Still stunned by the system's challenge on the way to the beach, Winston remained silent. He questioned if the core had a hidden purpose or if the system, aware of what might unfold, was trying to protect him, given that he had never hurt anyone. At this moment, Winston realized this upcoming game was more than just who got a better skills or who was a better striker. But now everything has changed, and this put him in a predominant state, staring out of the window, he wondered if this was something he really had to do. He glanced over the core daily challenge.
Ding!
[User Daily Challenge]
[Score: 00/04]
[Goal heading: 00/01]
[Cripple Maximilian]
Do I need to cripple Maximilian, does this mean he will injure me first? Based on what I've heard about Oswin, his popularity was the obvious reason someone intended to harm him. I need to stop being naïve about these things, everyone in the football world strives for the top spot. Maybe I should wait and see how Maximilian plays this match. If he tries to injure me, then I have no choice but to cripple him. Even so, it is such a colossal task.
"Okay, kid, we are finally here. Remember to enjoy yourself," Dumi said, putting his black SUV in park. Winston felt the cool, salty air on his face, and he drew a deep breath as they entered the two-story restaurant, then proceeded to their outdoor table to order their meal. Curiously, Dumi asked, "What's wrong, kid? You were quiet through the drive here,"
Looking over the calm waves, after sipping his apple juice, Winston replied, "I was thinking about something, what will you do if someone tries to warn you of something that might happen in the near future. And it asks you to injure that person first,"
Dumi pondered for a while, and he replied, "Well, mmm, that's interesting. Mmm, if that person is seeing something that could harm you, I would say injure that person first, is there someone trying to injure you, kid?"
"No, I was thinking about the Oswin situation. Maybe someone tried to warn him, I mean, the skills he has, he might have attracted a lot of people who envy his talent,"
"Kid, listen, this football is not all that glamorous as it might appear. Every player you see or play with is striving for a top spot, and they will injure and cripple everyone whom they might see as an obstacle. You recall when the fans of Kelcy and Garicy clashed about who was the legend, the clash even poured onto television and newspaper and later on social media. It also affected them on the pitch, and off, you remember when Kelcy got injured when he was playing against Garicy. people suspected Garicy had something to do with it… the entire situation went ballistic and it all started with a debate… all I am saying is in this football world is cruel, most players will go in such great length to either injure or cripple the person whom they see as an obstacle just be careful,"
Having finished eating, Winston wandered the beach, listening to the gentle lapping of waves, and soon discovered a group of children kicking a football barefoot on the hard concrete. Winston stood observing the game for a while, the football these youths were playing was divided into two teams, and a block of 6-inch concrete hollow block acted as a goal post, the football game was more about style rather than the normal football. It reminded Winston of how Oswin described his one-on-one match on the hotel ground floor a few days ago. One youth who was waiting asked around the youths who were standing watching the game to partner with him, since he arrived late and everyone was already paired up. The kid noticed Winston from across the court and briskly walked toward Winston, "Hey dude, do you want to play street football,"
Winston pondered for a while and replied, "Sure, but I don't know the rules,"
With a relieved smile on his face, the youth said, "Don't worry, the rules are basic, they are similar to real football, the only thing different is the goal. To win the match, we have to hit that 6-inch concrete hollow block, and the game ends after one scores two goals."
"Oh, and don't worry if you are new to this style of football, you will see that it is easy and fun."
Taking off his shoes and placing them next to the boy's ice cream machine, he said, "I am ready,"
Once the youths had finished their games, Winston and the boy took their turn, and after a quick coin flip, their match began. The boy Flicked the ball into his knees height and turned dribbling the ball on his ankles the motion was so smooth and fast, he ducked under the youth armpit dribbling the ball on his toes and he passed it to Winston who amateurishly executed the around the world moves and nut-megging the oncoming youth who was playing guard on the 6-inch concrete hollow block behind him. Winston used his outside foot carefully, not to grind the concrete with his toes. With a "THUD" the small crowd that was watching clapped for them. High-five each other before heading back to their side of the concrete field.
Winston observed the boy collect money from another youth whom Winston suspected was some kind of referee. After the boy was done collecting the money, he came over to Winston, heavy breathing with a grin, he said, "Thanks dude, by the way my name is Ike"
"No problem bro, my name is Winston. I didn't know that you have to put money in order to play,"
Fist-pumping Winston, Ike said, "It's okay, I paid for a spot earlier in the morning, so I can finish doing this," slamming the red three wheel machine connected to a bicycle. He continued, "Are you a professional player,"
"Not yet, I am still playing for the junior league,"
"I knew it, the way you were playing was too skillful, I think you were not giving your all. What football club do you play for?"
"I play for the under twenty-one Westminster F.C."
Ike, eyes wide he looked Winston up and down, rubbing his eyes, "holly-molly you are a big deal,"
Winston asked, "Why don't you go for the tryout, I am sure they are team looking for skill players like you,"
Ike paused for a while and let out a heavy sigh, and replied, "I would love to, but life has other plans," Without Ike going any further, Winston understood that not everyone has the luxury of pursuing their dreams. Even he understood that he was lucky to get this opportunity to even pursue his. "But don't worry about it, I will attend the upcoming one at the end of the season. So wish me luck, bro.. Anyway, I better get going, Mom is waiting for me back at home,"
As Ike peddled on his bicycle, he waved to Winston and yelled, "I will keep watch on your matches Winston," Winston waving back at Ike, jolted by Dumi behind him, "made a new friend" Dumi said, standing side to side with Winston.
"Yes, his name is Ike, a very talented kid," said Winston.
Dumi turned around and walked away. He glanced back at Winston and said, "Yeah, I watched the game, C'mon, kid, let's go. I don't want us to arrive at the hotel at night, and I don't want to be stuck in traffic."