From Arsenal to the Ball God

Chapter 410 - 116: Rising Influence! Messi and Ronaldo Under Pressure! Fiery Christmas! Second Vice-Captain + No. 7!

"Bang... Pop!"

"Pop... Bang!"

He dribbled the ball a few more times under his feet and found that his mastery of rhythm and direction had significantly improved.

His speed was much faster, with a better grasp of timing when dribbling past opponents... he quickly envisioned himself as a defender, realizing he had become even more formidable.

Level 4 is here!

The first Level 4 Additional Skill!

It must have amazing effects!

[Additional Skill: Variation Level 4]

[Skill Level: (1/1500)]

[Utility: After numerous refinements, your control over rhythm has become masterful, often able to change breakthrough rhythm flawlessly, leaving defenders caught off guard!]

"Variation!"

Joy appeared on Ma’el’s face, throwing the loneliness and tedium he felt earlier behind.

He has many ways to adjust his mood; winning games, leveling up, scoring, and assisting all make his spiritual realm exceptionally fulfilled.

"Only the old skill Endurance is left."

He excitedly murmured, bringing up the skills he’s been practicing to look at the new skill panel.

[Skill: Rapid Charge Level 4]

[Skill Level: (95/5000)]

[Skill: Violent Bombing Level 4]

[Skill Level: (364/2000)]

[Skill: Endurance Level 3]

[Skill Level: (1974/2000)]

[Skill: Fancy Dribbling Level 2]

[Skill Level: (519/800)]

[Skill: Header Timing Level 2]

[Skill Level: (289/300)]

[Additional Skill: Fancy Techniques Level 1]

[Skill Level: (310/1500)]

"Endurance is also close to leveling up, and headers are almost at Level 3 soon."

Looking at this panel, he thought, if all these skills were leveled up to Level 4 or Level 5, he wouldn’t be far from being truly versatile, right?

What else is missing?

"Let’s not worry about it now."

Ma’el didn’t think too much about it, opting to find out during matches later, but first to freshen up and get ready to dine with his teammates.

...

At six in the evening, amid a lively atmosphere, Ma’el walked into a restaurant in a neat suit and entered the Arsenal team’s private dining room.

"Xuxu~!"

Van Persie’s keen eyes spotted him, a top forward really has sharp insight. After whistling twice, he said, "Look who’s here?"

This voice drew everyone’s attention, they turned to look at the door and cheered upon seeing Ma’el: "Oh.....!"

"Ding ding ding ding...! I have a friend!"

Sagna stood up, inexplicably starting to move his body, "He revs his Bugatti on the wing, dances the swan dance on the defensive line...!"

German iron guard Mertesacker stood up, raising his drink cup and shouted: "Welcome Mr. Golden Boy!"

"Clap clap clap...!"

Amidst enthusiastic applause, Ma’el walked into the restaurant embarrassed, sitting next to Van Persie, with Mr. Wenger at the opposite position.

"Weren’t you training again today?"

Van Persie handed a piece of fruit to Ma’el, chuckling: "You look like you have no moisture on your face, like it’s been drained out."

"You guessed right." Ma’el, looking as if he’s had a hard time, waved his hand and said, "Don’t mention it, I don’t want to talk about football after vigorous training when mingling."

"Haha.....!"

Van Persie and a few beside him laughed, amused by Ma’el’s demeanor, eager to tease him a bit.

"Ma’el, those two goals in the last game were brilliant, didn’t you practice aerial strikes enough?" Vermaelen spoke up cheekily, mimicking Ma’el’s aerial movement.

"What do you think of the 3-4-3 formation? What about 4-1-4-1?"

"I don’t know, maybe we should ask Ma’el first, he’s an expert."

"Oh... Ma’el, you must have profound insights on football training, can you teach me how to improve physical ability?"

Ma’el sat there with a look of bitterness, wanting to cover his ears but too hungry, couldn’t stop his mouth.

After enduring this wave of teasing, everyone turned their gaze to Mr. Wenger, preparing to tease this adorable old professor.

"Mr. Wenger, have you got your dancing skills down? I see Van Persie and Ma’el leading us to win the championship."

"Too far, let’s dance one when we remain unbeaten at halfway?"

"Haha.....no, we should keep our promise and wait until we win the championship."

"Is it tango? Or samba? Maybe ballet? Haha!"

Amidst a burst of jokes, everyone laughed, and Ma’el, immersed in this atmosphere, was very happy, watching Mr. Wenger join in the fun with others.

Mr. Wenger stood up, smiling energetically, dressed sharply in a muted gray suit with his usual red tie, "Now that you mention it, how about I dance one now?"

..... The players were stunned at first, then reacted that Wenger was joking... but they wouldn’t miss the opportunity, immediately clapping and knocking on the table to cheer: "Oh.....!"

"Clap clap clap! Boom boom boom!"

"Do one! Do one!"

"No, no, no." Wenger quickly stepped back, waving his hand with a wry smile: "I was just joking."

"Haha."

Ma’el couldn’t help but laugh, enjoying the dining vibe that was pleasant from the start.

Once Mr. Wenger dodged a bullet, everyone refocused their attention on Van Persie.

"Robin, Ma’el has already scored 20 goals, you’re at 16, do you really not want to compete with Ma’el for the Golden Boot?"

"Yeah, yeah, Ma’el’s almost scoring as many goals as your age, why haven’t you scored as many as his?"

"Pfft!"

Van Persie looked astounded, chuckled incredulously, but not angered... with the current atmosphere in the Arsenal team, if someone can’t take such jokes, that would be very unfortunate.

At this time, Wenger came to Ma’el, patting his shoulder.

Ma’el turned with a smile, seeing that Mr. Wenger seemed to have something to say, asked: "What’s up?"

"After the Golden Boy Award, you seemed to have absorbed some things."

Wenger came close to Ma’el’s ear, smiling, "Taking advantage of today’s Christmas dinner, I’ll tell you some good news; I’m preparing to promote you to deputy captain."

Deputy captain?

Second only to Van Persie?

Ma’el turned away, thought for a bit, then quietly said: "Can I make a request, I want the number 7 jersey."

The number 7 holds special significance for wingers, he’s always wanted it, couldn’t compete for it when he first arrived, maybe now is the time.

Wenger didn’t think long before nodding in agreement, finally patting Ma’el’s shoulder before leaving.

Deputy captain + number 7.

There was more joy on Ma’el’s face, indeed he had accomplished quite a bit in this half season.

...

ps: This Chapter’s a transition, brothers, the pace will pick up in the second half of the season since it’s already been covered, rehashing too minutely will slow the rhythm.

Of course, certain necessary parts will still be written, won’t pass over too carelessly, trying to balance details appropriately.