Gunnard smiled calmly, "Rusty Stripes, weren't you going to teach me what real football is? When do we start?"
Rusty Stripes, full of pride, replied, "Why are you in such a hurry? Not now, obviously! Can't you see we're in the middle of a training session? This Wednesday, we're competing in the National Talent Cup group stage! Just wait, after I'm done with training, I'll give you a proper lesson!"
Gunnard glanced around and noticed that the coach wasn't present. "Alright, I've got plenty of time. Go ahead and focus on your training."
With that, Gunnard casually turned and found a seat on the sidelines. His nonchalant demeanor clearly irritated Rusty Stripes, but since it was a training session, Rusty Stripes didn't dare lose his temper. Instead, he begrudgingly rejoined his teammates for a 2v3 rondo drill.
Gunnard observed Rusty Stripes closely. His approach to the drill was aggressive, relying heavily on pushing and shoulder checks to pressure the ball. Players like him thrive in lower-level leagues and non-professional matches where the officiating is lenient. They don't need much skill or awareness; sheer physical strength often suffices to dominate opponents.
However, Gunnard knew that players like Rusty Stripes would struggle in higher-level competitions. In those leagues, physical strength alone isn't enough. A poorly-timed foul during a defensive battle could easily put the entire team at a disadvantage. Of course, one must first establish themselves in lower-level events before aspiring to higher leagues. Adapting to reality and evolving accordingly is the right approach.
As Gunnard pondered this, a bald, pot-bellied man stormed onto the field, furious.
"F***! Motherf***er!" Coach Carter burst onto the scene, angrily tossing his tactical board to the ground and cursing loudly. "That bastard Orlin! Traitorous scum! He transferred to Westminster School right when we're about to start our group matches! The day after tomorrow is the game! Today is the deadline for submitting the final roster! Where the hell am I supposed to find a left-back that fits our tactical system now? What, is one going to fall from the sky? F***! Damn it..."
Coach Carter's tirade was peppered with expletives Gunnard had never heard before. Gunnard couldn't help but laugh to himself; this was way more entertaining than a French class!
The school team players, all working hard on their drills, were stunned...
Westminster School was their archrival! Historically, Westminster had often humiliated Hampton Private School on the pitch. And Orlin was the best player at Hampton—strong in duels, solid in defense, capable of breaking through, delivering long passes, and even shooting from distance. Orlin was like a high school version of "The Great" Gareth Bale, a player with serious potential to be scouted by professional clubs!
The entire Stags' wing play tactics revolved around Orlin as the core. The players all knew that Orlin was Coach Carter's protégé, his prized pupil. Now, just when Carter and the team needed him most, Orlin had betrayed them and joined their archenemy, Westminster School!
It was a miracle Coach Carter wasn't more violent.
"What the hell are you idiots standing around for?"
"Are you laughing at this old man's misery?"
"Or do you think standing there like statues will help me get revenge?"
"Or maybe you all already know you're a bunch of useless trash, and it doesn't matter if you train or not?" Carter was spitting mad. Even Gunnard, who was sitting not far away, could feel the intense anger in the air.
The players on the field didn't dare to breathe too loudly and continued training obediently. These bad boys, whom the entire school feared and avoided, were all as docile as little chicks in front of Coach Carter!
"Ding~"
"You received 90 points of negative emotion from Lamar Carter. System bubble generating..."
Oh?
Gunnard couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. He hadn't even done anything yet and had already scored a free bubble! Unfortunately, he was more than five meters away from the scolded school team players; otherwise, he could have reached the daily collection limit in one go.
At that moment, a fully charged blue bubble appeared by Coach Carter's feet.
Coach Carter seemed like a serious coach...
Gunnard stood up and nonchalantly walked over to Coach Carter, lightly touching the blue bubble with his toe. The blue bubble immediately burst into a brilliant stream of light, which merged into Gunnard's body.
"Ding~"
"The host has picked up a skill from a fully charged bubble: Trash Talk +1. Today's collection progress: 2/10."
Gunnard: ...
"Friendly reminder: When you use the Trash Talk skill, your opponent's psyche will suffer a critical hit, leading to increased negative emotions. However, when your opponent uses Trash Talk against you, you won't be affected."
This skill... It's not exactly useless, but it doesn't really fit my suave and composed persona!
Gunnard silently complained in his heart.
"Do you have any manners?" Coach Carter glared at Gunnard with a look that could kill.
It was only then that Gunnard realized that in his eagerness to collect the bubble, he had ended up face-to-face with Coach Carter.
Gunnard took a step back and calmly said, "It's an honor to finally meet the legendary Coach Carter. Please forgive me for getting a bit excited earlier. Coach Carter, my name is Gunnard. I'm an international student at this school. I want to join the school team."
Coach Carter's sharp, eagle-like eyes swept over Gunnard with disdain. "Want to join my team? Are you out of your mind? Before I start cursing you out, you'd better move your foot off my field!"
Gunnard remained composed, standing tall and looking directly into Coach Carter's intimidating eyes. "Coach, I'm not joking. I really want to play. I'm sure I'm the person you need. Please give me a chance to prove myself to you."
Carter couldn't help but frown. Usually, a few scoldings would be enough to scare any student away, and some would even be brought to tears by the pressure. But this exchange student was different. He wasn't scared at all. His dark eyes were full of maturity and steadiness, like someone who had been through big moments.
This guy was either incredibly thick-skinned or actually had some real skills.
Carter's mouth pressed into a thin, grim line. After considering for a moment, Carter frowned and waved his hand dismissively. "You've got guts, but our team doesn't need anyone right now, and we're about to compete in the national tournament. There's no time for new recruits! If you're really interested, submit your application after our competition is over—"
Gunnard interrupted Carter confidently, "Coach, I... can play left-back."
end.