laughed as he chatted with him, while Delores sat in the passenger seat, smiling just as brightly.
Thinking about the trophy he had just won, Leo Lin felt like he had already won at life.
What moment could possibly be happier than this?
Back home, Leo Lin relaxed in a hot bath. Barnett and Delores did not leave. The group planned to stay with Maria and celebrate all night.
While soaking, Leo Lin opened the system interface. He had heard the notification the moment he won the trophy, but he had been too busy celebrating to check it.
With another title secured, he gained an additional 150 points, bringing his total to 375.
Without hesitation, Leo Lin spent 300 points to draw a new skill.
A calm ocean appeared before him, but he could not help glancing at a deeper, more mysterious sea nearby.
He was still over 200 points away from unlocking the Divine-tier Brilliant Skill Pool. Once unlocked, he would be able to attempt his first Brilliant Upgrade Skill draw.
Taking a deep breath, Leo Lin shifted his focus back to the calm ocean and willed it into motion.
"Start the draw!"
The ocean floor began to churn as a vortex formed. The deep blue waters surged upward, gradually glowing into a pale blue.
Leo Lin stared at the color.
Pale blue?
Naples?
The pale blue light intensified, then burst outward.
As the glow faded, the skill revealed itself.
[Congratulations, Host. You have obtained the Blue Moon skill: David Silva's Magic Left Foot!]
Leo Lin froze.
Who?
Da... David Silva?!
His direct opponent at Manchester City this season, and he had just drawn his skill?
David Silva, a midfield magician whose ability far exceeded his fame.
Spanish fans often describe his value with one line:
"When Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets were at their peak, the Spanish coach would rather drop a forward than leave David Silva out of the starting midfield alongside them."
That alone spoke volumes.
Leo Lin's dominant foot had always been his right. Now, with David Silva's left foot fused into him, did that not make him truly two-footed?
He opened the skill description. The blue glow seemed to pull him in.
[David Silva's Magic Left Foot (Fusion Skill): As usage of the left foot increases, the skill gradually reaches optimal fusion.
Optimal Fusion State: Increases left-foot ball control by 20%, improves left-foot first touch by 20%, boosts left-foot shooting by 15%, and enhances left-foot dribbling by 15%.]
Leo Lin was thrilled.
This was his first fusion-type skill. The concept was simple. The more he used it, the stronger it became until reaching its peak state.
As he acquired more skills, their variety continued to expand.
He had never imagined he could significantly improve his weaker foot, but this was exactly what he needed right now.
...
While Leo Lin was still reveling in his new ability, over in the Chelsea manager's office, the lights were still on despite the late hour. Conte had yet to leave.
Premier League Matchday 37, a clash that could decide the title, was set for May 15.
Conte had no intention of being a backdrop to Liverpool's celebration. To him, this was a battle to defend his pride.
"Hey, honey. I won't be coming home for the next few days. I need to stay at the club and figure out how to stop Liverpool."
A bright voice came from the other end of the call.
"Really?"
"Oh, I'll miss you."
"By the way, when you do come home, call me at least two hours in advance so I can prepare something nice for you."
Conte smiled, filled with warmth.
With a wife like this, what more could a man ask for?
After four days of analysis, Conte and his coaching staff finally came up with a plan to contain Leo Lin.
"Leo Lin has explosive power and strength. Simple physical challenges will not be enough to stop him. We need to rely on technique."
"His dominant foot is his right. Whether it is free kicks or dribbling, he relies heavily on it. Even when shooting from distance, he often adjusts to his right."
"So we defend him from the right side and force him onto his weaker left foot. That will significantly limit his performance."
Conte nodded after finishing.
The assistant coaches immediately gave him thumbs up.
"Boss, that's brilliant!"
"A truly priceless tactic!"