"Allow me to introduce you to the guard lineup of the school team," Drummer began.
He pointed at Rusty Stripe, who was still diligently leaping about, "You know Rusty Stripe, the main central defender. I know you two have some history, but don't judge him solely on his fierce appearance. Over time, you'll discover that he's quite a good person. Every time Rusty fights on the field, he stands up for his teammates. He's a man of loyalty; it's just that his head is filled with..."
Drummer spread his palms and gave a knowing look.
Julian nodded in understanding.
Moving on, Drummer pointed to another player standing beside Michael, "That's the other main center back of the school team, Penn Lyle. His nickname is Painter."
Julian followed Drummer's gaze to find a player only a few centimeters shorter than Rusty Stripe, but significantly thinner.
The nickname "Painter"? It seems innocuous enough.
Maybe it's because he's got more hands than feet?
Drummer continued, "And the one behind the painter, practicing dribbling on his own, is the main full-back, Buck Fried, nicknamed Chicken."
Julian stifled a chuckle, "He's got some fancy footwork, alright."
That's not the issue here; he's a full-back playing like a winger!
One of the crouching dragon and phoenix chicks...
Drummer's finger moved to a player sitting off the court, drinking water, and sighing, "That unfortunate soul is a substitute midfielder named Kafee Davis. He was put in the left back position because our original left back, Orin, defected. Coach Carter considers him a temporary solution."
Julian nodded, "It makes sense."
This confirms that Julian isn't the first choice in Coach Carter's lineup.
Julian was prepared for this, though:
While he managed to kick the full moon scimitar in the test, it was still just a test and not an actual game.
Furthermore, the scimitar's level wasn't at its peak.
Beckham's full moon scimitar is the top of the line.
If translated into a game's rating system, Beckham's Moon Scimitar would be at +9, and that's without the golden right foot's bonus for precise long passes, making it a double +9.
Julian's, on the other hand, is only at the +1 level for now.
Although Julian can acquire skills, he can't replicate their levels.
Considering Beckham's Moon Scimitar is a +9, and Julian's is a mere +1, it's no wonder Coach Carter wouldn't simply throw him into an established team based on one test.
Julian remained patient.
His immediate goal was met, and the next step was to play steadily, obtain more defensive training bubbles, and use the time to improve his fundamental abilities and physical stats.
After all, football isn't about one or two skills.
Even if a single skill is maxed out, it's only a gimmick on the field.
The true allure of the sport lies in its complexity and the need for a balanced, cohesive team.
Seeing Julian's calm demeanor, Drummer couldn't help but express his admiration, "Julian, you've got a good attitude. If I were in your shoes and found out the coach had a temp playing left back instead of me, I'd be fuming."
Julian smiled serenely, "Since I'm part of the school team, I'll follow the coach's decisions."
Drummer nodded in agreement, "You're right, the coach's word is law here. But, between you and me, the school team is lacking a left back, so even without prior practice, I'm sure the coach will have you on the bench. That temp isn't very reliable."
Damn it...
Looking at it this way, the chances are great! I have to hurry up and extract!
Good! Tonight, I will continue to squeeze Sophie...
Julian secretly planned in his heart.
Drummer adjusted his glasses, "The introduction of the main defender is finished, let me introduce you to the midfielder. You should know who it is, Michael. He is a versatile midfielder who can play the traditional midfielder role. He is the forward man responsible for organizing the attack. He can also play back and kick the midfielder. To be honest, Michael is a very promising player, but he's too much of a hothead. When defending, he often likes to provoke the opponent with various small curses. For this reason, there is no shortage of trouble. Help him fight to get ahead, so he and Rusty Stripe are absolute good brothers. If you say Michael's heart isn't bad, it's just that he's too cheap."
Indeed... Julian smiled knowingly.
Drummer said again: "The player who is talking to Michael is the captain of the school team. His nickname is Bread, and his real name is Esther Knoss. He plays a defensive midfielder. He is the oldest in the team. Talking and doing things are also more stable."
Why is he called bread?
Soft?
Julian rubbed his forehead and suppressed a smile.
Drummer pointed to the other side of the training field, "The player over there who is looking in the mirror and stroking his mustache is the left midfielder named Eight. His real name is Otto Rosenthal. To be honest, his footwork isn't bad, but he's too arrogant. He always thinks he's Messi. Oh, by the way, let me tell you some school team common sense. Eight and Harry don't get along with each other. They think the other is stupid."
Julian nodded slightly: ...the same school team has crouching dragons and hidden tigers, what can you expect?
Drummer gestured towards the other side of the training field, "The player over there, admiring his reflection and stroking his mustache, is the left midfielder, Eight. His actual name is Otto Rosenthal. To be frank, his footwork is decent, but his confidence is over the top. He fancies himself as the next Messi, always believing he's the best. Let me fill you in on some school team trivia: Eight and Harry can't stand each other. They think the other is an idiot."
Julian nodded slightly, musing, "Same team, yet crouching dragons and hidden phoenixes...what can you expect?"
Drummer shifted his gaze to a player lounging in the sun with sunglasses on the sidelines, "That's the school team's right midfielder, Arthur Lambert. His nickname is 'Blind'."
Julian couldn't help but chuckle at the straightforwardness of the moniker.
Drummer indicated the stoic, robust player beside Watergate, "That's our main striker, Willard Zachary, known as 'Sissy'. Although he has a rather effeminate voice, when he's not speaking, especially when he's on the field, he's all man. His specialty is his powerful shots. During the previous qualifying rounds, Sissy scored three goals from outside the penalty box!"
Julian couldn't hold back his amazement.
Noticing Julian's attention, Sissy shyly smiled back. Julian promptly nodded in the air, acknowledging him.
Drummer then pointed at a player engrossed in his phone and giggling, "That's the center of our school team, Armand Woodward. His nickname is 'Glider'."
Julian's mind raced, comparing the 'Golden Bomber' of their rival team's striker to their own 'Glider'. They certainly had a knack for unique talent.
"Thank you, Drummer. You've been a great help." Julian expressed his gratitude.
Drummer replied with a smile, "It's no trouble. Any more questions?"
Julian's curiosity remained, "There is one last thing...why do they call you 'Drummer'?"
Drummer blushed before evading the question, "Ah, you'll find out in due time."
Julian pressed further, "Does Coach Carter have a nickname?"
Drummer was firm in his response, "No, absolutely not."
"Well, I'll find out in the future," Julian said to himself with a smile.
Julian turned to look at Drummer, who was standing nearby.
At that very moment, a young girl in a little black dress with suspenders entered the training ground.
Julian studied her more closely.
She looks familiar, doesn't she?
Isn't this the medical class representative who bore a slight resemblance to Ronaldo's ex-girlfriend from the physical examination room earlier?
What could she be doing here?
Surely she hasn't come looking for me?
As Julian pondered this, Rusty Stripe's voice boomed with excitement:
"Susanna!? It's really you?! Thank the heavens! God must have heard me!"
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