He had enough points to perform this task. Plus, he was curious as well. Hence, despite the cost of the task, he decided to investigate this matter.

"Go ahead. Let’s do this." Hiro commanded.

Upon his approval, the system started its analysis.

Then, in just a matter of minutes, it concluded.

[During the game, the individual named Shun had gained a new skill. This skill allowed him to transform.]

Hiro skimmed through the contents. His eyes perked up as a realization dawned on his face. Then again, a question surfaced in his mind.

Is it possible to gain new skills mid-game?

Isn’t this so sudden?

’I thought people are either born with talents, or you have to work for skill.’ Hiro ransacked his mind as he started pondering about this newfound information.

Previously, he believed skills were either inherent or learnt.

But he wasn’t aware that one could gain new skills in the middle of the game, too.

However, before he could even ponder more about this revelation, something else caught his attention.

[Indomitable Spirit]

[Effects: Increased awareness, heightened senses, and the user gains an additional stat when faced with an opponent stronger than him at the cost of stamina. Can’t be used on multiple targets.]

[Certain conditions must be met to replicate the skill. Would you like to replicate the skill?]

The screen flashed with the description of the skill, piquing his interest.

Upon going through the description of the skill, Hiro couldn’t help but be amazed. The skill sounded like a golden ticket.

The skill sounded too good to be true.

However, as he continued to go through the contents, his expression started to change. The glow in his pupils dimmed, and his face became much more serious.

"It consumes stamina..." He muttered, his tone sounding a bit too serious now. "Shun doesn’t require much stamina because he is a keeper. But if it drains your stamina, then for me, it would be like holding a double-edged sword."

Though the skill sounded impressive, the cost of using it was brutal.

Especially for a player like him who relied heavily on stamina, this skill was more like a curse than a blessing.

Even so, Hiro couldn’t bring himself to pass on the opportunity to gain one such impressive skill.

Hence, after pondering for a while, he decided to replicate this skill for himself.

"Let’s do that."

[Requirements to replicate the skill]

(1) Have a positive impression with Shun.

(2) Score a hat trick against Shun.

"Hmm... The conditions aren’t too harsh." Hiro muttered to himself. "I don’t have to do much about the first condition. But the second... This one seems a bit difficult."

Because he hadn’t even been able to score a single goal in their previous encounter, Hiro couldn’t help but become a bit anxious.

Scoring a single goal was difficult.

Yet, the second condition required him to score a hattrick.

"Well, whatever. Let’s raise our stat for the next encounter."

Though the condition seemed rather difficult to fulfil, Hiro still resolved to clear it.

**** ****

Beep!

The sound of the whistle cut through the air, bringing an end to the match.

Just as the whistle sounded, the stadium erupted with chants and cheers. The flags were raised, blowing in the air like banners of conquest. White waves cascaded across the stands.

"The El Clásico belongs to Madrid this time, and it wouldn’t be possible without that man."

The commentator’s voice boomed as the screen flashed with the visuals of a rather lean-looking individual dressed in white.

This individual had tousled blonde hair, his pupils—sharp and piercing—scanning the pitch with the quiet satisfaction of a hunter who had just claimed his prize.

Sweat clung to his brow, catching the stadium lights and making his fair skin gleam like polished marble. A few strands of damp gold stuck to his forehead, carelessly brushed aside as he lifted his gaze toward the roaring crowd.

His jaw was chiseled, angular—features carved with an almost sculptural precision. High cheekbones caught the shadows, and his lips were parted into a smirk.

Even amidst the roaring celebration, he appeared calm, almost too calm for someone who had just crushed the hopes and dreams of millions.

"Nico. That was just too damn freaking amazing."

While he was engrossed in the celebration, a bald individual walked towards him. This individual was dressed in black, and he had a rather long face. His pupils seemed as if it was sunk inside his skull.

However, his smile was one that could melt hearts.

Nico looked at him, a smile plastered on his face, "I didn’t do much, coach. You’re just exaggerating."

"Quit with your humbleness now. Without your hat trick, we wouldn’t have won this important match. Just look at the crowd; how much this win means to us," the bald man praised while pointing at the roaring crowd.

"Nico!"

"Nico!"

He could hear his name even amidst the growing cheers.

Looking at the crowd, he couldn’t help but feel a gentle sensation tugging at his heart. However, he didn’t reveal his excitement. He hid it under his cheerful features as he continued to flash his subtle smile that revealed his happiness for the match.

"You better be prepared for the post-match interview now."

Meanwhile, a certain distance away, a man drenched in sweat was gasping. With his brows knitted and a rather grim-looking expression, he slouched with his hands pressed against his knees.

"Don’t let it get to you, Yamal. You did whatever you could."

While gasping for breath, another man walked to him.

Upon hearing the man’s voice, he lifted his head. Just as he lifted his head, the features of the man came into his sight.

Just like him, this man was draped in red and blue, his jersey smeared in dirt. His cheeks were hollow, almost carved inside, and his pupils were dark.

He had a fair complexion. However, his face appeared rather bruised.

"Pau..." Lamine rasped. "We lost."

Pau didn’t respond. He remained silent for a while as he lowered his head in disappointment before muttering, "We did."