From Arsenal to the Ball God

On May 20th, Ma’el received a call from Mendes in the gym, who informed him that the house had been selected and was awaiting his on-site inspection.

”It’s time to go.”

He turned his head to look at Gilbert beside him and asked, ”Have you found a house yet?”

”Not yet.”

Gilbert’s eyes were a bit evasive, and he turned his head to wipe sweat with his right hand, ”I’ll stay at a hotel first when I get there, let’s talk after training with the team for a few months.”

Ma’el noticed his unusual behavior and tentatively said, ”I’m planning to rent a big mansion this time. You can move your stuff in and stay with me until you find a place.”

”No need.” He replied quickly, afraid that Ma’el would persuade him further.

Ma’el stopped his actions, hesitated for a moment, and seriously asked, ”You’re not thinking of leaving because you’re afraid you won’t get to play, are you?”

”How could that be?”

Gilbert’s reaction was more normal this time, with a determined look in his eyes: ”Arsenal trained me for five years, and gave me the opportunity to practice in the sixth year. Why would I think of leaving the team now?”

He sighed and honestly said, ”Last season, I had 9 goals and 5 assists at Sheffield United, which means I can be a starter for a Championship title-chasing team, and maybe even for a Premier League relegation team.

”But back at Arsenal, I have no confidence at all. I’m not even sure if you can compete with them, let alone me.

”My agent Barnet is already contacting loan destinations for me. There’s a high chance I’ll be loaned out after the preseason training match.”

Ma’el listened to him and thought about his current situation, feeling no particular emotions, ”That’s great, so why not say earlier and try another season at Sheffield United?”

”I want to give it a try myself.”

Gilbert raised his head with a longing in his eyes, ”I want to play in North London, to wear the Arsenal jersey and play at the Emirates Stadium.

”But knowing I probably won’t be able to stay... I won’t rent a house now, nor will I stay with you.”

Saying that, he pretended to be flamboyant and joked, ”After all, I need to get used to living alone.”

”Get lost.”

Ma’el slapped away his stretched-out hand, full of disdain in his eyes, though he knew both of their orientations were quite normal.

They just spent too much time together, so they sometimes acted a bit weird.

He didn’t say anything else, silently accepting Gilbert’s decision, since they still had to train together for a while, no need to rush goodbyes.

[Skill: Strong lv3]

[Skill Level: (537/2000)]

[Skill: Flexibility lv3]

[Skill Level: (268/2000)]

[Skill: Power Side Foot lv3]

[Skill Level: (148/2000)]

[Skill: Judging the Situation lv3]

[Skill Level: (982/2000)]

[Skill: Physical Ability lv2]

[Skill Level: (752/800)]

Ma’el analyzed all the physical and cognitive skills he would train next, observing their skill levels, noticing that there were considerable gaps between each skill.

The highest were Judging the Situation, Physical Ability, and Strong, all above 500.

These skills were practiced more or less during his daily training and matches.

Especially Physical Ability and Judging the Situation, every game and every training session stimulated them, increasing their skill levels.

As for Strong, it was mostly trained during speed training, and with the specialized training in the gym these days, it was gradually improving.

Power Side Foot and Flexibility might receive less stimulation usually, so their basic skill levels would be lower if practiced.

”I’ll head out tomorrow.”

Ma’el decided, having just received his driver’s license a couple of days ago, and without any attachments here, it was time to meet Arsenal teammates again.

Arsenal’s matches this season were about to end, and the pre-off-season training intensity wouldn’t be high.

He could take this time to improve all his abilities and regulate extra training sessions.

Once the offseason officially began, he aimed for a major all-around improvement during the sprint period to enhance his skills!

He hoped that next season, he would stand on the Premier League stage as a brand new self!

......

On May 21st, two business cars from the Korni Base arrived at Sheffield City and stopped at the side of Cherry Street.

Ma’el and Gilbert came out with large and small bags, loading all the luggage into one car, to be sent to the Korni Base first.

Harry and Safina were there, too, loading their few belongings into the car and directly getting into the luggage car, setting off first.

”I’ll help you take care of it.”

Today, Safina wore a low-cut top and shorts, accentuating her voluptuous figure with a mature, feminine charm.

She waved at the two, smiling, ”Don’t worry, contact us once you find a house.”

Ma’el said goodbye to the two in the car, watching them go off in the distance, before getting into the second business car with Gilbert.

Both had been quite tired recently, falling asleep as soon as they sat in the car, waking up only when they were about to arrive in London.

”Let’s visit the Emirates Stadium.”

Gilbert suggested, since the two wouldn’t return to the Korni Base tonight, they could wander a bit and take a look at the stadium they dreamed of playing in.

”Let’s go.”

Ma’el nodded in agreement. He had been at the Korni Training Base since arriving in this world and hadn’t visited the Emirates Stadium yet, so it was a good chance to see it.

The driver quickly switched routes, heading towards the Emirates Stadium, soon reaching near Helo, seeing a magnificent stadium standing on an empty plot from afar.