The empty gym is tidy and bright.
Ma'el lies in the corner of the wall, his eyes closed and grinning, occasionally letting out a few joyful howls.
Anyway, it's almost midnight now, and no one is around; releasing emotions is naturally fine.
[Skills: Vigorous Lv2]
[Skill Level: (1/800)]
[Utility: After long practice, most of your excess fat has been refined, and muscle is gradually growing, slowly forming a strong shape. Your ability to resist has greatly increased!]
Power upgraded to Lv2... This is the reason for Ma'el's exhilaration. After nearly twenty days of hard work, he has finally leveled up a physical attribute.
This sense of achievement and satisfaction is hard to describe.
It's as if all the effort is truly worthwhile; the broad path ahead becomes clearer, and success is getting closer.
Originally, Ma'el planned to upgrade Long Shot to Lv3 and Power to Lv2 tomorrow.
But seeing the distance at hand, he couldn't resist practicing a little longer, completing the upgrade today.
"The improvement is obvious, more so than the Long Shot upgrade."
After resting, Ma'el got up and moved his body. He could feel that the extra fat in multiple parts of his body was slowly disappearing, replaced by thin muscles.
Don't think that this seemingly not bulky lean build has weak resistance; it precisely represents excellent muscle density and strength.
Even if it cannot match those famous physical beasts in professional arenas, it's enough to outperform average opponents.
"With this, I'll be much more confident when stepping onto the field."
Ma'el smiled slightly. Resistance, like Long Shot, is a direct skill.
He believes it will directly influence his performance in matches, making him stand out on the field.
Tomorrow, upgrade Long Shot to Lv3 and wait for the match against Liverpool!
"Just don't know why each level has different names?" With a full stomach, Ma'el's mind wandered casually.
He was slightly looking forward to seeing what names would appear when these abilities upgrade to Lv5.
Picking up the water cup, throwing his clothes over his shoulder, Ma'el gathered the litter he created and walked towards the exit.
He hummed a little tune until reaching the asphalt road outside the gym. He looked up, suddenly stopping in disbelief, as if he had seen something.
That tall figure briskly walking away at the end of the road seemed to be... Mr. Wenger?
Like most fans, Ma'el held deep admiration and affection for Arsenal's legendary manager Wenger, while also feeling sorry for the troubles he faced at the end of his career.
Such a suave and graceful old man, who wouldn't love him?
In a way, it helped Ma'el embrace this body and this club.
"Oh well, I'll surely meet him in the future."
Ma'el didn't rush to catch up but watched for a long time before turning onto another road.
......
The next day, there was only one day left before the trial selection match.
Coach Hans had already arranged that there would only be morning training today and the afternoon would be a break for players to adjust and prepare.
After morning training ended, he gathered everyone together to announce tomorrow's starting lineup.
"Formation four-three-three with double defensive midfielders. Goalkeeper Hopkins, left-back Carl, center-back Daniel paired with Ian, right-back Thiago.
"Defensive midfielders Lampel paired with Klein, midfield Gilbert.
"Three forwards, from left to right, Ma'el, Gabi, and Iwando."
Hans held a formation chart in his hand, looking up at the trial players, "Aside from you seven, this is the strongest lineup I can field; I've done all I can for you.
"Give it your best, strive to perform at your highest level, okay?"
Ma'el and the others nodded emphatically, their faces showing both anticipation and seriousness with hints of tension.
The brutal elimination surely exerts some mental pressure on them.
After staying here for six months, who wants to leave quickly and return to where they came from?
"Additionally."
Having outlined the lineup, Hans stood straight and smiled, "I have good news for you; Mr. Wenger is very likely to be on the sidelines tomorrow to watch your friendly match.
"Take the opportunity; if you catch his eye, it's not hard to get a loan to a Championship team, even if not to the first team."
Upon hearing this, both trial players like Ma'el and team players like Gilbert lit up, their eyes blazing with fighting spirit.
That's Wenger, him watching a youth team game is rare!
But for someone happy, there are others who worry; the team players not in the starting lineup all showed expressions of deep regret.
"Why didn't Mr. Wenger come when I played before? But he shows up for these trial players?" someone said grimly.
"What luck, it's really a break for these kids!" someone looked jealously at the trial players.
"If you're replaced by one of those seven trial players, forget it."
Hans was straightforward in his refusal: "I've promised they play the entire game in this match."
......
After morning training, Ma'el had lunch at the cafeteria, rested for a while, then headed to the field.
He didn't plan to overtrain today; his shooting practice needed only six more skill points, enough to upgrade in over an hour.
"Alright, I'll train, then rest straight away, conserving energy for the upcoming battle."
Ma'el poured the balls from the bag and quickly took a leg and shot, starting his training.
The mild sunlight shone on the Korni Training Base, illuminating pitch after pitch vibrantly, also casting a glow on Ma'el.
This season on the British Peninsula is indeed comfortable.
Feeling the breeze brush his face and sunlight falling, Ma'el's mood improved as he methodically continued training, indulging in the joy of playing amidst such scenes.
An hour passed swiftly.
"Bang!"
After another shot, a strong sensation surged through Ma'el's leg and waist, bringing a tingly feeling to his body.
He knew his Long Shot had been upgraded!
[Skills: Violent Bombing Lv3]
[Skill Level: (1/800)]
[Utility: Through repeated refining, you discover your Long Shot has reached the level of a professional team's heavy artillery. With slight adjustments, you can occasionally make top-quality shots!]
This upgrade's effect is very evident.
Professional team's heavy artillery level!
Probably can't compare to famous heavy shooters like Gerrard, Batistuta, or Carlos, but competing with a Premier League lower-tier team's shooters shouldn't be difficult!
"The biggest improvement is preparing time, as expected."
Ma'el felt a bit excited; slight adjustments mean he could get plenty of chances every match.
Tomorrow, let the Liverpool goalkeeper have a taste first!