From Arsenal to the Ball God

”She doesn’t ask for a big salary increase, just hopes that the previous 500 pounds a week allowance continues.”

Ma’el turned to look at him, Safina’s figure, appearance, and temperament were top-notch among Western women, how could he refuse her?

For this kind of issue, isn’t it just fine that Safina agrees?

He chuckled secretly, covering his mouth with his right hand, ”Sure, I have no issues.”

”That’s great!” Harry seemed very happy, stepped forward, and gave Ma’el another hug.

Once Safina chose a room, Ma’el gathered the two of them together to discuss business: ”Harry just talked to me about that, now calculating it, your weekly salaries are both 2,000 pounds.”

Harry and Safina exchanged a glance, nodding slightly with some anxiety, not knowing what Ma’el wanted to say.

”I’ve decided even before I came here.”

Ma’el smiled and said grandly, ”Last year, I was able to maintain a good physical state, and you both contributed greatly. Now that I’m moving up to a Premier League powerhouse and about to earn a higher salary, I will also raise your salaries.”

”Ha...” Harry and Safina gasped, exchanging another glance, curiosity growing on their faces, waiting for Ma’el to state the amount.

”3,000 pounds.”

Ma’el didn’t hesitate, directly stating the sum: ”Your weekly salaries will both raise to 3,000 pounds.”

Harry and Safina were shocked again, their mouths agape, raising their fists and exclaiming, ”Wow....!”

Harry could guarantee that if anyone asked him right then what he wanted to say to his boss, he would definitely say... may he have a long life.

”Love you to death!”

Safina rushed over at this moment, embracing Ma’el tightly again, only letting go after a long while.

Ma’el watched them with a smile, feeling cheerful. Coupled with the fact it was a good day for moving, he couldn’t help but take the two out for a big feast.

......

On May 31st, Arsenal welcomed a holiday, and Wenger called Ma’el to inquire about his current situation.

Ma’el chatted with him for a while, realizing Wenger didn’t blame him for that matter at all, as if he had forgotten it entirely, never mentioning it from start to finish.

”A 5-week holiday.”

Wenger discussed vacation arrangements, offering his blessing: ”Have a good rest, find a beautiful city to holiday in, hope you enjoy this period and start the season in good condition.

”Everyone is waiting for you, hoping you can quickly establish yourself in the Premier League.”

”Got it.”

After hanging up, Ma’el called Gilbert to the training ground to conduct some skills training once again.

Though there were occasional other matters these days, he never skipped training, as he must always remember what is most important for himself.

He also had to constantly remind himself that even as he grows stronger in the future, he cannot stop improving.

He must keep working hard, tirelessly, until he becomes a Ball God!

That afternoon at 2 PM, he saw the Stopping the Ball skill level interface appear, bringing in yet another new skill.

[Skill: Force Discharge Level 2]

[Skill Level: (159/300)]

[Utility: You have gradually mastered the method of force discharge for various types of passes, often being able to exquisitely capture the football’s landing point and subtly handle the ball for discharge!]

Finally, it’s here!

Starting at Level 2, it’s not bad.

Reaching Level 3 in a short period, it will probably be initially usable; reaching Level 4 might give the sensation of stopping the ball wherever desired.

Ma’el went to the sideline for hydration, slightly puzzled internally why the Ball Control ability hadn’t surfaced... He had actually been practicing Ball Control more in recent days, practicing Stopping the Ball less.

”Could Ball Control be a brain-related skill too?”

He contemplated this point, thinking it’s possible, as it is hard to categorize it as a simple skill type.

During his recent training, he specifically practiced Ball Sense, various pull-backs, dragging and pushing movements, which are all basic training methods for Ball Control ability he accumulated previously.

”Never mind.”

Ma’el stopped thinking further, just training as he had been, knowing one day the ability would surface. He understood well the harder a skill is to train, the better its effects.

”I’m leaving tomorrow.”

Gilbert came over at this point, smiling while hydrating, ”Without someone passing to you, you won’t be able to practice stopping the ball.”

”Where are you headed?” Ma’el turned to him, asking with curiosity.

”Bournemouth,” Gilbert responded, packing his training gear, looking down. ”Not to the team, but to train in that town as it has excellent training facilities.”

”I might directly head to the new team from there without returning.”

Ma’el nodded slightly, feeling some reluctance in his heart: ”I’ll see you off at the airport tomorrow.”

Once Gilbert leaves tomorrow, he might have to find a couple of sparring team members, preferably one who helps improve his footwork skills and another who assists with Physical Ability and Coordination training.

In simpler terms, finding a personal coach focusing on skill enhancement and another on physical ability enhancement.

At that time, the real sprint phase for capability improvement will have arrived!

”Okay.”

Gilbert smiled, gladly accepting: ”I have a 4 PM ticket, I’ll call you then.”

”Alright.”

Ma’el looked at the training ground in front of him, reflecting on his good friend’s year away to explore, couldn’t help but ask, ”When you come back a year from now, what kind of player do you hope to be?”

Gilbert’s eyes were filled with even stronger reluctance, not only for parting with a good friend but also separating from the training base where he grew up.

He thought for a long time, lowered his head, biting his lip, voice trembling a little, ”A player who can stay here and fight alongside you at Arsenal.”

....

ps: This one day, the off-season storyline is almost complete.