Chapter 7: Lucas's constant trash talk.

Today's training match was nothing short of a disaster for Joel. As a player who once played in the Premier League, he did have some highlights after coming to League One. But today, he was humiliated by a player he looked down on very much.

That's right, humiliated. Joel's performance on the training ground today was abysmal on both ends of the pitch. He couldn't handle Link's relentless attacks.

Defensively, Joel was left floundering by Lucas's mature game-reading ability. Also, In the past, Lucas didn't have a strong shot, so a forward like Joel, who doesn't like defending, could afford to give him space. But today, any room given to Lucas was swiftly punished with a high-quality shot.

Lucas netted two out of five of his shots today. Everyone on the blue team was stunned by Lucas's newfound accuracy, but Reggie had expected this improvement after seeing him train yesterday.

This kind of finishing wasn't unheard of. Without talking about Messi and Ronaldo, players like Thierry Henry could score with such precision when the defense wasn't tight. Lucas recalled that Henry had a remarkable goal-conversion rate during his prime, especially in the 2003-04 season. Though that was before the era of hyper-pressing, his stats were still impressive, with nearly a goal or assist every other game.

Lucas mirrored this confidence, taking shots on Joel's defense without hesitation.

In the entire 40-minute training match, Joel managed only two shots on target, but they were straight in the hand of the goalkeeper.

"The White Bear," as Joel was nicknamed, clearly showed Conor, the coach, that he wasn't cut out for playing in a forward role. His ball-handling and offensive skills were too rudimentary. In the Premier League, he'd likely be dispossessed ten times a game; as for League One, he can win by his body since most players are more physically good than skilled with their feet.

And what irked Joel even more was Lucas's constant trash talk. From the first shot to the last steal, Lucas's taunting never ceased.

Joel grew more and more frustrated under Lucas's domination. And the more agitated he became, the worse he played.

After the 40-minute match, Lucas's team won 5-1. As the training session ended, all Joel gained was the annoyed glances of his teammates.

He had taken too many shots but only managed to score once. Unless you're someone like Cristiano Ronaldo, playing with such inefficiency will definitely alienate your teammates.

"Beep beep beep!"

Finally, Conor's whistle rescued Joel from his nightmare. Lucas gently placed the ball on the grass, looking as though he wasn't satisfied yet.

"You should be grateful this was only a 40-minute training game, Joel, Otherwise, for what you did to me, I will have made you never want to play football again," Lucas said with a cold look as Joel stormed off the pitch.

Today, Lucas felt like he had exceeded expectations. With such a performance in training, the coach would take notice! All he wanted was more playing time; he was 22, and he couldn't waste more time in League One.

Watching the frustrated Joel walk alone to the locker room, the rest of the blue team celebrated. Finally, someone had put the "Premier League player" in his place!

Coach Conor didn't attempt to stop them. Players like Joel were always going back and forth, and Conor didn't see any point in trying to build relationships with them.

"Everyone did well in today's training, especially you, Lucas, you shone today."

Conor didn't hesitate to praise Lucas, and the other players around him nodded in agreement. A few even reached out to give him high-fives.

The memories from the previous owner of this body told Lucas that he wasn't well-liked around here. But today, he had become the center of attention.

This is the reality of competitive sports. Winning is everything. Wasn't the future Hazard nicknamed the Burger King? But before, he was once considered the first active player under Messi and Ronaldo.

As long as you can win, many issues resolve themselves, including gaining the respect of others, when you lose, you lose respect.

"But don't get too complacent. For tomorrow's match, I hope everyone gives their best! Alright, that's it for today's training, you're all dismissed!"

Conor clapped his hands and turned to leave. The players started heading off in groups toward the locker room.

"Hahaha, you were incredible! Did you see Joel's face!? He looked like a big baby who got bullied and wanted to run home to his mom! Hahahaha!"

As soon as the team disbanded, Reggie ran up to Lucas, laughing uncontrollably.

"Seriously, you made me feel like wanting to be hit in the back of the head. You were better than ever today." The cheerful black winger couldn't help but touch the back of his head. If he could have suddenly become this good, maybe he'd give it a try.

Well, maybe.

Before giving it a try, Reggie had to think about surviving first. Although it was only mid-month, he was already short on cash. After all, his entire family depended on him.

"Lucas, want to join me at the car wash this afternoon?"

"Car wash?" Lucas asked, puzzled. "You want to wash your car?"

"Not my car, you forgot? My cousin Mike said we could make 200 pounds a day working nights at the car wash! Do that for 20 days a month, and that's 4,000 pounds!"

"Part-time…? Really?" Lucas looked at Reggie in disbelief. You're a professional player, right?

But soon, Lucas hid his surprise. His memories told him it was common for League One players to take other jobs to make ends meet.

The central midfielder on Lucas's team was a schoolteacher and only came to training when matches were near.

And Lucas and Reggie? They were even less secure. Though technically "professional players," they were more like dreamers without a steady job.

But people need to eat, and passion alone doesn't pay the bills. So Lucas had joined Reggie at the car wash several times before.

Working until one or two in the morning, then getting up early for training the next day—that was the life of a League One Player. Sports cars, media attention, and big money had nothing to do with them.

Lucas looked at Reggie and felt a pang of sadness. What were players like them holding on to? Lucas shook his head. One foot in the door, another foot out. This group had redefined the term "professional player" for him.

Yes, there are not only bestsellers but also struggling authors. There are not only chart-toppers but also street performers. There are those in the spotlight and those in the shadows.

After all, like Madara Uchiha said: "Where there is light, there is also darkness. As long as there is a concept of victors, the vanquished will also exist."

There's not just the Premier League—there's also a dark corner called the lower leagues…

"Go ahead, Reggie, I'm staying to practice tonight."

With that thought, Lucas shook his head. He now had a chance to escape this fate, and he didn't want to waste it.

By training harder, improving his skills, and getting noticed, he could enter the Premier League sooner. If he made it, he'd hire Reggie as his personal coach. Even that would pay more than playing in the lower leagues.

In short, training, playing, and getting noticed were the only ways Lucas could change his destiny!

"Training?" Reggie was surprised but then smiled and shook his head. "I get it now, that's why you've improved so much. Well, if you need a place to eat tonight, my house is always open."

Reggie patted Lucas on the shoulder and walked off the pitch. If he could, he'd stay and practice too. But there was no choice—Lucas only needed to take care of himself. Reggie had a family to support.

"Thanks, Reggie."

"See you later!"

As Reggie left the training ground, Lucas bit his lip.

He couldn't save all the lower-league players, but he could at least save himself and Reggie.

So Lucas started practicing his shooting. He knew that with his current physical abilities, his best shot at impressing a Premier League team was his finishing!

The Premier League has always welcomed a player with a deadly shot; after all, World Wave is one of the deadliest weapons for players.

The football bounced back and forth on the grass as the "little white bars" in front of Luca's eyes slowly filled up…