Integration.
Lately, Ho-young had been curious about what kind of effect it would bring.
And finally, today, he got a glimpse of its true nature.
Thanks to Cristiano Ronaldo's potential.
[Transcendent Ball Control (SSS-), Peerless Ball Trapping (SS-), Astonishing Ball Keeping (S+), and Precise First Touch (A+3) will be integrated into 'Ball Sense.' The name of the integrated talent will be determined by its grade, and the grade will be calculated based on the average value of the integrated talents plus a bonus.]
[Time required for complete integration: 250 days → 40 days. No other talents can be integrated during these 40 days.]
[Once fully integrated into 'Ball Sense,' the talent will transcend the limits of human capability.]
He didn't fully understand it yet, but he had a rough idea.
'So if it's integrated into Ball Sense, the level of ball control, first touch, and ball trapping will be brought up to the same standard. That standard will be the average value of the current talents plus the bonus.'
In other words, how much bonus he received would be key.
And once the integration was complete, his sensory skills could surpass human limits.
He would know for sure in 40 days.
Four days later, the 38th round of La Liga took place against Osasuna.
As the final match of the season, the players gave it everything they had, and, as expected, there were no surprises.
Real Madrid claimed a comfortable win.
Tweet—
[As the 38th round concludes, Real Madrid are officially crowned champions!]
At that moment, everything spilled onto the pitch.
Bench players, staff, cameramen, and the roar of fans.
Wooooaaaaaaaah!
Three consecutive La Liga titles.
Having achieved that great feat, the players embraced one another in a circle, jumping high into the air.
Afterward, they paired up in twos, holding each other tightly.
Ho-young also embraced the players who came toward him, sharing the joy of victory.
Each player had their own reaction.
"Ey, Woo! Bravo!"
"Hey, bravo!"
Smack!
There was Pepe, celebrating with wild enthusiasm.
"Captain, thanks for everything."
"Ho-young, it was a joy playing this season because of you."
Raul embraced him and patted his back.
Carlos gave him a pat on the head and praised him warmly.
And finally.
"It was a wonderful season, sharing the pitch with you."
Said Zinedine Zidane, leaving behind a sentimental message.
Set to retire at the end of this season, Zidane would have his official retirement ceremony at next season's opening match.
At that time, Ho-young would have one more chance to fulfill Zidane's hidden condition.
Truly, he was a giving tree.
"Thank you, Zizou."
Ho-young was sincerely grateful to have played alongside him.
Zidane had completely transformed his footballing life.
"I'll never forget the football you taught me."
"Haha. I think that's something I should say instead. Let's meet often, even after I retire."
"Yes, of course."
Leaving Zidane behind, it was now Schuster's turn to approach.
"Good work this season. I think it's one I'll never forget."
"I learned a lot."
"Haha. I was the one learning, really. But why do you sound like someone who's about to leave? Don't forget, we still need to lift the Champions League trophy together, don't we?"
"Of course. Without a doubt."
This season had left a significant mark with a league title under his belt.
And the reward that came with it was just as great.
[Razor-Sharp Tactical Understanding (A+2)]
He had finally acquired one of Bernd Schuster's talents.
If combined with his existing ones, it would likely level up to S-grade.
But just then.
"Gaffer! Gaffer!"
The players swarmed around Schuster and lifted him up in celebration.
Next came captain Raul's turn.
Then, it was Ho-young's.
"Woo, Woo, Wooooooow!"
Heave!
Ho-young soared higher than ever, clenching his fist and raising it toward the sky.
"Hoooooooh!"
Just like that, he sent all his lingering regret into the sky.
Even as night fell, the Santiago Bernabéu remained ablaze with heat and cheers.
The players were busy with post-match interviews, while the fans cheered relentlessly.
The trophy ceremony took place soon after.
[And so the 2008–09 La Liga season comes to an end. It was no easy journey. An absolutely thrilling season that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final moment.]
[That's right. But strangely enough, I think fans are already looking forward to next season even more. With Real Madrid hinting at a rebuilding phase and aiming to sign superstars.]
[Indeed. And there's still the question of whether Schuster will step down or continue on. Despite not winning the Champions League, he led them to a respectable runner-up finish.]
At that moment.
In the VIP section, President Pérez watched the ceremony with a satisfied smile as he clinked glasses with General Director Jorge Valdano.
"Thank you for all your hard work this season."
"Haha. I didn't do much. You're the one who worked hard, President."
"The players did the real work."
Though it was disappointing to claim only one title again, Pérez was at least content with the achievement of three straight league titles.
He quietly covered his mouth and spoke in a low voice.
"Keep that matter under wraps. Things feel a bit unstable lately."
"Understood. Don't worry."
The next day.
A double-decker bus bearing the Real Madrid emblem entered Cibeles Plaza and made its way toward the central fountain.
On the rooftop of the bus, Real Madrid players dressed in suits stood packed together.
Whenever the club won an official title, it was tradition to bring the trophy to the statue of the goddess Cibeles and kiss it.
It symbolized receiving the goddess's blessing and reaffirmed Real Madrid's identity as the city's flagship club.
The bus moved toward the statue, welcomed by the roaring support of the fans that filled the plaza.
The players waved, took videos on their phones, and displayed all sorts of excitement.
Among them, one player stood out.
It was Marcelo, bouncing around so wildly he looked ready to jump off the bus.
He was also the only one wearing the Real Madrid jersey.
Curious since earlier, Ho-young finally asked him.
"Why didn't you wear a suit?"
"I hate suits. And besides, fans like it better when I wear the uniform, right?"
"They might just think you're desperate for attention."
"Oh, I love that!"
"Heh. Still, it's funny when you think about it."
Ho-young's expression turned subtly emotional.
"Feels like it was just yesterday we met in Brazil's youth league, and now we're lifting trophies together at the best club in the world."
"Next time, we'll sweep every competition. You're staying here with me, right?"
"Of course. We're Los Blancos."
Nod.
Ho-young smiled softly and dipped his head slightly.
Just then, the bus came to a stop.
The players, greeted by loud cheers from the crowd, got off and walked into the heavily secured central area, ascending a raised platform.
Raul and Zidane stepped up beside the statue and lifted the trophy.
Finally, each player was given a moment to speak.
Ho-young was seventh in line.
"I'm Ho-young."
"Waaaaaaaaaaaah!"
A thunderous cheer erupted the moment he said his name.
As he brought the mic close again, the entire plaza went dead silent.
"Thank you. Raul, Zidane, Carlos, Guti, Salgado, and Casillas have already said plenty, so I'll keep mine short."
After clearing his throat, he continued calmly.
"Thank you for waiting five years."
A simple thank-you to the fans.
That was all.
And that marked the final moment of Real Madrid's 08–09 season.
In an apartment in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province.
Ho-young's parents sat together in the living room watching the live broadcast, their eyes glistening with emotion.
"You've worked so hard, son."
"Oh my... Honey, you've gone through so much too."
Though only a single season had passed, for the couple who never missed a single match, it felt like ten years.
Kim Hee-sun spoke up.
"Let's do what Ho-young said. Quit the company and live the life you always wanted. Remember what you've always dreamed of doing?"
The money Ho-young sent home every month was easily in the 100,000 to 200,000 euro range.
With that, they could start a business, go back to school, or pursue anything.
Woo Hwang-sun had long harbored a dream, and thanks to their young son, he could now make it happen.
But it didn't sit well with him to enjoy it alone.
"Then you should do it too. How could I be the only one? Did you give up on going back to study?"
"Dear, sometimes dreams are most beautiful when they remain just dreams."
"Do you really think that? Watching our son, I realized something. The ones who chase their dreams are the most beautiful in this world. That kid is constantly pushing toward his."
"But I need to take care of Ho-il."
"You don't have to do it alone. And it's not like you'll be studying forever. What harm could a couple years away do? We can take him to your family and my parents. They'll help."
"But at this age, studying..."
"Come on now. What does age matter?"
"Still..."
Despite her words, Kim Hee-sun was already lost in thought.
Before marrying Woo Hwang-sun, she had been studying fashion in Spain.
Her mind was already full of Madrid.
She liked the idea of returning to Madrid, finishing her studies, and supporting her son at the same time.
She smiled with the happiest expression in the world.
Just having the freedom to dream again made her feel grateful and full of love for Ho-young.
After the season ended, one person became especially busy.
President Florentino Pérez.
He was fully occupied with plans to complete the second Galáctico era.
He dramatically boosted the youth academy budget and raised the wage cap for first-team players.
With his requested budget approved, he had the funds he needed.
Now all that remained was to go down the list and bring in the targeted players.
First, he began negotiations with AC Milan.
They wanted around 68 million euros for Kaka.
Given that Kaka's form had declined compared to last season, it was a hefty price, but Pérez found it acceptable.
That's because his focus wasn't just on Real Madrid as a team, but on Real Madrid as a brand.
In that sense, Kaka was a perfect fit for the second Galáctico project.
His kind and attractive looks would go perfectly with the white kit.
Just thinking about it brought a smile to Pérez's face.
Although voices of opposition to the second Galáctico policy were growing within the board, Pérez was determined to see it through.
He paid no mind. Every policy has critics, good or bad.
As for concerns about whether Kaka and Ho-young could coexist, he didn't even bother listening.
It was the manager's job to integrate players and create a cohesive team.
Kaka's signing would likely go through smoothly as long as the transfer fee was lowered slightly.
However.
'Ronaldo's the problem.'
Manchester United CEO David Gill, who had initially agreed to sell Ronaldo for 80 million pounds (about 131 million euros), suddenly changed his stance.
After the Champions League final, he claimed Ronaldo's value had risen and demanded nearly double — 150 million pounds.
Champions League runner-up in goals, Premier League Golden Boot winner.
And with the treble, Ronaldo was all but confirmed to win the Ballon d'Or.
'So they're expecting at least 120 million...'
Pérez had somewhat anticipated this after United completed the treble.
But what surprised him was the extent of the price hike.
He hadn't expected it to double.
'Must be Ferguson's doing. Gill doesn't have the guts to pull something like this.'
The master of mind games, Alex Ferguson.
Their battle, which Pérez thought had ended in Rome, was still ongoing.
But the war between the two old men soon came to an abrupt end.
Because of a shocking piece of news that stunned the world.
And its source came from within Real Madrid.
(To be continued.)