CHAPTER 30: CHAPTER 1: CHAMPION

"1, 2, 3!"

"We are the champions!"

The silver trophy was held high, and Real Madrid’s players stood on the stage wearing champion medals, while the golden ribbons symbolizing championship and victory slowly fell from the sky. Every player’s face was beaming with smiles.

The fans in the stands of the Bernabeu chanted, "Madrid! Madrid! Madrid!", singing the second version of "Hala Madrid" revised in 2000. This filled the entire Bernabeu with an epic atmosphere, and Hala Madrid served as a harbinger of their expectations and blessings for the new season.

Only the Merengue truly understands the meaning of Hala Madrid; it was never just a simple slogan.

The Merengue were cheering, with everyone immersed in joy.

This was Real Madrid’s 8th Spanish Super Cup championship, the last win being four years ago.

After experiencing the departure of superstars and an "ugly" season, they finally regained this trophy in a splendid manner.

Schuster was all smiles, leading the players along with Francisco to express thanks to the attending fans.

"I have an idea," Schuster turned to look at Francisco and said, "Maybe we should open training to the fans again."

Last season, during Christmas, it seemed like Real Madrid forgot how to win. The locker room was frequently in turmoil, and on January 7th after suffering a defeat at Riazor Stadium, Capello announced that training days would be canceled, isolating the team from the media and the fans.

"Isn’t that a bit too hasty?" Francisco hesitated and said, "I worry this might create unnecessary pressure for the players."

Francisco’s concerns were not unfounded, and Pepe’s performance in this match was the best evidence.

And now Real Madrid was no longer the "Galaxy Battleship"; those superstars had left, with more young players coming in.

"It won’t," Schuster laughed boldly while waving to the fans and said to Francisco, "As long as we keep winning, keep winning beautifully, then there will be no pressure."

"By the way, I heard Rijkaard has a disagreement with the club’s higher-ups?"

"Ah, yes, that’s what the newspapers say."

"What a pity, that the first match isn’t against Barcelona."

Francisco watched Schuster’s regretful look, unable to maintain his expression. Your calculations are so loud that the beads are about to bounce onto my face.

Last season, Real Madrid won the La Liga championship, and the championship trophy was awarded during the first match of the second season. If they could hold an award ceremony at Camp Nou before the match and then beat Barcelona in the game, what a great thing that would be!

"The Derby de Madrid is not bad either," Francisco smiled and said, "At least we can securely grab a victory."

"By that time Cannavaro should be able to play. Atletico Madrid, I wish they were a bit stronger, haha..."

...

After a day of fatigue, Chen Zhong finally returned to his dormitory building. After waving goodbye to Marcelo, he headed towards his floor. He couldn’t wait to check the system messages.

However, at the door of his room, "Pirate" Granero was standing there, holding a suitcase in his hand. Upon seeing Chen Zhong appear, he showed a big smile.

Since the Russian Railways Cup, Granero had not trained with the first team.

"I watched today’s match," Granero said to Chen Zhong, with a bit of envy, "It was great."

"Are you leaving? Which team are you going to?"

"Getafe."

"Whoa, not bad! Can you make it to the starting lineup?"

"Of course," Granero lifted his luggage and said to Chen Zhong, "If possible, you should consider going on loan too!"

"There’s more opportunity outside. Right now, the most important thing for us is to get game time."

"I don’t think so!" Chen Zhong waved his hand and refused, "The new physical coach always seems a bit unreliable. Pepe, Marcelo, Baptista always complain after training."

"I feel I still have a chance to play, not that I’m hoping they get injured, I’m just saying at my age, other than under this coach now, at another team it wouldn’t be like for you!"

"Your age, your age, what’s your age." Granero lifted his suitcase again. His reluctance was so obvious even Chen Zhong could see it easily.

It’s definitely not that he’s reluctant to leave Chen Zhong; Chen Zhong doesn’t have that kind of charm. Instead, it’s leaving Real Madrid, the team he’d dreamed of playing for since he was a child.

Even though Getafe could be considered a strong team in La Liga, and they guaranteed his game time, he still found it hard to part.

But ultimately, he left, walking quickly, seemingly afraid that if he continued talking, he really wouldn’t want to leave, scrambling to be even on the team’s bench.

However, those coaches whom he had known since childhood were clear; his situation was different from Chen Zhong’s. Chen Zhong could snatch some opportunities, but he, in front of Sneijder, Guti, Robben, and Robinho, had no chance at all.

Chen Zhong returned to his room, washed up, and lay on the bed.

He didn’t first draw a badge but opened the so-called season tasks to see what they contained.

Compared to the unknown effects of badges, he was more concerned about the ways to get stronger.

One season task after another emerged in front of him, and Chen Zhong carefully examined them.

[Season Task: Rookie]

[Official matches 1/10]

[Reward: 1 free point upon completion.]

[Season Task: Offense]

[Score once.]

[Randomly reward 1 point of related attribute based on the way of scoring.]

[Season Task: Organization]

[Complete 1 assist.]

[Randomly reward 1 point of related attribute based on the way of assist.]

[Season Task: Defense]

[Complete 20 tackles/interceptions/aerial duels.]

[Randomly reward 1 point of related attribute upon completion.]

[Season Task: Training]

[Flair/Weak Foot/Badge]

[Choose one, consistently complete training tasks to gain improvement.]

Chen Zhong’s eyes flickered with a gleam. In the youth team, he had fully tapped into his potential. His current abilities were the limit he could reach without the system. And now, he saw a path to climb again.

Moreover, he found the way to improve in flair and weak foot.

As for the badge?

Chen Zhong opened the badge interface. The badge interface was empty, with only a circle in the center with the word "one" written in it, probably representing the number of draws.

Without hesitation, Chen Zhong used the draw chance.

Three badges emitting a silvery glow lined up, hovering before Chen Zhong.

The first badge featured a muscular upper body. After clicking to view, it displayed the words [Burly Man].

[Badge: Burly Man]

[Quality: Silver]

[Description: Slightly increases your strength during body contact.]

A player’s limit in individual data is 99, and in body contact, it’s a combination of multiple data points. Strength is undoubtedly the most important factor.

"Right now, I’m already very strong in body contact. If I max this out, wouldn’t I be invincible in physical confrontations?" Chen Zhong’s heart was racing. What man can refuse to become stronger?

However, he remained restrained and looked at the second badge.

The second badge appeared somewhat strange, with a battery featuring a lightning bolt symbol on it.

[Badge: Durability]

[Quality: Silver]

[Description: Reduces stamina consumption and improves stamina recovery.]

"Ah, what man can refuse to be more enduring?" Chen Zhong was tempted again. During the inspection, he also found that he couldn’t take all three, only choose one.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Zhong set his gaze on the third badge.

The third badge was engraved with an eye, giving a mysterious and unfathomable feeling.

[Badge: Anticipation]

[Quality: Silver]

[Description: Slightly enhances your defensive awareness and increases tackle speed.]