Elian tried to sleep, but once again, sleep had proven elusive for him. But he knew better now, he was never going to underestimate the power of sleep. So, he was just going to lie on the bed. Elian immediately calmed himself and reached deeper into his soul, he could picture the system clearly inside of him, pulsating with life. Elian took on a mission from the system. He was going to level up tomorrow, by all means.
"What are your thoughts on how you think I should play the game tomorrow?" Elian asked Meta.
Meta chuckled in a low tune. "Don't be tensed, I told you. Whenever you're not in your right mind, then I am very much prone to mistakes. I could give you a wrong judgment that could cost you everything."
Elian nodded. "Okay. But just a little advice, it'll do."
Meta thought for a while. "Mm…let's see… If I were to say something to you, then it'd probably be that you should just give it your best. With the system's help, you'd be one of the best players in that field tomorrow, so just give it your all. You don't have to do anything excessive, the system has automatically boosted your football IQ, you can naturally think and figure out things during games now."
Elian smiled to himself. "Meta had acted so mature for the first time since he had gotten to know this bot. "Thanks a lot, Man."
"How do you know I'm a guy?" Meta asked, a peculiar interest painting his voice. "I could be a lady, ya know."
Elian rolled his eyes. "The annoying stuff was back."
"Just answer me, you brat." Meta said amidst laughter, clearly he had heard Elian's thoughts.
Elian shrugged. "Well, I am a boy, so you have to be a boy too, right?"
"Not enough." Meta replied. "That is never a reason. The situation could have been different, I could have randomly entered anyone else. This was total coincidence. I could have entered a female footballer too."
Elian was won over for a moment. "Well, I guess you're right."
Meta laughed. "Think more, when you get the answer, you tell me. There are things that make your race superior, and it's because you know the answers to realistic things like this."
Elian nodded. "That's true. I think I will be able to sleep now, good night."
"Sleep tight." Meta answered.
The floodlights of the iconic stadium cast a golden glow on the lush green pitch, as the electric atmosphere of the Champions League match between Elian's team, Manchester City and their opponents Paris St Germain begins to build.
Elian sits in front of his locker, his eyes fixed on the jersey hanging in front of him, the number 11 gleaming on the back. He takes a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. This is it – the biggest match of the season for Elian. Because this match was what was going to define him and his future in Manchester City. He would definitely not like to waste away two years in a nameless club.
"Listen up, team!" Coach Mateo's voice echoed through out the locker room. "Tonight, we don't lose! We've worked tirelessly for the final moment. We're almost there, Believe in yourselves, trust each other, and we'll bring home the win!"
Elian's gaze intensified as he visualizes the game ahead. He can almost hear the roar of the crowd, the sound of the ball connecting with his foot. He stands up, his determination palpable. It's time to put everything on the line. This was a do or die affair. As he took in a deep breath, he allowed the system to totally run through his mind, Game Reading initializing to run on full throttle.
*Team Huddle*
Manchester City players gathered around Coach Mateo, their hands clasped together in a symbol of unity. "Together, we rise!" they chanted in unison, after the coach had given his last speech before the match, their voices echoing through the stadium's corridors.
The stage is set. The battle for Champions League glory and the fight for Elian's future is about to begin.
Elian sighed to himself. It was time for him to make his debut, he was going to finish this off real quickly, then he would move into the bigger stage, he would move onto the real world of professional football.
Elian heaved a very deep sigh as the players began walking into the field. He was very thankful that his coach had decided to give him one last chance, even though it would prove very bad for them if Elian spoilt the game again.
This season, Manchester City's U-19 team had promised the media that they were going to win the first champions league of their own. The only reason Mateo had retained his job was because he was believed to be the only coach who could lead them to do this. It was a very difficult task, but Mateo believed he possessed the ability to do this.
The players took their positions on the field. They carried out the ritual of kneeling before the match commenced.
The Referee looked around, making sure that all and sundry was in place, he put the whistle to his mouth.
"This is it…" Elian whispered underneath his breath. "Are you ready, Meta?"
"Yeah." Meta replied, voice full of ecstasy.
Pii!!