Julian approached the water gate and extended his feet to touch the shimmering blue bubbles. The blue bubbles burst vividly, transforming into a radiant beam of light that seamlessly integrated with Julian's body.
"The host has acquired football skills from the bubbles: Two-to-One Cooperation +1. Today's skill acquisition progress is 10/10."
"Note: This skill enables you to perform a two-for-one collaboration with your teammates. If your teammates also possess two-for-one skills, the success rate of your combined efforts will significantly increase, allowing for multiple two-for-one sequences in a row."
Such remarkable effects!
What the hell?
This skill isn't half bad!
It's a coordination skill!
Although it pales in comparison to Beckham's star abilities, it's quite useful as a fundamental skill.
Julian, having played street football in his previous life, had a solid grasp of the "two-over-one" tactic. Two-over-one cooperation involves two offensive players making two consecutive passes to bypass a single defensive player in a confined space.
This technique encompasses various forms, such as the in-line diagonal pass two-for-one, oblique direct pass two-for-one, oblique two-for-one, and the more intricate return and reverse-cut direct pass two-for-one and reverse-cut oblique pass two-for-one.
All these maneuvers demand substantial teamwork and coordination to be effective.
But now, it's as simple as taking candy from a baby, thanks to the two-for-one cooperation +1 upgrade!
Haha, Michael, you little genius!
Julian chuckled at the despondent Michael, "...Thank you."
Just as the water gate was about to dissolve, Coach Carter sprinted over with unbridled excitement.
"Hey! Kid from Asia!" Coach Carter slapped Julian on the shoulder, "You played that ball so well just now! You must practice hard, right?"
Julian chuckled, "No, no, Coach. I actually don't train much at all."
What effort does it take to learn something so easily? Just stick your feet out.
When you reach C-rank, you won't even need to do that, just gather it with your thoughts.
Coach Carter chuckled, "You Asians are all so modest! But you can't fool me. From a professional standpoint, the move you just pulled off can't be mastered without five years of practice. Although your skill with the ball isn't yet at Beckham's level, you're much younger than Beckham was at his peak! With just that kick, you're more than capable of joining our school team."
Julian was astonished, "Really, Coach? No need for a speed test?"
Carter waved his hand dismissively, "No need. Not only can you join the school team, but you can also make it into the national high school competition squad—the deadline's approaching! I need to submit the team list for the national high school football tournament before this afternoon. So, before then, you must undergo a professional medical examination by the school doctor."
Finally!
Julian contained his elation, "Thank you, Coach."
"You can't go to the doctor's by yourself. I'll arrange for someone to accompany you."
Coach Carter called out to a bespectacled player collecting balls across the training field, "Hey! You there...Drummer! Get over here!"
The spectacled player, known by his nickname, swiftly abandoned his task and jogged over.
"Coach! Is there anything I can do for you...hehe...?"
Carter gestured to Julian, "Drummer, this is our new team member—by the way, kid, what's your name?"
Julian looked up, "Coach, I'm Julian."
Carter nodded at the bespectacled player, "Take Julian to the school doctor for a physical exam immediately. Make sure you give me the exam results before the end of the school day."
This is already an exceptionally expedited process.
Originally, I had filled out the application form first, and then attached the medical examination certificate issued by the hospital.
However, Coach Carter has now simplified and expedited the process, asking Julian to go directly to the school doctor for a professional player's physical examination.
A professional player physical examination is also a necessary requirement for submitting the registration form for national competitions.
The medical examination room at Southampton Private School has the basic capability to evaluate players.
Therefore, as long as he passes the targeted professional exam administered by the school doctor, Julian can officially join the team!
"Yes, coach." Drummer looked at Julian enviously, "Student Julian, please come with me."
"Okay, I'll change my shoes."
Julian quickly removed his Messi special sneakers, placed them in his sports backpack, and donned his previous casual shoes. He then proceeded towards the school building alongside Drummer.
"Student Julian, the full moon scimitar you kicked earlier is really powerful," Drummer initiated conversation while they walked.
Julian smiled and responded, "Maybe it's because the school team currently lacks a left-back, and I can play that position. Plus, being on the school team's roster doesn't guarantee playing football."
The school team's roster consists of 22 players, with 18 selected for each game and only 11 for the starting lineup.
Julian, at best, is only on the list of 22 potential players - provided he submits his medical report before afternoon classes end.
Drummer adjusted his glasses and sighed, "That's better than me. I've been on the team for a year and a half, but I still haven't made it to the big roster for this year's national competition."
Julian was at a loss for words.
Drummer, noticing Julian's discomfort, laughed at himself and continued, "But I'm very content being an assistant to the school team and practicing with them."
Julian, feeling relieved, said, "Oh, so you're the team's assistant. Please take good care of me."
Drummer extended his hand and introduced himself, "Drummer is just my nickname; my real name is Konstantinos Douglas. If you need any help with team matters in the future, don't hesitate to find me."
Julian took his hand firmly and said, "Okay, Cons... I mean, Drummer."
It seems that not all members of the Steel Horns are unpleasant.
At least the assistant is quite friendly.
Drummer added, "Julian, we must hurry. School will end in less than an hour, and we need to complete your examination before the school doctor leaves."
In British high schools, the afternoon schedule differs from domestic ones. There are only two optional classes, after which there is ample time reserved for club activities.
The school doctor typically leaves after these classes conclude, so their time was indeed limited.
Drummer said, "Julian, we really need to hurry. School will be over in less than an hour, and we must finish your physical exam before the school doctor leaves work—this way."
Drummer, whose real name is Konstantinos Douglas, led Julian to the medical examination room.
Julian thought to himself, "At least the assistant is friendly."
The school doctor's working hours are limited to the end of the elective classes.
Therefore, they had to complete the physical exam as soon as possible.
Guided by Drummer, Julian soon arrived at the school doctor's office, located on the right side of the first floor.
Drummer knocked politely on the door.
A mature female voice called out from inside, "Come in."
Drummer led Julian through the door into the office labeled "Dr. Maria".
The office contained only one large desk, which was cluttered with medical charts and anatomical models.
Sitting at the desk was a well-groomed female school doctor in her thirties with long, red wavy hair. She was dressed in a white coat and was currently engrossed in correcting her students' human body muscle diagrams for the elective class "Medical and Nursing".
As Drummer and Julian entered, the doctor did not look up. Her two calves, sheathed in black stockings, were crossed beneath the desk, and her red high-heeled shoes were perched on her toes, giving the impression of both laziness and elegance.
Drummer coughed gently and announced, "Teacher, this is Julian, who has just joined our school team. Coach Carter requested that you give him a professional physical exam."
Without lifting her head, Dr. Maria replied, "A player's physical exam at this time? Does that old man Carter think he's the principal? I'm about to start class, so I can't do it today. Come back tomorrow."
Drummer paused before speaking again in a soft voice, "But, Coach Carter specifically instructed us to do this. If it's inconvenient, we can wait until after your class, and then you can perform the exam."
Maria set down her pen and raised her gaze to Drummer, her red lips curling into a sneer, "You want me to work overtime? I'm sorry, but I don't have that obligation."
Without further acknowledgment, she resumed her grading.
Drummer gave a wry smile and turned to Julian, "Julian, I'm sorry... It seems you'll miss the registration for the national competition. But it's not a big deal. With your performance today, you'll surely be able to join the school team next year and compete."
Julian did not react to Drummer's consolation. Instead, he approached Dr. Maria's desk and said with a charming smile, "Hello, Dr. Maria. I've always enjoyed watching your classes."
Julian directed his smile at the doctor as she looked up at him.
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