My system allows me to copy talents

Immediately after the equalizer, Diego made some changes in the squad. Likewise, Manuel Pellegrini also made some changes in the squad.

The impact of the changes was almost immediate as both sides played even more aggressively.

The quest for the winning goal led both sides to take some ruthless actions.

The game became even more brutal. Fouls rained down like a monsoon downpour as both sides desperately sought after the winning goal.

Perhaps, it was the frustration of the earlier decision that led to them conceding the goal, Atletico players played even more ruthlessly.

It seemed like they had some kind of grudge against the opposing team.

In less than ten minutes after the equalizing goal, the game witnessed a total of nine fouls among which six led to booking.

Fortunately, both sides managed to avoid the expulsion.

Beep!

Once again, Hiro had been fouled.

The referee pointed to the spot. It was the fourth time he had been tackled in less than ten minutes.

The tackle sent Hiro rolling on the ground.

“RED CARD!”

The fans cried out in rage. Their emotions flared as they defended Hiro.

They couldn’t tolerate the continuous onslaught of harsh tackles from the opposing team on their star performer.

“Ptooey!” Hiro spat, rubbing off the dirt on his face.

Unlike others, he didn’t continue to lie on the ground. Even after getting tackled, he would get up right away.

Hiro could hear the grumbling of the crowd. He could hear the buzz around him, the shout of agitation, and the plea for help.

All the voices echoing around him were as vivid as they could get.

“Fortunately, I’ve upgraded my bones before…” He looked at his bruised arms, crimson blood seeping out of it.

He could feel a ringing pain coursing through his arms.

The cut was shallow but enough to bleed.

“Rub some dirt on it.”

He had heard those words quite a lot in his childhood. He was about to do the same. However, before he could act, someone interrupted him.

“Don’t… The medics are arriving.”

Hiro turned to look at the person. Upon turning, he found Federico looking his way. His eyes were squinched, his pupils a little unstable.

He looked like he had something to say.

But the moment, he locked eyes with Hiro, he immediately averted his gaze. Hiro caught the momentary changes in his expression.

However, he couldn’t decipher it.

He couldn’t tell if he was worried about him.

Well, he didn’t expect him to. So, it didn’t make any difference to him whether he meant it or not.

Although his attitude has improved from before, Hiro knew that he still was hostile against him. If it weren’t for their common objective, they wouldn’t even bother looking at each other.

Nonetheless, Hiro ceased after hearing him.

A commotion was unfolding before him. The referee was again put in a difficult spot. He was swarmed and overwhelmed.

Hiro, however, didn’t bother with it.

Instead, he stuck his hand forward for the medics to treat him.

The medics did some first aid and wiped the blood before wrapping a bandage on the bruise.

‘The distance is great. But I think I can score from here.’

While the medics were treating him, Hiro stared dazedly at the vacant spot. Even while he was getting treated, his expression remained unchanged.

His face was a mess. Dirt and blood smeared his handsome appearance and he looked tattered. Even his jersey had been torn.

However, Hiro didn’t notice it.

He was immersed in the visualization. He was simulating the shot from the spot. In his mind, he ran countless simulations taking all the variables into account.

He had to find that one perfect simulation.

Even now, while the referee was hesitating to decide, the time was ticking. The clock was showing 89 minutes. The score was tied with both teams scoring a goal each.

With every passing second, the game was inching closer to extra time.

‘Just what’s up with him? Does he not feel pain at all or is he trying hard to hide it?’ Federico stared at Hiro with a mix of curiosity, concern, and admiration.

Even though he disliked him, he couldn’t help but admire Hiro’s toughness. He had been knocked the most out of anyone. Even his state looked a complete mess. Yet still, he kept getting up as if everything was fine.

‘Why do you push yourself so hard?’ Federico couldn’t help but wonder.

Thinking about Hiro’s perseverance, he couldn’t help but acknowledge him. He knew Hiro was talented. He knew about his attitude.

But still, he couldn’t bring himself to like this person.

‘Your courage, your tenacity, your attitude. Everything you do is admirable. But why can’t I bring myself to like you?’

‘Is it because I lack the talent to do so?’

‘No… It might be because deep down I know that I can’t be like you. You are the type of player that I aspire to become. However,’ Federico’s eyes radiated with warmth, his gaze becoming gentler. ‘The more I look at you, the more I realize how much lacking I am. But I need to change. I can’t always keep this attitude.’

Finally, after a brief VAR review, the referee reached out for his pocket.

He then booked both the players who had tackled Hiro. One of them had tackled him from below while the other had pulled his shirt.

One of them had already received a booking.

With this yellow card, he received a second booking leading to his expulsion.

The opposition cried out at the decision. They couldn’t bring themselves to accept this decision. They began to plead and protest.

However, the referee had made his decision and wouldn’t alter it.

“NO!”

He sternly denied their plea.

“If you keep this up, don’t be upset if I show another card,” He made it clear that he didn’t want to hear their grumbling.

This further fueled the emotions of the audience. Especially, the Betis supporters couldn’t stop from rebelling. They began to shout angry rants at the referee.

Once again, chaos descended upon the stadium.

On the other hand, the Atletico supporters were satisfied with the decision. The foul was vivid and the decision was in their favor.

With this even if the game were to proceed to the extra time, they would have an advantage over the opposition.

This rejoiced them and they couldn’t help but beam with joy.

Hiro still didn’t bother to check on the mood of the opposing players. He could tell that they were disrupted. Hence, he stood to take the free kick.

“You should change your jersey,” Federico said.

Hiro wasn’t aware of the tear in his jersey. Hence, he didn’t bother changing.