Chapter 38: N'Golo Kante (Please Add to Favorites)

"Don't worry about conceding goals. Think about your assessment criteria—whether a goal is conceded has nothing to do with you!"

Wei Lai froze for a moment.

That’s right!

What the hell does conceding have to do with me?

My only assessment goal is predictive interception, tackling, or disruption!

Following that, Wei Lai became a literal turnstile, getting dribbled past one-on-one, beaten by one-twos, and bypassed as if he were a lamp post.

"That number 32 is seriously annoying!" Wei Lai grumbled bitterly.

The opponent wearing number 32 was constantly targeting him. It was maddening!

"Hahaha! His name is Wilshere, one of the few technical masters in England. He is excellent at spotting weaknesses, and he has identified you as his!"

Wei Lai gritted his teeth. Despite his frustration, he knew it was true—he was the weak link.

Fortunately, the opposition's assault wasn't overwhelming; they didn't dare to push forward too recklessly. The reason was simple: the Blue team had an absolute powerhouse on their side.

Wei Lai watched the player in the Blue number 10 jersey. This guy was dribbling constantly in the opposition's half, even near the penalty area, weaving left and right through the defense as if they weren't even there, moving in and out with ease.

Yet, to Wei Lai, this supposedly formidable opponent looked no different from himself at that moment... both were just lamp posts!

Time ticked by. That number 32 was relentless, and with Wei Lai acting as such an obvious hole in the defense, the opposition's attacks grew increasingly dangerous. Goals were conceded in the 40th, 51st, and 64th minutes, and every single one could be traced back to Wei Lai.

Wei Lai took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. Although the frustration of conceding was infuriating, he understood he couldn't bridge the gap in skill right now. He had to focus solely on completing his graduation assessment.

His eyes scanned the field constantly. For some reason, his instincts told him there was danger. He didn't dare allow his feet to stutter or lose focus. Since he was unskilled, he would just have to run more and charge harder; that would at least increase his chances of an interception.

The Blue number 10 was still dribbling. His technique was absurdly good, but... if you walk by the river often enough, you’re bound to get your shoes wet.

The Blue number 10 was finally surrounded. An opposing defender poked the ball forward. In an instant, several players sprinted toward the loose ball. Among them, the fastest, closest, and most aggressive was the Blue number 7!

Wei Lai’s feet moved like the wind, his eyes locked on the ball, his entire being like an enraged lion.

Win it!

Win it!

Win it!

His mind was filled with nothing but that single thought.

The opponent reacted quickly, both sides rushing toward the ball. Just then, Wei Lai lunged forward, sliding into a tackle.

Bang!

His toe poked the ball—he reached it before anyone else. He flicked the ball back to the Blue number 10.

"Well done, N'Golo!"

The voice of the Iron Wall Coach echoed in his ears.

"Well done, Wei Lai!"

Ding!

A system prompt sounded.

[Assessment Passed]

*Hoo... hoo... hoo...*

Wei Lai lay on the grass, panting heavily.

Exhausted! Exhausted to the point of death!

"Congratulations!"

The noise faded; the assessment had ended, and so had the match. Wei Lai remained on the ground, gasping for air.

"That was terrible! Not a single sensible touch, not a single qualified defensive contribution. Because of me, we conceded three goals. The only thing I did right was that one predictive tackle!"

Wei Lai opened his eyes, staring at the flickering lights on the ceiling, a hint of dissatisfaction in his gaze. "Even if it's just an assessment, I don't like playing like that."

The Iron Wall Coach looked at Wei Lai and slowly smiled.

"That is why you need to enrich your arsenal. Believe me, things will get better soon!"

Wei Lai climbed to his feet and looked at the Iron Wall Coach. The mist that had obscured the coach's face was slowly dissipating, revealing a gentle, honest-looking face. Wei Lai had imagined the Iron Wall Coach’s appearance many times—perhaps fierce, or stern and resolute—but he never expected this.

"Surprised?" Kante asked with a smile.

Wei Lai nodded. "A little!"

Kante continued, "It is time I told you my name. I am N'Golo Kante!"

"Coach N'Golo!"

Kante nodded and went on. "I have prepared two gifts for you."

"The first is one of my own skills. I have synthesized many abilities, but I believe only one has provided the most help throughout my career, and this is the one that elevated my professional height." He pointed to his head. "Match reading ability!"

"Child, I hope you use this ability well!"

Wei Lai nodded firmly. He felt his mind clear, and many things began to appear in sharper focus.

"The second gift is the unlocking of elective courses."

Wei Lai asked, "Elective courses?"

Kante replied, "That's right! Casemiro and I were essentially bonus trial versions, but for the upcoming courses, you will need to spend Training Points to redeem them."

"Training Points can be earned through daily training and assessments. For instance, Casemiro and I gave you a total of 10 Training Points. There are other channels, but the prerequisite is that you must become a professional player!"

"With these 10 points, you can select coaching courses according to your needs."

Wei Lai asked, "What courses are available?"

Kante waved his hand, and a menu appeared before Wei Lai’s eyes, categorized into [Beginner Courses], [Intermediate Courses], and [Advanced Courses].

Kante said, "You can take a look yourself!"

Wei Lai nodded and clicked directly on [Advanced Courses].

First item:
[Advanced Course: Rainbows Across the Field, Precision-Guided Long Passing, Tempo Control, Expansive Vision Training, etc...]
[Instructor: ????]
[Cost: 100 Training Points]

Second item:
[Advanced Course: Dancing Like an Elf, High-Level Ball Control, High-Level Dribbling, High-Level Ball-to-Body Coordination.]
[Instructor: ????]
[Cost: 100 Training Points]

Third item:
[Advanced Course: Crazy Cannon, Battle-Axe Long Shots, High-Level Ankle Strength Training, High-Level Shooting Accuracy, High-Level Shooting Technique.]
[Instructor: ????]
[Cost: 100 Training Points]

Fourth item:
[Advanced Course: Iron Wall Defense, including Defensive Reading, Defensive Prediction, Defensive Coverage...]
[Instructor: N'Golo Kante]
[Cost: 100 Training Points]

Fifth item:
[Advanced Course: How a Midfield Meat-Grinder is Made, Tackling, Interception, Positional Awareness, Tactical Defensive Coordination...]
[Instructor: Casemiro]
[Cost: 100 Training Points]

Wei Lai looked up, stunned. "This..."

Had he unknowingly already completed two advanced courses?

Kante smiled and explained, "System bonus!"

Wei Lai held up ten fingers. "But I only have 10 points!"

Kante said, "Therefore, you cannot take the advanced courses just yet."

The page refreshed, showing a new screen.

[Intermediate Course: Flexible Ankles, including Ankle Strength and Flexibility Training]
[Instructor: ????]

Kante smiled. "Choose this one. You will thank me later!"

Wei Lai looked up. "Are you leaving?"

Kante nodded slowly. His figure began to fade away, and a lingering echo filled the empty space.

"I wish for your future to be bright and sunny!"

Wei Lai let out a long breath. Even though he knew Kante was a virtual character, after all the time spent together and the guidance he had received, he felt a strange sense of reluctance.

Still, one must look forward!

Wei Lai pulled himself together. "Let's check out the new course. Keep working hard! Keep improving!"