The aftermath of Olympic football caused a seismic shift somewhere in the world.
That place was none other than the English Premier League (EPL).
Having dominated Europe by sweeping the Champions League from the 1970s to the early 1980s, the EPL had, over the past 15 years, established itself as the most-watched sports league in the world.
Especially after Chelsea was taken over by an oil tycoon, its popularity had skyrocketed, breaking records in revenue and viewership year after year.
But this year, another wave was rising, signaling potential changes, both big and small, in the football world.
It all began about two weeks ago when a Middle Eastern oil tycoon acquired Manchester City.
Sheikh Mansour.
A prince of the Abu Dhabi royal family from the United Arab Emirates, he publicly declared his intention to invest astronomical sums in this transfer window, with plans to scoop up as many superstars as possible, no matter the cost.
His transfer wishlist included elite players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaká, Wayne Rooney, Ronaldinho, Fernando Torres, Gianluigi Buffon, and Robinho.
These days, his eyes were fixed on the Beijing Olympics and for good reason.
Ronaldinho, Robinho, Kaká, Samuel Eto'o.
All the players he desired were participating in the Olympic tournament.
And in just three days, the upcoming match was one he eagerly anticipated.
South Korea vs. Argentina in the semifinals.
He was especially looking forward to seeing how Lionel Messi, one of his potential signings, would perform.
Meanwhile, having secured their spot in the semifinals, the South Korean national team was basking in a celebratory atmosphere.
Female athletes from other countries would leave notes at the players' doors or, when running into them, sometimes even hand over their room keys directly.
However, the national team was under strict supervision, having even received sex education beforehand. With matches still ahead, they couldn't afford to enjoy the so-called "adult festivities" in the Olympic Village.
Still, the advances from female athletes continued, giving the coaching staff plenty of headaches.
Most Western women showed interest in tall, masculine-looking players, approaching them regardless of time or place — during training, meals, or even when heading back to their lodgings.
Among all the players, the most popular by far was the one making headlines: Ho-young.
"Hi, babe~."
It was lunchtime.
The ones who approached Ho-young, who was seated at the table, were Russian track and field athletes.
This kind of blatant flirting was far from rare.
His chiseled physique was one thing, but his good looks were the real draw.
Regardless of Eastern or Western standards, beauty is a universal language.
Though preferences may differ between East and West, good-looking was good-looking.
That was the first reason foreign female athletes were drawn to Ho-young.
Anyone could see he was remarkably handsome, with a mature aura despite his age.
The second reason?
As the youngest player on the team, Ho-young was already a rising star at the Olympics.
Among foreign athletes, he was already known as "That boy," and some of them desperately wanted to sleep with him.
There was a rumor that sharing a bed with a highly skilled athlete could bring good luck or even transfer some of their energy.
Moreover, studies suggested that having sex 10 hours before a match could enhance performance due to hormone release.
"I need your hand."
A blonde woman with impressive thighs whispered to Ho-young.
Again? he thought.
As if he expected it, Ho-young held out his hand, and the blonde athlete pulled something from her pocket.
A condom with the slogan, "Faster, Higher, Stronger."
In the Olympic Village, gifting a condom to an athlete of the opposite sex was considered a bold declaration — "I want to sleep with you." In some countries, it was almost customary, so there were plenty of instances where athletes handed them out openly.
"See you, babe."
After the woman left, Hong Myung-bo, who had been quietly eating with sophistication, smirked and spoke.
"How many is that now?"
"Twelve."
"You're actually counting them?"
"I'm going to use it as a lifetime drinking story."
"Hahaha. Look at this kid talk. You even know what booze tastes like? Hah."
Veteran player Ki Dong-jin burst into laughter.
"If we beat Argentina, you might get 20 more. Think you'll be able to use them all once this is over?"
"Hehe. Should I share some with you guys?"
"Wahaha!"
When they had first arrived in Beijing, the atmosphere during meals was solemn, like a church service. But now, it had lightened enough that jokes were flying around.
That was to be expected — they had made it to the semifinals.
But as match day approached, the tension began to build again.
Military exemption.
That was what was at stake.
In truth, no one had expected a medal at the beginning.
But now, they were close.
Their original motto of "Let's just make the quarterfinals" had evolved into "Let's reach the final."
Even if their opponent was Argentina, they couldn't give up before the match had even begun.
We'll win.
Ho-young reinforced his winning mentality every single day.
August 18th, 10:45 a.m.
At the Korean national team's training camp on the outskirts of Beijing.
After warming up, the players gathered around Head Coach Park Sung-ho for a briefing on the day's training schedule.
"Today, we'll raise the tempo with an intense team training session. In the afternoon, we'll follow up with the scheduled yoga and massage recovery sessions."
"Yes, sir."
Next came a short comment from Assistant Coach Hong Myung-bo.
"Chin up, boys. Did someone die or what?"
Even though he was joking, no one could laugh freely.
The upcoming match was crucial enough to determine the direction of their lives.
The difference between 2nd and 3rd place wasn't huge, but the gap between 3rd and 4th was massive.
Even if they lost the semifinals, they still had a shot at a bronze medal. But that match would likely be against either the Netherlands or Brazil.
In short, both the semifinals and the 3rd-place match were going to be extremely difficult.
That meant they had to pour everything into this game, win or die trying.
Preparation was essential.
And then.
"Game prep is important, but more than anything, you need the mindset that you can win."
That's what Hong Myung-bo wanted from his players.
As the team captain during the 2002 World Cup, Hong constantly emphasized the winning mentality.
Believing in victory.
Back in 2002, even though they had the home advantage, it was that belief, their fighting spirit, and Hiddink's leadership that made the semifinal miracle possible.
This time was no different.
Anyone could foster a winning mentality and fighting spirit.
There may not be a world-class manager like Hiddink here, but they had Ho-young — a young and explosive super crack.
"You can do it. Got it?"
"Yes!"
"Alright, let's go."
August 19th, 6:00 p.m.
"Ooooooooh!"
The 80,000 seats of the Shanghai Stadium shook with excitement.
The players of both teams had appeared.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the players are entering the field! Please give them a warm round of applause!"
Whiiiiiistle!
Whistling echoed from all directions of the stands.
Since instruments like gongs, drums, and flags were mostly banned from being brought in, the only cheering tools allowed were voices.
The Red Devils cheer squad shouted for the players in red uniforms, while the Chinese spectators responded with equal volume for the Argentinian team.
When the giant screen began to show each player's face, the crowd's roar washed over the pitch like a wave.
The stadium cameras focused heavily on Ho-young, and after the South Korean players were introduced, it moved to an Argentinian player.
That was the moment.
"Waaaaaaaah!"
The ace of Argentina with long, side-parted hair held in place by a sports headband.
Only 169 cm tall, but with skills and potential that outshone anyone else — the little giant.
Lionel Messi, who had finished 3rd in the Ballon d'Or voting the previous year.
And at that moment.
The man who would become the greatest monster in football history stood face to face with Ho-young.
When the two shook hands, every spectator's attention zeroed in on them.
The intense energy from the packed stands surged onto the pitch and reached the two players.
Receiving that energy, Lionel Messi spoke first.
"Hi."
Reserved by nature, Messi didn't say much.
And Ho-young responded.
"Whoa…"
A gasp escaped his lips instinctively.
Just seeing Messi made his head spin.
Just standing in front of him made the hairs on his arms stand up — such was the talent he possessed.
...Insane.
His talent was simply outrageous.
Whether this was the limit or if he had even more room to grow was unclear.
But one thing was certain.
His current skill might not be at its peak yet, but his talent was undoubtedly the best in history.
Two thoughts coexisted in Ho-young's mind.
He couldn't wait to play against him — and at the same time, he didn't want to.
He could now understand what it meant to face Messi.
And it was an honor.
Sure, Messi belonged to Barcelona, but as a fellow footballer, the awe he inspired couldn't be described in words.
From the era of Ronaldo, Zidane, Ronaldinho, and Kaká, Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were set to dominate the next generation of world football.
And I want to…
Carefully.
Ho-young harbored the hope of joining that group one day.
Gripping his focus tightly, Ho-young released the handshake and said,
"Let's have a good one."
August 19th, 6:05 p.m.
The long-awaited moment had arrived.
[Lionel Messi]
[Possessed Talents: Dribbling Virtuoso (T), Flawless Dribbling (W+3), God-Given Agility (SSS), Artistic Ball Control (SS+3), Perfect Focus (SS+2), Unrivaled Football Sense (SS+2), (More...)
Solid Fundamentals (A+3), Fantastic Positioning (A+3), Razor-Sharp Decision Making (A+2), (More...)]
(You can obtain one talent by meeting the required conditions.)
(When selecting a Title (T) talent, you can absorb a portion of its instinctual perception. However, you must be over the age of 18 to select it.)
(S-grade and above talents require hidden conditions to unlock.)
(W-grade and SSS-grade talents require Hidden Condition 2.)
(Condition 1: Record an attacking point.)
(Condition 2: Play the full 90 minutes.)
(Hidden Condition: Unlock at least one talent.)
(Hidden Condition 2: Unlock at least three talents.)
(Special Condition
(If Special Condition
No matter how many times he looked, it left him speechless.
Despite being only 21, he already possessed a Title-grade talent.
Thump.
That thought alone brought a surge of tension.
It was a feeling he couldn't suppress.
His mouth dried up, and his pupils trembled.
His heart was pounding hard enough to burst from his chest.
It wasn't the same feeling he had when meeting players like Zidane or Ronaldo.
They had a charisma that overwhelmed the atmosphere.
But at this moment, with Messi, the air was thick only with extreme excitement and pressure.
Gulp.
Ho-young forced the sensation down.
The relationship between fan and idol ended here.
They were now rivals who would face each other again and again.
Focus was everything.
The conditions he needed to meet were "Record an attacking point" and "Play the full 90 minutes."
The best talent he could extract in this match would be an A-grade one, but the rest he could aim for later in league play.
Let's go.
With firm resolve, Ho-young ran onto the pitch.
The other players also stood tall at their assigned positions.
Tension filled the air.
Though cooling systems maintained the stadium temperature, they couldn't cool the fire burning within the players.
As the roar of the crowd pierced the sky, the referee, as if waiting, blew the whistle.
Peeeeeeep—
The long, echoing whistle swept over the field.
The already heated atmosphere flared even higher.
And then.
Tap.
Kickoff.
Sergio Agüero's pass marked the start of the game for Argentina.
Ho-young's eyes scanned the opponent's half.
The players he needed to watch out for included Messi, Agüero, Riquelme, Di María, Mascherano, Gago, Zabaleta, Garay, and Sergio Romero.
Essentially, the entire Argentina team.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)