THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME

Zachary blinked and focused on the contents of the bluish near-transparent interface after hearing the system AI's reply.

****

->G.O.A.T Skills: 7

(i) ZINEDINE-PIRLO MENTAL JUJU

[1st-level: Progress: 100%]

(ii) ZACHARY-ARROW-SHOT

[Progress: 1st level mastered beyond 100% completion]

(iii) BEND-IT LIKE BECKHAM JUJU

[Progress: 100%, Mastered beyond 100% completion]

(iv) CRUYFF-TURN

[Progress: 100%, Mastered beyond 100% completion]

(v) RONALDINHO ELASTICO DRIBBLE

[Progress: 100%, Mastered beyond 100% completion]

(vi) DEAD-BALL SPECIALIST JUJU (Quasi-Passive skill)

[Progress: 100%, Mastered beyond 100% completion]

(vii) MARSEILLE TURN

[Progress: 100%, Mastered beyond 100% completion]

****

"Awesome!"

Zachary felt a sense of contentment flooding his entire being after perusing through his G.O.A.T Skills data.

Over the past year, he'd worked tirelessly to improve all the skills within his repertoire. He had even spent most of his free time on the pitch or within the system simulator, honing his skills with a one-track mind. As a result, he'd mastered all the G.O.A.T skills beyond a hundred percent completion and could freely use them on the pitch, no matter the situation.

He could perform an elastico dribble or any other skill even during the most critical of situations during a match. He was already a grandmaster as the techniques were basically already a part of his style and ingrained into his muscle memory. So, there wasn't anything stopping him from learning more G.O.A.T Skills from the system at that moment.

"System," he said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation after taking another peek at his bedside clock. "I would like to purchase some new G.O.A.T Skills from the shop."

"Command received," the AI replied. "Data loading, please wait."

Zachary could feel his heart palpitating as he observed the near-translucent crystal-like display before him. He watched with bated breath as the contents of the interface flashed and morphed abruptly into the system shop menu.

Within an instant, the purchase-skills tab grew more prominent on the interface while blinking red before flickering slightly and turning into six glittering skill cards. They gradually floated forward and soon hovered before everything else on the interface.

On the cards were pictures of various famous footballers, namely Cristiano Ronaldo, Robinho de Souza, Zinedine Zidane, Luis Suarez, Robert Lewandowski, and Steven Gerrard, all working with the ball in the images, respectively. And below each of the cards were a few words inscribed in beautiful calligraphy.

****

1) CR7 Aerial Finishing Juju: For positioning and heading accuracy within and outside the box. Requires at least S- grade Body Control to master the skill. [Costs 2,000 Juju-points]

2) Robinho Step-Over Juju: For dribbling, tricks, and feints. Requires at least S- grade Body Control and S- grade Agility to master the skill. [Costs 2,000 Juju-points]

3) Zinedine Touch Magic: Zone control, heightened technical ability in crucial moments, passing in all ranges, and deadly momentary dribbling. With the Zinedine Touch Magic, you can leave opponents in the dust with one or two magical touches. Requires at least S- grade Body Control to master the skill. [Costs 4,000 Juju-points]

4) Box-Vampire Suarez: The true art of positioning, skipping past opponents, and deadly finishing within the box. You'll be able to draw blood every time your opponents grow lax within the box. Requires at least S- grade Body Control and S- grade Agility to master the skill. [Costs 4,000 Juju-points]

5) Box-Assassin Lewandowski: Most of the time, no one can stop you when you receive the ball within the box. Requires at least S- grade Body Control and S- grade Agility attributes to master the skill. [Costs 4,000 Juju-points]

6) Rocket-Launcher Steven Gerrard: Immaculate positioning and deadly shooting outside the 18-yard box. The keepers will fear you when you receive the ball in the final third. Requires at least S- grade Body Control, S- grade Agility, and S- grade Strength attributes to master the skill. [Costs 4,000 Juju-points]

NB: The user can only learn a maximum of two skills before the next system upgrade. To obtain more opportunities to learn more skills, the user can upgrade the system at any time.

****

Zachary let out a breath after perusing through the information on the interface. He was more frustrated than excited at that moment simply because he didn't meet the requirements to master even a single new skill available in the system shop. He felt that the situation was really unfair.

Several legendary skills that could make the careers of any pro footballer out there were before him on the system screen. However, he couldn't touch them since his fitness was lacking. At that juncture, he was like a eunuch, spending a night with several nude beautiful women. His dreams were so close but yet still so far.

"What a bummer!"

Zachary decided to close the interface immediately due to his growing frustration. He'd decided to open the system shop once more only after he'd finished consuming the A-graded vitality-enhancing-elixir a few weeks from then. Hopefully, a few of his attributes would have improved to the S-grading by then, and he would be able to purchase a few skills.

"What's meant to be mine will eventually be mine," Zachary mumbled to encourage himself. "There's no need to rush."

Without wasting any more time, he rushed towards the bathroom to wash up since he was sure Emily was about to arrive for the meeting. He didn't want his agent to find him still in his pajamas despite the heads up she'd given him.

"Di-ing-diing!"

The doorbell sound reverberated through the apartment at nine sharp that morning. Zachary, of course, didn't waste time heading towards the door as he'd been waiting for his agent to arrive for a few minutes already. He wasn't afraid to let her into his place as everything was in order and all the unwashed training clothes well-hidden in the wardrobe. At that moment, he was simply the perfect image of an immaculate host welcoming a long-awaited guest.

"Taˈda," Emily said, beaming as soon as the door opened. "Good morning once again, Zachary. I'm sorry to intrude."

"No problem," Zachary said, smiling back. You're welcome here any time." He added, giving her a once over.

She'd worn a pretty pull-neck sweater over a pair of fitting blue lady's formal pants that brought out her shapely figure that day. She looked dazzling, like a supermodel showing off some trendy office wear fashion brand, as she stood there in the doorway waiting.

"Well," she said, the corners of her lips lifting slightly into an amused smile. "For how long are you planning to stare at me? Aren't you even going to invite me in?"

"Oh, sorry," Zachary said, smiling sheepishly. "Please come in and make yourself at home."

"Thank you," Emily replied and stepped past Zachary, heading into the apartment. "Your place is quite nice and well organized."

"Thank you," Zachary replied with a smile as he followed after her into the living room. On the inside, he was smirking since he'd just organized the entire place only a few minutes prior. "Should I get you some breakfast, or should we move straight to discussing business?"

"I suggest we move straight to business since I'm almost running late for my next meeting," Emily replied, settling down on one of the sofas in the living room. "Moreover, I already took some breakfast at my hotel early in the morning. So, I can't stomach any more food right now."

"Then, I'll get you a glass of juice before we start," Zachary said, turning around and heading towards the fridge. "I would feel very guilty if you came to my place and left without even enjoying a drink. At least, humor me by having a glass of cocktail juice prepared by myself."

Emily chuckled. "Okay, then," she said, seeming amused. "It won't hurt to take some juice as we discuss business. Thank you for your hospitality."